09-08-2025
Nothing changes at Nicholls
Latest in a series looking at the Southland Conference football season.
Nicholls State
Nickname: Colonels
2024: 4-8, 2-5
Head coach: Tommy Rybacki
Quick hit: Offense has to catch up with the defense to turn Nicholls around
While a lot has changed at Nicholls, the style of play won't.
Tommy Rybacki takes over as head coach after serving as the Colonels' defensive coordinator for the last decade. He replaces Tim Rebowe, who turned the program from a disaster to a contender during his tenure.
'I learned a lot from Tim Rebowe,' said Rybacki. 'I would put the progress we have made over the last 10 years up against anybody in FCS football. Our job is to make the same amount of progress over the next 10 years.'
That will be up to Rybacki now. He takes over a program that is built on toughness and developing local kids.
'The plan for us is to be in the best condition,' said senior defensive back Ty Marsh. 'We have to be in top-tier shape going into the season.'
Nicholls will jump right into the fire when it opens the season at home on national television against defending champion Incarnate Word. The Colonels will learn quickly just where they stand under their new leadership.
That game will take place under the noon sun on August 23 during Week Zero.
'This is a great opportunity for our program and our community,' said Rybacki. 'We get to open up with the champs. We would not want it any other way.
'We get a measuring game right off the bat, that is big for us.'
As usual, the defense will lead the way for the Colonels, which is to be expected when you move the coordinator of that group into the top job. Last year, the defense set a school record by allowing just 83.9 yards per game on the ground.
The Colonels led the FCS by allowing just six rushing touchdowns.
'We are going to be physical,' said Rybacki. 'That is our culture.'
Marsh, who had 40 tackles, forced two fumbles and had two interceptions last season, including one he returned for a 49-yard touchdown, said the defense has to be ready.
'All the fast guys got to be able to hit, and all the big guys got to be able to run,' Marsh said. 'We all have to get on the right page to get this thing turned around.'
Linebacker Jake Dalmado and defensive tackle Rasheed Lovelace were named to the Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-Americans. Loveland finished with 46 tackles while topping the Southland with nine sacks.
Nicholls struggled last year to a 4-8 record overall and just 2-5 in the Southland, good for just eighth place out of nine teams. That's not been the norm over the last decade.
On offense, the Colonels will turn to New Mexico State transfer Deuce Hogan to lead them at quarterback. He played in two games last year before being hurt.
Getting the offense to score will be the key to turning things around for Nicholls.
