Towson Crushes Hampton 44-13 on Homecoming as Tigers Earn First Victory of 2026
By Brian Hradsky
FINAL: Towson Tigers 44, Hampton Pirates 13
TOWSON, Md. — The Towson University football team finally found the winning formula Saturday afternoon, defeating the Hampton Pirates 44-13 in a dominant Homecoming performance at Johnny Unitas Stadium. After opening the 2026 season with eight consecutive losses, the Tigers delivered an explosive offensive showing in front of 4,388 fans. The victory improved Towson to 1-8 overall and 1-4 in Coastal Athletic Association play while Hampton dropped to 1-8 and 0-5 in conference competition.
Quarterback Jacob Davis helped lead the Tigers with 216 passing yards and 109 rushing yards, giving Towson a dangerous dual-threat presence throughout the afternoon. Running back Kemarrion Battles delivered the game’s defining moment with a record-setting 91-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. Towson’s offense produced six touchdowns and a field goal while its defense limited Hampton to just 13 points.
Towson Establishes Control in the Opening Quarter
Towson immediately demonstrated its determination to end the losing streak by taking the opening kickoff and marching downfield. The Tigers assembled a 12-play possession that reached the Hampton red zone before the Pirates forced a field-goal attempt. Max Young converted a 33-yard kick, the first successful field goal of his college career, to give Towson an early 3-0 advantage.
The Tigers continued to establish their offensive rhythm on their next scoring possession, converting a critical fourth-and-seven along the way. Running back Tristen Kenan eventually powered into the end zone from one yard out for his first touchdown as a Towson Tiger. Young converted the extra point, and Towson finished the opening quarter holding a 10-0 advantage.
Towson’s early success provided a welcome change from the struggles that defined much of its season. The Tigers maintained possession, converted important opportunities and prevented Hampton from developing an offensive rhythm. Their ability to establish an early two-score advantage helped dictate the remainder of the contest.
Tigers Explode for 20 Points in the Second Quarter
Towson’s offense became even more dangerous during the second quarter as Davis began connecting with his receivers for significant gains. The Tigers marched 78 yards on nine plays before Davis found Jacob Zollar for a four-yard touchdown reception. The scoring connection extended Towson’s advantage to 17-0 with 5:59 remaining before halftime.
Davis continued attacking Hampton’s defense on the Tigers’ next touchdown possession. He connected with Mason Cunningham for a 43-yard touchdown pass, marking Cunningham’s first touchdown reception with Towson. Although the extra-point attempt failed, the Tigers had built a commanding 23-0 lead.
Hampton briefly responded with one of the afternoon’s most entertaining offensive plays. Wide receiver Sejhe Jackson took a handoff on a trick play before throwing a 72-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Smith. The Pirates failed to convert the extra point, leaving Towson ahead 23-6.
Rather than allowing Hampton to build momentum, the Tigers immediately responded with another impressive scoring drive. Davis directed a five-play, 55-yard possession and completed it with a 16-yard touchdown run. Young added the extra point, sending Towson into halftime with a commanding 30-6 advantage.
The 20-point second quarter represented the offensive breakthrough Towson had desperately needed. Davis demonstrated his ability to make plays through the air and on the ground, while the Tigers consistently finished their scoring opportunities. Hampton struggled to match Towson’s execution and explosiveness.
Hampton Responds, but Towson Maintains Control
Hampton opened the second half with renewed energy and produced its most effective conventional offensive possession of the game. Freshman quarterback Xavier Brookins connected with tight end Damon Short for a 41-yard gain that moved the Pirates into Towson territory. Brookins later found Short again, this time for a 25-yard touchdown reception.
Brett Starling converted the extra point, trimming Towson’s lead to 30-13 with 11:20 remaining in the third quarter. Hampton’s six-play, 75-yard drive briefly suggested the Pirates might be capable of mounting a comeback. However, Towson responded with another lengthy scoring possession to eliminate that possibility.
The Tigers marched 71 yards on 10 plays, controlling the football for nearly five minutes before Battles scored on a two-yard touchdown run. Young’s extra point extended the advantage to 37-13 with 6:28 remaining in the third quarter. Towson had now scored on six of its first seven possessions, demonstrating an impressive level of offensive consistency.
The Tigers entered the fourth quarter with a comfortable 24-point advantage and an opportunity to finish their strongest performance of the season. Their defense continued limiting Hampton’s scoring opportunities while the offense remained capable of producing another explosive play. That moment arrived almost immediately.
Kemarrion Battles Makes Towson History
With Towson beginning the fourth quarter at its own nine-yard line, Battles delivered a play that will occupy a permanent place in the Tigers’ record book. The running back burst through the defense and raced 91 yards for a touchdown just 13 seconds into the final period. The run established a new school record for the longest rushing play from scrimmage in Towson football history.
The touchdown was Battles’ second of the afternoon and extended Towson’s advantage to 44-13. More importantly, it highlighted the Tigers’ offensive potential when their rushing attack creates space and executes its blocking assignments. The historic run gave Towson an unforgettable Homecoming moment during an otherwise difficult season.
Neither team scored again, although Towson continued moving the football and finished the contest at Hampton’s one-yard line. The Tigers secured their first victory of 2026 in convincing fashion. Their 31-point margin reflected a complete offensive performance and a defense that consistently prevented Hampton from establishing sustained momentum.
