Photo by Carolyn Bray
On Saturday, October 24th, 2026, Southwestern University hosted its first home football game since 1950. In the last 76 years, Southwestern has dissolved and reinstated its football program, had six presidents, and built an alumni network of more than 18,000 participants. However, it was not just any football game; it was Southwestern’s 118th Homecoming Weekend. As Southwestern opened its gates to alumni, family, and friends, the Homecoming festivities began long before kickoff. At 9:30, more than 800 people and 31 student organizations gathered for Southwestern’s first on-campus tailgate of the year. Participants enjoyed food, drinks, and the camaraderie that connects all Southwestern alumni, young and old. Parents enjoyed special time with their children, and savvy students networked with alumni in their fields of interest.
However, at 12:00 sharp, over 2000 people gathered in the stands of the brand-new on-campus Multi-Purpose Sport Complex to watch your Southwestern Pirates football squad do battle with the Rhodes College Linx. As the players ran onto the field, there was tangible excitement in the air. The game began as a slow, defensive fight. Neither team could gain their footing, and then, with two minutes remaining in the first quarter, the Pirates came to life. Senior defensive back Jameer Martin forced a Rhodes fumble, which sophomore defensive back Seth Jammer returned to the 19-yard line. After a short offensive drive, freshman kicker Alec Hargis converted a 35-yard field goal, putting the Pirates ahead, 3-0. The sold-out crowd exploded for the first points ever scored on Dice Field. The Lynx converted their next drive into a touchdown, and the quarter ended, 7-3.
To open the second quarter, Southwestern turned to senior quarterback Jacob Smith, bringing a new spark to the offense. He immediately went to work, leading a systematic Pirate march down the field. The drive ended with an eight-yard touchdown catch by senior wide receiver Graydon Thompson. Rhodes matched Southwestern, scoring after a 13-play drive. However, with short time left in the half, Smith found Thompson once again for a 44-yard reception to put the Pirates in scoring position. Junior receiver Reece Cutrer found the endzone shortly after, and a failed extra point put the squad up 16-14 to end the half. As halftime began, many fans explored the new complex. They enjoyed the new concession stand, air conditioned bathrooms, and covered sections of the stadium. Halftime also featured a celebration of the Southwestern Homecoming Court and an outstanding performance by Southwestern’s very own cheer and dance teams. As the teams returned to the field, the fans moved quickly to their seats in anticipation of the action to come.
The Pirates dominated the second half. Smith opened the scoring, evading the defense and taking a stellar 61-yard run into the endzone. Rhodes returned fire, scoring a touchdown and bringing the Pirates’ lead down to three points, 23-20. The Lynx failed to convert a field goal attempt on their next drive and would not score for the rest of the game. After a pair of punts between the teams, Smith continued the Pirate attack into the fourth quarter. A poor Lynx punt put Southwestern into a prime scoring opportunity, which they converted into a second Hargis field goal. Smith led the next drive on the ground with another 67-yard dagger, putting the Pirates up 34-20. Another Hargis field goal and a 31-yard touchdown run by senior running back Devin Baylor cemented an insurmountable lead, and Southwestern won the game 44-20. Special congratulations to Jameer Martin for securing the SAA Defensive Player of the Week with 12 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. The Pirates’ season-high 44 points and strong defensive second half led to a storybook ending of Southwestern’s first on-campus football game of the year. The noise erupted as players and fans alike howled in celebration. Some players hugged their families and friends over the fence, and everyone basked in the celebration. In a special, shared enjoyment, everyone lingered around the field a little longer than normal, soaking up the last of Southwestern’s win.