Wilson, N.C. (Aug. 28, 2025) – The Virginia State University Trojans opened their 2025 season with a statement win, overpowering Barton College 35-7 in the first-ever meeting between the two programs. VSU delivered a complete performance, holding Barton to just 107 total yards — including negative three yards rushing — while racking up explosive plays on offense.
It took only three plays for the Trojans to find the end zone. After two opening runs, quarterback Rahsaan Matthews Jr. rolled right and launched a 58-yard touchdown strike to Kevin Gayles to give VSU an early 7-0 lead. The Trojans' defense quickly forced a three-and-out, and the offense went back to work, starting at their own 11-yard line. Running back Brandon Rose powered the drive, recording six carries for 35 yards, including a six-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 14-0 midway through the first quarter.
Defensively, the Trojans were relentless. Cameron Davis stuffed a third-and-one attempt to force another Barton punt. On the ensuing drive, VSU used a 28-yard catch-and-run from Ajenavi Byrd to move into scoring position as the first quarter came to a close. Three minutes into the second period, Matthews Jr. found Ri'Jon Hammond in the back of the end zone to cap a 12-play, 74-yard drive and push the lead to 21-0.
The Bulldogs forced a VSU punt for the first time on the Trojans' fourth possession, and penalties stalled their fifth drive. Still, the VSU defense refused to give ground. Barton's two-minute drill was derailed by a sack from Kofi Acheampong and Mustapha Coly giving the ball back to the Trojans with a minute remaining. Virginia State marched back down the field, but the field goal attempt by Joshua Campbell was blocked just before halftime.
The second half opened with a bang as Donavan Howard intercepted a pass on the first play, setting up the Trojans at Barton's 39-yard line. Gayles and Byrd made back-to-back 19-yard receptions to move the ball inside the five, and Rose scored his second rushing touchdown of the day just two minutes into the third quarter.
VSU kept their foot on the gas with a clock-chewing, 12-play drive capped by Hammond's second touchdown — this time on the ground — to make it 35-0 with five minutes remaining in the third quarter.
With the game in hand, the Trojans shifted to a ball-control offense in the fourth quarter. Barton eventually found the end zone on a touchdown pass with 9:42 remaining.
Matthews Jr. finished an efficient day under center, completing 21 of 27 passes for 343 yards and two touchdowns. Gayles led the receiving corps with six catches for 131 yards and a score, while Rose added two touchdowns on the ground.
Virginia State (1-0) now turns its attention to the Battle of the States as they travel to face Norfolk State University on September 6 at 7:00 p.m.