Jacob Davis Delivers Outstanding Dual-Threat Performance
Davis played a central role in Towson’s offensive success, finishing with 216 passing yards and 109 rushing yards. He threw touchdown passes to Zollar and Cunningham while adding a 16-yard rushing touchdown of his own. His ability to extend plays and contribute in multiple ways created problems for Hampton’s defense throughout the contest.
Cunningham led Towson’s receivers with 55 yards, including his 43-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. Kenan contributed a one-yard rushing touchdown, while Battles scored twice on the ground. The Tigers received contributions from several offensive players rather than depending on a single scoring option.
Young also played an important role in Towson’s victory by converting his first career field goal and helping the Tigers capitalize on their scoring opportunities. His 33-yard field goal opened the scoring and established an early advantage. The kicking unit’s performance complemented an offense that repeatedly reached the end zone.
Towson Defense Limits Hampton’s Comeback Opportunities
Although Hampton produced two touchdown passes, Towson’s defense prevented the Pirates from developing a consistent scoring attack. The Tigers held Hampton scoreless in the first and fourth quarters, limiting the visitors to two successful touchdown drives. Hampton’s most explosive play came on Jackson’s 72-yard trick-play touchdown pass rather than a conventional offensive series.
Brookins completed nine passes for 110 yards and a touchdown, while Jackson contributed his 72-yard scoring pass. Hampton also used quarterback Tre’Von Taylor, who finished with 53 passing yards. The Pirates rotated quarterbacks throughout the afternoon but struggled to maintain drives against Towson’s defense.
Hampton running back Gracen Goldsmith led the Pirates with 51 rushing yards, while Smith finished as the team’s leading receiver with 84 yards. Short provided Hampton’s other receiving touchdown. Despite those individual contributions, the Pirates could not consistently match Towson’s offensive production.
The Tigers’ defensive performance was particularly important because Hampton had opportunities to generate additional offense during the second half. Towson forced the Pirates to surrender possession on downs during the fourth quarter and prevented another touchdown. That discipline helped preserve the convincing final margin.
Homecoming Victory Provides a Much-Needed Boost
Towson entered Saturday’s contest desperately searching for its first victory after an extremely challenging opening eight games. The Tigers had struggled to generate consistent offensive production and convert competitive performances into wins. Saturday’s dominant showing finally provided tangible evidence of the team’s offensive capabilities.
The victory also carried significance because it came against a fellow CAA opponent. Towson had entered the contest without a conference victory, adding importance to the annual Homecoming matchup. Defeating Hampton by 31 points offered the Tigers an opportunity to build confidence entering the final weeks of the regular season.
The Homecoming atmosphere provided an additional emotional element to the afternoon. Alumni, students and supporters gathered at Johnny Unitas Stadium hoping to witness a turnaround after weeks of disappointing results. Towson rewarded those fans with its most complete offensive performance of the year.
MSB Take: Towson Finally Shows What Its Offense Can Accomplish
Towson’s 44-13 victory was exactly the type of performance the Tigers needed after enduring eight consecutive losses. The offense played aggressively, established balance and consistently finished possessions with points. Davis provided the leadership and versatility necessary to keep Hampton’s defense guessing throughout the afternoon.
Battles’ 91-yard touchdown run deserves special recognition because it represented more than another score in a lopsided contest. Setting a school rushing record is a significant accomplishment, particularly during a Homecoming victory. His performance gave Towson fans a memorable highlight and demonstrated the explosive potential within the Tigers’ backfield.
The Tigers also deserve credit for refusing to allow Hampton’s second-half touchdown to shift the momentum. After the Pirates reduced the deficit to 17 points, Towson responded with a 71-yard touchdown drive and quickly restored its commanding advantage. That response showed the offensive composure that had been missing during previous defeats.
However, one impressive victory does not erase the difficulties of a 1-8 season. Towson must demonstrate that Saturday’s execution can carry over against stronger conference opponents. The Tigers still have considerable work ahead, but their first victory offers a foundation for improvement.
The most encouraging development was Towson’s ability to produce sustained drives alongside explosive scoring plays. The Tigers demonstrated that they can move the football methodically, convert important situations and capitalize on defensive breakdowns. Maintaining that balance will be essential as the program attempts to finish the season positively.
Looking Ahead
Towson will look to carry the momentum from its Homecoming victory into the remaining portion of its 2026 schedule. With the team’s first victory finally secured, the Tigers can focus on building consistency and improving their position within the CAA. Saturday’s performance provided several encouraging developments that the coaching staff can build upon.
Hampton will travel to Elon on Saturday, Nov. 7, for another conference matchup. The Pirates will attempt to rebound from their difficult afternoon in Towson and earn their first CAA victory. Their inability to contain Towson’s rushing attack will be an important issue to address before their next contest.
For Towson, the Halloween Homecoming victory will stand out as one of the most memorable afternoons of an otherwise challenging season. Davis’ dual-threat performance, Battles’ historic touchdown run and the Tigers’ 44-point offensive explosion gave the program a reason to celebrate. The next challenge is turning that breakthrough into sustained improvement.
