In a stunning finish, Benedict College defeated Wingate 25-24 in the NCAA Division II playoffs with an 86-yard cross-field lateral touchdown on the final play, completing a miraculous comeback from a 24-0 deficit and securing their first-ever playoff victory in school history. This dramatic win sets up a second-round matchup against Albany State, highlighting the growing prominence of HBCU programs in college football.
The game began with Wingate dominating the first half, as quarterback Elijah Holmes connected with receiver Jaylen Himes for touchdowns of 25 and 34 yards. A field goal by Caleb Bonesteel extended the lead to 17-0 at halftime, and the Bulldogs seemed in control early in the third quarter when Omar Ba intercepted a pass and returned it 17 yards for a touchdown, pushing the advantage to 24-0. Benedict’s offense struggled to find rhythm, managing only minimal gains against a stout Wingate defense that appeared poised for a straightforward victory.
Benedict’s comeback sparked late in the third quarter when backup quarterback Darius Ocean, a transfer from Johnson C. Smith, found Malaqhi Jones for a 5-yard touchdown pass with 1:03 remaining. This score cut the deficit to 24-7 and provided a glimmer of hope for the Tigers, who had been largely stagnant for over two quarters. The momentum shifted dramatically in the fourth quarter as Benedict’s special teams made a pivotal play, blocking a Wingate field goal attempt.
Isaiah Isidore scooped up the blocked kick and raced 95 yards for a touchdown, electrifying the Benedict sideline and reducing the margin to 24-13 with 10:05 left in the game. This special teams score injected energy into the Tigers, who continued to press forward with renewed confidence. With 3:36 remaining, Jackson Jensen, who had taken over at quarterback, connected with Charles Simmons for a 4-yard touchdown, though a failed two-point conversion left Benedict trailing 24-19.
The Tigers’ defense held strong on the ensuing possession, forcing a punt and giving the offense one final chance with seconds on the clock. On the last play from their own 14-yard line, Jensen threw a short pass to Simmons along the left sideline. Simmons, a former quarterback, faked a run upfield to draw in the safeties, then threw a perfect cross-field lateral to Malik Mullins, who was uncovered on the right sideline. Mullins caught the ball in stride and sprinted 86 yards for the game-winning touchdown as time expired, triggering a wild celebration on the field.
Malik Mullins reflected on the play, saying, “I knew I had to step up and make a big play for the team. Being who I am, I feel that if it comes to me, I have to score. I did what I had to do to get in the end zone.” Coach Ron Dickerson Jr. praised his team’s resilience, noting that they practice until the last play and never give up, which was evident in the clutch execution. He emphasized the belief among players and coaches, calling the finish a testament to their fighting spirit.
This historic victory marks Benedict’s first win in the Division II playoffs and advances them to face top-seeded Albany State in the next round, a team that defeated them twice earlier in the season. Benedict was one of five HBCU programs in this year’s playoff field, the most in history, underscoring the increasing competitiveness of historically black colleges and universities in NCAA sports. The win also represents a significant milestone for the program, building momentum for future postseason success.
The incredible finish has been widely shared on social media and sports networks, being hailed as one of the most thrilling moments of the college football season. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement of playoff games, where execution and perseverance can turn certain defeat into unforgettable victory. Benedict’s 25 unanswered points, including 18 in the fourth quarter, demonstrate the importance of never surrendering, regardless of the score.
