Blue Hens Open FBS Era with 35–17 Win Over Delaware State
NEWARK, DE — In a milestone moment for the University of Delaware football program, the Fightin’ Blue Hens kicked off their first season at the FBS level with a convincing 35–17 victory over in-state rivals Delaware State Hornets on August 28, 2025 at Delaware Stadium.
Delaware (1–0) jumped on top early and never looked back, combining efficient offense and opportunistic defense to secure the win. The game marked a celebratory debut for the Blue Hens’ move up to the Football Bowl Subdivision and drew a record turnout, with a notably packed student section cheering on a new chapter in the program’s history.
Hens’ Balanced Attack
Quarterback Nick Minicucci was the star of the night, completing 28 of 36 passes for 270 yards and three touchdown passes, while also adding 44 yards and a rushing score. It was a personal best in completions, attempts and yardage for the sophomore signal-caller, who paced Delaware’s methodical scoring drives throughout the evening.
Receiver Kyre Duplessis, a transfer from Coastal Carolina, was a key beneficiary of Minicucci’s accuracy, hauling in a career-high seven catches for 89 yards and a touchdown. Ja’Carree Kelly also made his mark with a nine-yard touchdown reception as part of the Hens’ balanced aerial attack.
Defense Makes Stops and Scores
Delaware’s defense stepped up at pivotal moments. Kahlil Ali notched his first career interception and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown, swinging momentum firmly in the Blue Hens’ favor. Meanwhile, strong veteran play helped stymie Delaware State’s offense for much of the contest.
Though the Hornets showed flashes, including a 23-yard touchdown run from quarterback Kaiden Bennett and a long 39-yard scoring reception from running back Marquis Gillis, they were unable to sustain enough pressure to cut deeply into the deficit. Gillis finished with a team-high 123 rushing yards in the matchup.
How It Unfolded
Early Fields: Delaware State struck first with a 40-yard field goal, but Delaware responded with a quick strike as Minicucci rushed for a score to make it 7–3 by halftime.
Growing Lead: The Hens added another touchdown right before the break to lead 14–3 and continued control through the second half.
Defensive Punch: A pick-six from Ali widened the margin late, and a Long Minicucci-to-Jake Thaw 50-yard touchdown sealed the scoring at 35–17.
Looking Ahead
The win gives Delaware a strong start as it transitions into a new competitive landscape, while Delaware State, now 0–1, will regroup as the Hornets begin their season under a new coaching staff.