In a mutual decision prioritizing student-athlete safety, Kentucky State University and Franklin Pierce University have agreed to relocate their originally scheduled football matchup from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States.
The Oct. 18 game, initially set to be played in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, will now take place in Rindge, New Hampshire, Kentucky State announced in a social media post.
The new date for the contest is Friday, Oct. 17, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. local time at Franklin Pierce’s home venue. The change comes amid concerns about field conditions and safety risks for players and staff.
Kentucky State, competing in the SIAC conference, had anticipated this game as part of its 2025 schedule, marking a unique classic outside the continental U.S. Franklin Pierce, a member of the Northeast-10 Conference, will now host the Thorobreds closer to home.
Both programs expressed support for the change, emphasizing the importance of player health and safety over location. This adjustment also simplifies travel logistics for the teams and their supporters.
