What Is 2016 Grambling State Tigers football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 Grambling State Tigers football team represented Grambling State University during the 2016 NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 10-2 record and winning the SWAC Championship. They advanced to the FCS Playoffs but lost in the first round to North Dakota State.

Key Facts

The 2016 Grambling State Tigers finished the regular season with a 10-2 record
They won the 2016 SWAC Championship by defeating Alabama A&M 27-20
Quarterback DeVante Kincade threw for 2,872 yards and 25 touchdowns that season
Head coach Broderick Fobbs was in his fourth season leading the team
The Tigers lost 27-35 to North Dakota State in the FCS Playoffs first round

Overview

The 2016 Grambling State Tigers football team represented Grambling State University in the 2016 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the Tigers posted a dominant regular season under head coach Broderick Fobbs, finishing with a 10-2 overall record and a 7-1 mark in conference play.

Grambling State earned the SWAC Championship title by defeating Alabama A&M 27-20 in the conference title game, securing an automatic bid to the FCS Playoffs. Despite a strong season, the Tigers were eliminated in the first round by North Dakota State, losing 27-35 in a tightly contested matchup.

Record: The team finished the 2016 season with a 10-3 overall record, including a 7-1 mark in SWAC play, showcasing consistent performance throughout the year.
SWAC Champions: Grambling State won the 2016 SWAC Championship by defeating Alabama A&M 27-20 in the title game, marking their first conference title since 2013.
Quarterback performance: DeVante Kincade led the offense with 2,872 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, earning SWAC Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Defensive strength: The Tigers' defense forced 28 turnovers during the season, including 16 interceptions, helping secure key victories.
Playoff appearance: As SWAC champions, they earned a spot in the FCS Playoffs but fell 27-35 to North Dakota State in the first round.

Season Performance

The 2016 campaign was marked by strong offensive execution and disciplined defense, positioning Grambling State as a top contender in the FCS. The team rebounded from a 2015 season marred by internal issues and reestablished itself as a powerhouse in the SWAC.

Non-conference opener: The Tigers began the season with a 24-17 win over Prairie View A&M in September, setting a positive tone for the year.
Key rivalry win: They defeated Southern University 45-38 in November, a crucial victory that helped secure their SWAC West division title.
Offensive stats: The team averaged 35.8 points per game and accumulated over 5,000 total yards of offense during the regular season.
Defensive highlights: Linebacker De’Arius Christmas recorded 98 tackles and 4 sacks, anchoring one of the SWAC’s top defensive units.
Coaching leadership: Head coach Broderick Fobbs, in his fourth season, was praised for restoring team discipline and competitive excellence.
Home field advantage: Grambling played home games at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium, where they went 6-1 during the season.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2016 Grambling State Tigers against key SWAC rivals and national FCS benchmarks:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points Scored	Playoff Result
Grambling State	10-3	7-1	429	Lost in First Round
Alabama A&M	8-5	7-1	357	Lost SWAC Championship
North Dakota State	12-2	N/A	519	Won FCS Championship
Alcorn State	7-5	6-2	388	Did Not Qualify
NC Central	7-4	5-3	312	Did Not Qualify

The table illustrates Grambling State’s strong standing within the SWAC and their competitiveness on a national level. While they fell short in the playoffs, their performance compared favorably to conference peers and highlighted their status as a rising FCS program.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season marked a significant turnaround for Grambling State football, reestablishing the program’s legacy of excellence after a challenging 2015 season. Their success revitalized fan engagement, boosted recruitment, and reinforced the university’s prominence in HBCU athletics.

Historic legacy: Grambling State has over 250 NFL alumni, and the 2016 season helped continue that tradition of developing professional talent.
Recruitment boost: A strong season increased visibility, helping the program attract higher-rated recruits in subsequent years.
Financial impact: Playoff and championship game appearances generated increased revenue from ticket sales and media exposure.
Community pride: The team’s success strengthened alumni support and local pride in Grambling, Louisiana.
Coaching recognition: Broderick Fobbs received national attention, reinforcing his reputation as a top HBCU coach.
Player development: Several players, including Kincade and Christmas, received All-SWAC honors and pursued professional opportunities.

The 2016 Grambling State Tigers season stands as a pivotal chapter in the program’s storied history, demonstrating resilience, talent, and the enduring impact of HBCU football on the national stage.