Albany, Ga. - In front of a packed home crowd at ASU Coliseum, Albany State defeated Benedict College 22–16 to capture the 2025 SIAC Football Championship, reclaiming the conference crown for the first time since 2021. The victory marks the Golden Rams' ninth SIAC Championship appearance since 2011—the most of any team over that stretch—and reinforces their position as one of the league's premier programs.
Saturday's title bout was a physical, hard-fought rematch between the two top defenses in the SIAC, just three weeks removed from Albany State's dominant 31–3 regular-season win over the Tigers. This time, the stakes were higher and the battle much tighter, but the result remained the same: the Golden Rams rose to the occasion.
Albany State set the tone early with disciplined play, clutch execution, and a balanced attack on both sides of the ball. While the offenses traded heavy blows, it was the Golden Rams' resilience and defensive grit that proved to be the difference late in the game.
The Rams' defense—one of the best in the nation all season—delivered critical stops down the stretch, shutting down Benedict's late comeback attempt and sealing the victory with a decisive stand in the final minutes. Strong play up front kept pressure on the Tigers' backfield, and the secondary stepped up with timely breakups to halt Benedict's momentum.
Offensively, Albany State found success by spreading the field, controlling the tempo, and capitalizing on key opportunities. The Golden Rams showcased depth, poise, and explosive playmaking when it mattered most, rewarding an energized home crowd that was on its feet for much of the afternoon.
As the clock hit zero, players and fans erupted in celebration as Albany State hoisted the SIAC Championship trophy on its home field—a moment the program had been working toward since its last title four years ago.
The 2025 title is especially meaningful for head coach Quinn Gray Sr., marking his second SIAC Championship in three seasons leading the program. Under his leadership, the Golden Rams have restored their storied legacy, highlighted by dominant defense, physical play, and a standard of excellence that mirrors the program's proud history.
Up Next, with the SIAC title secured, Albany State now turns its attention to the postseason. The Golden Rams have earned the right to host the NCAA Division II Regional Playoff, where they will await the official announcement of their next opponent.
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ABOUT ALBANY STATE ATHLETICS
Albany State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II-level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in 11 sports: women's volleyball, women's tennis, women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, softball, men's and women's track and field, women's soccer, baseball, and football with all teams compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), except women's soccer, which participates in the Peach Belt Conference.
