Delta State Football to Face Mississippi Valley State in 8th Delta Classic

Cleveland, Miss. — The Delta State University football team will play in the eighth Delta Classic on Saturday at Rice-Totten Stadium in Itta Bena. The Statesmen will face Mississippi Valley State University at 6 p.m. Central Time, with Michael Gross calling the game on the Statesmen Sports Radio Network on Magic 107.5 WMJW.

Delta State is aiming for its first victory of the season after facing a challenging schedule that included three teams ranked or receiving votes in the AFCA Coaches Poll. Mississippi Valley State earned its first win last Saturday, defeating Lincoln University of Pennsylvania 31-20 at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Head coach David Dean, in his first season at Delta State, brings over 35 years of collegiate coaching experience. He was hired as the program’s 20th head coach on Feb. 6, 2026, and will coach his 178th game Saturday. Dean previously led West Georgia to three NCAA Division II playoff appearances and won three national championships at Valdosta State University. His career record stands at 127–50.

Meanwhile, Mississippi Valley State announced Terrell Buckley as its new head coach Jan. 21. Buckley, a former NFL cornerback and College Football Hall of Famer, played college football at Florida State, setting program records for interceptions and interception return yards. He has 14 seasons of NFL experience, including a Super Bowl victory with the New England Patriots in 2001.

This Saturday marks the 11th time Delta State will face a Southwest Athletic Conference opponent. The Statesmen hold a 7-3 record in matchups against SWAC teams, including a 2-1 mark since 2020. The rivalry with Mississippi Valley State dates back to 2000, with Delta State winning six of seven meetings, including the last four dating to 2003. The most recent Delta Classic game resulted in a 35-7 victory for Delta State last September.

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