CLEVELAND, Miss. – The Delta State University football team will look to bounce back from their season opening loss against Northeastern State last Friday night in Tahlequah, Okla., as they will have their home opener on the 41st Annual Pig Pickin' Weekend against the Bulldogs from Wingate University.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. (CDT) at Travis E. Parker Field at Horace McCool Stadium on the north side of Delta State University

Delta State enters the 2026 season under new leadership as David Dean is hired as the 20th head coach in program

The Statesmen look to even the new series against the Bulldogs after suffering their first loss of the 2024 season on the road at Wingate.

Wingate is also off to an 0-1 start after dropping a tough season opener on the road at UNC Pembroke 21-13 last Thursday night in Pembroke, N.C.

The Coaches
David Dean enters his 1st season as head coach at Delta State.
He was hired as the program's 20th all-time head coach on February 6, 2026. Saturday's action against the Bulldogs will be Dean's 176th game as a head coach.
 
Dean arrives at Delta State with more than 35 years of collegiate coaching experience, including over two decades as a head coach, and a proven track record of sustained excellence at the national level. Over his career, Dean has compiled a 127–48 record as a head coach, captured three NCAA Division II National Championships, earned a national runner-up finish, and won seven Gulf South Conference championships. His success places him as the second-winningest head coach in GSC history, one of the most competitive leagues in Division II football.
 
Most recently, Dean served as head coach at the University of West Georgia from 2017–23, where he became the winningest coach in school history with a 48–20 record. Under his leadership, the Wolves reached the NCAA Division II playoffs three times, including back-to-back appearances in 2017 and 2018, and again in 2021. During the 2022 season, Dean's offense led all of Division II in total offense, showcasing his long-standing reputation as one of the most innovative offensive minds in the college game.
 
During his time in Carrollton, Dean and his team has produced 40 All-Gulf South Conference selections and 16 All-Americans. Two players from his 2019 squad, John Hurst and Azouyah Alufohai signed undrafted free agent contracts in the National Football League.
 
Dean is perhaps best known for his success at Valdosta State University, where he built a national powerhouse during two separate stints. As head coach from 2007–15, he posted a 79–27 overall record, led the Blazers to NCAA Division II National Championships in 2007 and 2012, and guided the program to six playoff appearances. Dean was named AFCA National Coach of the Year in both championship seasons and earned multiple regional and conference coaching honors during his tenure.
 
Beyond his individual success, Dean's VSU players captured the highest of honors. His VSU teams had 18 Division II All-America selections, while 10 players signed National Football League contracts. Dean also coached three players who earned GSC Freshman of the Year honors, two league players of the year, and a national defensive player of the year.
 
In addition to his time as head coach, Dean also played a key role in Valdosta State's 2004 national championship as offensive coordinator, helping guide one of the most prolific offenses in Division II history. His teams have been consistently known for explosive offensive production, disciplined special teams play, and a strong emphasis on academic accountability.
Rashaan Jordan was named the Wingate head football coach prior to the 2024 season after serving as the defensive coordinator for 18 seasons. In his first season as the WU head coach, Jordan led the Bulldogs to a  9-2 record, going 6-1 in SAC play to capture the 2024 SAC title. Wingate earned a bid to the NCAA D2 play-offs for the fifth time in seven years, earning a home game in the opening round. Jordan was named the SAC Coach of the Year in his first season at the helm.
 
The Bulldogs piled up the awards during Jordan's first season as the head coach, led by defensive end Marquise Fleming, who was named the SAC and Region Defensive Player of the Year while also being a consensus first team All-American. He earned National Player of the Year accolades from Don Hansen Football and the College Football Network. Fleming earned the prestigious Gene Upshaw Award as the top lineman in all of D2 football.
 
Wingate had 16 All-SAC honorees in Jordan's first year as the head coach, including the Player of the Year Fleming, along with Jacobs Blocking Trophy award winner Erwil Anthony. The first team All-SAC selections included Porfirio Acosta, Dontorian Best, Kai Russell and Daniel Morrison.
 
