Jaylon Tolbert passed for five touchdowns and rushed for another to lead Alcorn State to a dominant 56-7 season-opening win over Miles on Saturday night.
Tolbert, in his second season with the Braves after transferring from Howard, helped Alcorn State win four of its final five games in 2025 before opening this season with another standout performance behind center. He completed 25 of 28 passes for 265 yards and rushed eight times for 28 yards.
It took Alcorn State nearly the entire first quarter to get on the scoreboard, but once the Braves did, the offense took over. Tolbert connected with wide receiver Jamarr Ebron for a 26-yard touchdown with 48 seconds remaining in the opening quarter.
Ebron hauled in another touchdown later in the game, while Elijah Griffin, Nolan Chambers, and Ernest Temple each caught a scoring pass from Tolbert.
Defensively, Alcorn State was led by veteran defensive end Eric Thomas Jr., who recorded six tackles.
Miles scored its only touchdown as time expired in the first quarter, when Glen McWilliams connected with Brinley Vandiver for a 61-yard score.
Alcorn State returns to action Saturday, Sept. 6, at Southern Miss. Miles will travel to face Edward Waters on the same day.
