September 6, 2025 - Columbia, SC

The Allen University Yellow Jackets are set to host the Livingstone College Blue Bears in their 2025 home opener this Saturday, September 6, with kickoff slated for 6:00 PM at Fairfield Central High School. After a narrow 38–31 road loss to Division I Morehead State last weekend, the Yellow Jackets return to South Carolina with confidence, experience, and a chance to even their record against a CIAA foe.

Last Year's Thriller Sets the Stage

The 2024 battle between these two programs went down to the wire, with Livingstone escaping with a 23–21 win in Salisbury. The Blue Bears used a special teams spark—a punt return touchdown by Chancellor Bryant—and a late touchdown pass to pull ahead, despite a second-half rally from Allen.

This year, both teams enter with something to prove. For Allen, it's about turning last week's performance into momentum. For Livingstone, it's about building consistency after a 6–4 campaign in 2024 and seeking their first road win over the Yellow Jackets.

Scouting the Opponent: Livingstone College

Head Coach Sean Gilbert enters his fifth season at the helm of the Blue Bears program, returning several key players from last year's squad.

• DL David Jones: Anchors the interior line with gap discipline and motor.
• DL Kobe Pringle: A steady contributor on the edge who disrupts backfields.
• K Jason Zapata: Reliable leg who went 3-for-3 on field goals last week.
• WR Chris Washington: Returning target who scored a key TD in last year's Allen matchup.

Livingstone's strategy includes establishing the run early to control tempo, neutralizing Allen's explosive plays with defensive discipline, and leveraging special teams to flip the field.

Yellow Jackets to Watch: Allen's Rising Stars Shine

Under Head Coach Cedric Pearl, now in his second season, Allen showcased firepower and discipline in last week's clash against Morehead State.

• QB Jamir Dismukes: The junior signal caller is off to a strong start in 2025, completing 25-of-37 passes for 301 yards and 2 touchdowns with no interceptions. He also added 32 yards on the ground. Dismukes currently ranks #3 nationally on the Quarter Phi Back HBCU QB Watchlist.
• WR Nanders Lawrence: A preseason All-SIAC selection, Lawrence made several momentum-shifting catches against Morehead and continues to be a go-to target for Dismukes downfield.
• K/P Trevor Bywater: Pinned Morehead deep several times with his punting leg and was perfect on extra points, proving to be a quiet X-factor in field position battles.

Allen's game plan revolves around a vertical passing attack, leveraging Dismukes' chemistry with Lawrence, while trusting their defense to control the line of scrimmage and apply early pressure.

Series History

Livingstone holds a 3–1 advantage in the all-time series, but Allen's lone victory came in Columbia in 2021 (34–32), a game that echoes the energy and opportunity surrounding this year's home opener.

Game Details

• Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
• Kickoff: 6:00 PM ET
• Location: Fairfield Central High School – 836 US Highway 321, Winnsboro, SC

The Yellow Jackets are hungry for redemption. With returning firepower, home field support, and lessons learned from Week 1, Allen is poised to make Saturday night a statement.