Jordan returned to the Bulldog family as the defensive coordinator in December of 2012. Jordan spent seven years as Wingate's defensive coordinator (2001-08) before working on the football coaching staffs at Cornell and SUNY Brockport. He served as the team's pro liaison and works with the Bulldog linebackers.
 
Three Bulldogs made first team All-SAC in 2019: Davion Washington, Robbie Wallace and Jordon Anderson. Wingate's defense was second in four statistical categories: rushing defense (111.1), scoring defense (21.9), team sacks (3.08) and fewest first downs allowed (198). The Bulldogs made the NCAA Division II playoffs for the third consecutive season.
 
Before joining the Wingate family, Jordan was a full-time outside linebackers coach at the University of Buffalo. Jordan also coordinated Buffalo's punt return team efforts. In addition to his coaching responsibilities at Buffalo, Jordan was the school's primary recruiter in Maryland and Florida. He also has recruiting experience in North Carolina, Delaware, New York, and parts of Canada.
 
Prior to his promotion to full-time assistant coaching status, Jordan spent four years as restricted earnings assistant coach (defensive backs) at the University of Buffalo. In addition to his duties with the defensive backs, he was very involved with student-athlete eligibility concerns. Also, he was responsible for weekend recruiting hosts and served as the football staff liaison to the residence life office.
 
A graduate of Alfred University, Jordan is the Saxons' single-season rushing leader. A tailback at Alfred, Jordan was an honorable mention All-American and Player of the Year in the ECAC. Also, he was first team All-Upstate New York. While an undergraduate, Jordan earned a bachelor's degree in athletic administration at Alfred. After his playing days were completed in 1994, Jordan spent one year as running backs coach for the Saxons before moving on to the University of Buffalo.
 
Jordan and his wife Elizabeth have three sons and two daughters (Malik, Calen, Kyral, Kyra and Makiah) and reside in Indian Trail.
 
STATESMEN In Pig Pickin' games
Delta State has compiled a 28-11-1 (.700) record in the annual Pig Pickin' game dating back to the 1985 season.
Last season, the Statesmen had a historic win on the 40th annual Pig Pickin weekend. Delta State rolled to a 41-9 win over North Greenville moving DSU to 2-0 and cemented former head coach Todd Cooley's name into the record books as that win made him DSU's all-time winningest coach with 77 wins.  
Dating back to 2000, the Statesmen held a 21-4 (.840) record in Pig Pickin' games dating back to 2000.
The STATESMEN - At Home
At home, Delta State has compiled a 290-148-15 (.640) overall record in the program's 95-year history. Starting in 1970, Delta State has called Travis E. Parker Field at Horace McCool Stadium their home, where they compile a 174-97-8 (.623) record on the north side of the Delta State Campus.
In the past 50 games on the road, the Bulldogs hold a really impressive 38-12 (.760) record. The Statesmen have a chance to give the Bulldogs their second loss on the road this season, which has not happened in five years.
Wingate's 21-13 setback vs. UNC Pembroke, last week was the program's first season opening loss in 14 years dating back to 2012 when they lost on the road to Saint Augustine's 28-10.
 
Statesmen vs. The South Atlantic Conference
Delta State has compiled a 5-1 (.833) overall record against a school from the South Atlantic Conference (The SAC)
Last time Delta State welcomed a school from the South Atlantic Conference to town, was seven years ago from this Saturday when the Statesmen defeated the Pioneers from Tusculum 24-10 to kick off the 2019 season.
The history of both programs
 The Statesmen, who are embarking upon their 95th season of intercollegiate competition, have compiled a 513-419-23 overall record, winning 55.0 percent of their 934 all-time games.
Delta State is one of just 38 NCAA Division II institutions to have recorded 500 all-time victories. The Statesmen have the second most program victories out of any Gulf-South Schools
Wingate has a 237-190-0 (.556) record in 40 seasons of intercollegiate play.
 
Scouting the Statesmen
Delta State enters this weekend with a 0-1 record after a tough 52-0 setback against Northeastern State last Friday night in Tahlequah, Okla.
 
