FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State University football made history Sunday, as the NCAA selection committee announced that the Thorobreds are headed to the playoffs for the first time in school history.
The Thorobreds finished 9-2 this season, completing their best campaign since 1935.
The team is led by 2025 SIAC Coach of the Year Felton Huggins Jr. Huggins said receiving the honor was “a blessing.”
“None of this would be possible without my team,” he said. “I don’t get any recognition without what they put in and how they go out and play every Saturday.”
He added that he is thankful for the community, the university administration, and his coaching staff, saying it is “a blessing to bring back something here to the university and the program. Anything to honor K-State, I’m blessed for.”
Huggins also reflected on the historic playoff berth.
“It’s been amazing. It’s been a fun ride,” he said. “One of the things I always talk about is running our race. I’m so proud of our guys and how they come out and play every Saturday. Just to bring back something special to the university is always exciting. The students, the alumni, the administration, everybody has been excited. It’s been a fun ride, but we aren’t ready to stop now.”
Huggins said this year’s success stems from the blend of returning players and newcomers.
“The new guys coming in and I would give credit to the guys from last year — really set the foundation,” he said. “A lot of people don’t realize we finished the season last year on a three-game winning streak.”
He said he challenged the team to maintain a winning mindset: “Follow the winning recipe, have fun, play with energy and enthusiasm, give high effort, and have a competitive mindset.”
With history already made, the Thorobreds look to continue their postseason run. Kentucky State will face No. 3 seed Newberry in Super Region Two on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 1 p.m. at Setzler Field in the first round of the NCAA Division II Championship.