HOUSTON, Texas - The Nicholls State University football program will be featured at the 2026 Southland Conference Football Opening Drive on Tuesday, July 21, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.

Second-year head coach Tommy Rybacki will represent the Colonels at the event, along with quarterback Ean Rodrigue and defensive lineman Alex Villavaso.

The Opening Drive will be streamed live on ESPN+, set for 9 a.m. central with Southland Commissioner Chris Grant making opening remarks. Coach Rybacki will take part in a coaches' roundtable at 9:10, and all three Nicholls participants will have interviews at 10:00. The Colonels' official press conference is scheduled for 10:45. 

All 10 Southland football programs will be represented at the Opening Drive, with head coaches and student-athletes participating in panel discussions, press conferences, media availability and digital content creation to help promote the league. The event serves as a chance to spotlight Southland football teams prior to the season and bridge recruiting efforts.

WEEK 0 OPENER
The Colonels will open the season once again at home for Week 0, hosting Mississippi Valley State on Thursday, August 27 at Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium. Season tickets are available by visiting here.

STAY SOCIAL
For more information on Colonel Football, follow the team on Twitter (@Nicholls_FB), Instagram (@Nicholls_FB) and like their Facebook page (Nicholls Football).