The RiverHawks struck quickly and never let up, scoring three first-quarter touchdowns to take a 21-0 lead and control early momentum. Northeastern State added a field goal in the second quarter before pulling away with 28 second-half points to seal the season-opening win.
 
Delta State (0-1) struggled to find rhythm offensively against a fast-paced Northeastern State defense. The Statesmen were limited to 69 yards of total offense and just four first downs on the night, while converting 0-of-11 attempts on third down.
 
Quarterback Emile Picarella III led DSU through the air, finishing 6-of-17 for 46 yards, while Reed Miller added 13 passing yards in relief. On the ground, Nick Clark paced the rushing attack with 13 yards. Matt Rozier led the receiving corps with three catches for 17 yards.
 
Defensively, the Statesmen were led by Tavian Moore, who recorded a game-high 10 tackles, while Drake Fowler added eight stops. Despite the defensive effort, Northeastern State totaled 519 yards of offense, including 319 passing yards from quarterback Donnie Smith, who threw four touchdowns.
 
Northeastern State (1-0) was paced by Cam Jackson, who hauled in five receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns, and Deuce Roberson, who added nine catches for 90 yards and a score.
 
Last time these two teams met, The Statesmen Defense forced two fumbles and had three sacks against the reigning SAC Freshmen of the Year Brooks Bentley. Senior Defensive Lineman Mario Martin had two sacks in the afternoon. Senior defensive back Marlon Windham led the Statesmen defense with seven tackles in the game. But it wasn't enough as the Bulldogs won 21-7 early September in 2024.
 
The Statesmen offense was led by grad transfer quarterback Jake Lange, as reigning GSC Offensive Player of the Week Cole Kirk left the game in the first quarter with an injury. Lange went 8-13 for 84 yards. Kirk had 90 yards on the ground on four rushes.
 
On a 3rd and 2 with just over six minutes to go in the opening quarter, Kirk took a designed QB run 65 yards for the first score of the game.
 
The Bulldogs would answer in the following possession with a eight-play 75 yard drive and a 14-yard touchdown pass to tie the game up 7-7.
 
The Bulldogs would add touchdowns in the second and third quarters to pull away and hold on to a 21-7 win.
 
Scouting the Bulldogs
The Bulldogs, just like DSU, are looking to bounce back from last Thursday's 21-13 setback against UNC Pembroke.
 
The UNC Pembroke Braves outscored visiting Wingate University 21-0 in the second half Thursday night, prevailing 21-13 in NCAA Division II football action. The Braves start the season 1-0, while the Bulldogs fall to 0-1 for the first time since 2012.
 
UNCP had 122 passing yards and 94 rushing yards for 216 total yards. Wingate collected 136 rushing yards and 68 passing yards, compiling 204 yards of offense
 
The Braves held a 16-14 edge in first downs with 12 of the 16 first downs coming in the second half with 21 consecutive points. The Bulldogs had struggled to take care of the ball in the rainy weather as UNCP forced three turnovers, with two lost fumbles and an interception.
 
UNC Pembroke won the time of possession battle as the Braves held the ball for nearly 38 minutes on the night
 
WU had the advantage on third downs as the Bulldogs were four-for-10 on third down; UNCP went four-for-15.
 
On fourth downs, the Braves went three-for-four on fourth down; the 'Dogs went one-for-three
 
On the offensive end, Ethan Wallace had 14 carries for 86 yards and a touchdown. Redshirt freshmen quarterback Brooks Brien threw for 68 yards and a TD, adding 27 rushing yards. In the air, redshirt junior tight end Jesse Clinesmith had two catches for 19 yards while wide receiver Xavier Jackson added two receptions for 10 yards. Redshirt freshman receiver Aaron Griffin contributed a 15-yard touchdown catch to get the scoring started for Wingate.
 
On the defensive side of the ball, redshirt junior Tyson Brown had nine tackles. David Squires added eight tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and a pass break-up. Zion Burden contributed four tackles, a TFL and a QB hurry. Brandon Perry had three tackles, a TFL and a pass break-up. Elijah Evans had three tackles with a TFL.