After an offseason rebuilding and reloading, Season Two of the Chris Goode era is set to commence on Saturday when the Golden Bears travel to Mississippi to take on Division I FCS Alcorn State at Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. and will be streamed on SWAC-TV.

Coming off of a 3-8 campaign that saw considerable growth towards the end of the season, Goode and the Golden Bears look to get off to a strong start against a Braves squad that Miles has not faced since the start of the 2017 season. Miles won three of its final five games after starting 0-6 and allowing more than 39 points per game. The team halved that number over the final five games, giving up just 19 points per contest while also seeing an offense come alive after a moribund start.

The offense averaged 23 points per game down the stretch and returns a lot of talent that helped the 10-point per game increase. Quarterback Brinley Vandiver threw for 2,031 yards in just nine starts with 10 touchdowns, becoming the first Miles quarterback to eclipse the 2,000 passing yards threshold since 2018. Explosive receivers Glen Williams (32 catches, 588 yards, 4 TD, all team highs) was the best of the group, as his 18.4 yards per reception was among the top in the SIAC and all of his touchdown catches were at least 40 yards. Also returning are James Gatewood (22-318-1) and Quindavius Swain (13, 217, 2) with newcomers Ke'Andre Haines (23, 435, 4 TD in 2025) and Jaiden Jones (36-696-7 past two seasons) bringing considerable skills through the transfer portal.

Last season, the defense was young all over, with several positions flush with freshman and first timers. Those players all gained valuable experience and look to make big strides in 2026 as the Golden Bears began their trek towards another league championship. Sophomores Marcus Delain (18 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks), Anthony Harris (10 tackles, 2.0 TFL). Spencer Voss (17 tackles, 2.0 TFL, 1.0 sack), Jonquavious Russell (17 tackles, 1.0 TFL) and Christian Kelly (12 tackles, 1.0 TFL) should bring the pressure up front while Jacobi Whitfield (18 tackles, five pass breakups, interception) and Curtis Bryant (27 tackles, two interceptions, fumble recovery) will be among those patrolling the defensive backfield.

Saturday's battle will be the first of two straight contests against SWAC opponents as the Golden Bears look to open the season with a win for the first time since 2023.which is also the last time Miles earned a win over a SWAC school (Alabama State). The Braves have not opened the season with a victory since the win over Miles nearly 10 years ago. Tickets are on sale and start at $22.95. Links to the tickets and the broadcast information can be found at milesgoldenbears.com