MILESTONE VICTORIES AT NICHOLLS
- 1st overall/Southland win -- Aug. 23, 2025-- #5/4 UIW
- 1st win vs. ranked opponent -- Aug. 23, 2025 -- #5/4 UIW (20-6)
Tommy Rybacki is in his 11th season with the Nicholls State University football program and first as head coach.
Rybacki takes over the program after leading the defense to a record-breaking campaign. Nicholls finished the 2024 regular season ranked 12th in total defense while setting a new school single-season record in rushing yards allowed with 83.9, which ranked fourth in the nation. The defense also had 29 turnovers gained, third best in the FCS, helped by 19 interceptions which ranked third as well.
In the 2023 championship season, the Colonel defense dominated league play by allowing just 16.0 points per game. Rybacki's unit led the Southland in rushing defense (124.8 ypg) and interceptions (16), which ranked 32nd and eighth, respectively, in the FCS. The defense also ranked 10th in the nation in turnovers (24) and 18th in red zone defense.
For the 2021 spring season, Rybacki's defense ranked second in Southland games in total defense and second in rushing yards allowed. The defense had a dominating performance in the league opener by shutting out Lamar in a 55-0 victory. The Colonels limited LU to only 91 yards of total offense and did not allow the Cardinals past the 50-yard line.
The Colonel defense finished in the top half of the league in the 2019 championship season, ranking fourth in scoring (27.2) and fifth in total yards (406.1) and rushing defense (143.3). Nicholls had its best showing on that side of the ball in the Southland-opening 34-14 win over No. 10 Central Arkansas. The defense allowed 250 yards and a lone touchdown before the Bears found the end zone on a long pass in the final seconds.
In his first four years, Rybacki transformed the defense into one of the best in the Southland. The Colonels not only led the conference in scoring defense (21.8 ppg) and rushing yards allowed (105.4 ypg) in 2018, but the defense ranked nationally in those categories at 21st and 11th, respectively. Nicholls also tied for third in the FCS in tackles for loss (106) and fourth in sacks (40).
The Colonel defense held four opponents to two touchdowns or fewer in 2018, capped with a shutout against Southeastern Louisiana in the regular season finale. It was the first time since 2007 that Nicholls held a conference opponent scoreless.
In 2017, the defense ranked third in points allowed (25.2), total yards, and passing defense, and was fourth in rushing. The Colonels held two opponents to less than 100 yards rushing, and two to under 100 yards passing. Nicholls was also among the league leaders in sacks, racking up 34 to rank third in the SLC.
From his first to second season, the defense improved in points allowed, total defense and rushing defense. The most drastic change from 2015 was the rush defense, which improved from 10th in the SLC to fourth-best in 2016 at 141 yards allowed. The unit also led the Southland in interceptions in ‘16, hauling in a league-best 15 INTs.
In his first year at Nicholls, the defense made tremendous strides after ranking near the bottom of the FCS over the past few years. The Colonels ended the year ranked sixth in the league in total defense, seventh in scoring defense and also proved to be one of the league’s toughest squads to throw against, allowing an SLC-best 178.2 passing yards per game. Nicholls totaled 12 sacks in Rybacki’s first campaign, which was just one less than the team recorded in the previous two seasons.
Under his guidance, the linebackers have garnered a total of six All-Southland honors. Four were via Allen Pittman, who earned one first-team and three-second team selections from 2016-19. Evan Veron was a first-team recipient in 2018 after recording 7.0 sacks with 22 tackles for loss. Veron's performance was only topped by defensive lineman Sully Laiche's 2019 campaign. Laiche totaled 12 sacks and 22.5 TFLs en route to earning several all-American honors while being a top 3 finalist for the Buck Buchanan Awards, which is given to the top defensive player in the FCS.
Rybacki, a native of Huntsville, Ala., joined the Colonel staff after coaching one season at Southland Conference member Central Arkansas in 2014. At UCA, Rybacki’s cornerbacks contributed to 16 interceptions, which ranked second in the Southland.
Before coaching at UCA, Rybacki spent three seasons alongside Tim Rebowe at Louisiana as a graduate assistant. He coached the outside linebackers in his first two seasons (2011-12) before working with the secondary in 2013. While at UL, the Ragin’ Cajuns won three straight New Orleans Bowl championships and were crowned co-champions of the Sun Belt in 2013.
A linebacker at Jacksonville State, Rybacki began his coaching career at his alma mater. He first served as a student assistant at JSU before coaching the cornerbacks in 2009-10. During his two years as cornerbacks coach, the Gamecocks posted a record of 17-6, which included a win over FBS Ole Miss and a berth in the FCS Playoffs.
Rybacki received a bachelor’s degree in history from Jacksonville State in 2008. He went on to earn a master of public administration/athletic administration from JSU in 2009.
THE RYBACKI FILE
Personal: Born July 30, 1986. Hometown: Huntsville, Ala. Family: Married to the former Meredith Domengeaux and the couple has two daughters, Celia Catherine and Corinne.
Coaching Experience: Jacksonville State (2005-08), student assistant; Jacksonville State (2009-10), defensive assistant/cornerbacks; Louisiana-Lafayette (2011-12), outside linebackers; Louisiana-Lafayette (2013), secondary; Central Arkansas (2014), cornerbacks; Nicholls (2015-2024), defensive coordinator/linebackers; Nicholls (2025-), head coach.
Playing Experience: Linebacker at Jacksonville State (2004-05).
Education: Bachelor’s degree in history from Jacksonville State University in 2008. Received a master’s degree in public administration/athletic administration from JSU in 2009.
