Camels Down ETSU In Season Opener 49-37

JOHNSON CITY, TENN. – Kamden Sixkiller threw for 343 yards and combined for four touchdowns, leading Campbell over East Tennessee State 49-37 to open the 2026 season at Bank of Tennessee Field at William B., Greene, Jr. Stadium.

In the first meeting between the schools, CU (1-0) rolled up 514 yards, finding the end zone on seven of its 11 full possessions, including four of its first six, while ETSU (0-1) tallied 528 yards, but lost a pair of second half fumbles.

Sixkiller completed 29-of-42 passes for a career-high 343 yards with two touchdowns, while rushing for 95 yards, his most as a Camel, and two more TDs. The Norman, Okla. native passed for 243 yards in the first half alone, helping Campbell to a 28-24 lead at the break, the program’s most points ever in an opening half against a Division I opponent in a season opener.

CU’s 28 points were also the most points in any first half since November 18, 2023 at North Carolina A&T.

Sixkiller’s 343 yards passing are the sixth most passing yards in Campbell single-game history.

After holding a four-point halftime margin, the Camels punched in touchdowns on back-to-back possessions to close the third and start the fourth quarter, both from De’Von Thomas. The second touchdown from the sophomore gave Campbell its largest lead of the night at 42-24 with 14:16 to play, after Justin Garza recovered a loose ball and ran it down to the ETSU one yard line.

Ethan Lawrence added a touchdown, while Jon Gullette ran for 36 yards on five carries, adding seven catches for 43 yards. Evan Austin, meanwhile, collected four catches for 93 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown, Campbell’s first points of the 2026 season, and a 50-yard diving snag that set up Sixkiller’s first rushing score of the night.

Six Camels totaled 40 or more yards receiving.

Charles Battaglia led the Campbell defense with a game-high 12 tackles, including 1.0 stop for loss. The first-year Camel was one of three in the Orange and Black to force a fumble on the night. Vance Sheppert also added seven stops with a forced fumble, while Ebenezer Bedada tacked on five tackles with a fumble recovery.

Mason Mims paced ETSU with 373 yards and two touchdowns on 33-of-41 passing, with Suderian Harrison notching five catches for a game-high 99 yards. TJ Peyton also ran for 80 yards and a score on 15 carries.

Dre Delinois made 11 tackles to lead ETSU defensively.

Campbell’s 514 yards of total offense mark its highest offensive output in regulation since recording 613 yards in a win at The Citadel on September 9, 2023.

The Camels opened the season with a win for the first time since 2022. The game marked the 100th road game in Campbell’s modern history (since 2008).

NEXT UP
The Camels will make their 2026 home debut at Barker-Lane Stadium, hosting Western Carolina (3:30 p.m.) on September 5. The home opener is also our Youth Sports and Faith & Family Day.