The 2024 season for Grambling State was underwhelming.
Head coach Mickey Joseph said a bad locker room culture was a big reason for that.
“The chemistry was off, there were trust issues,” Joseph told KTAL News. “As I always say, elevation requires separation—so we had to part ways with some individuals in order to move forward.”
Joseph says he now feels a stronger sense of stability within the team.
“We’re returning about 88 percent of our roster this year, so we had to go a grab our immediate needs,” said Joseph. “We redshirted about 45-50 percent of our freshmen class, so we didn’t think it was necessary to go and bring in a heavy load of freshmen this year, so our immediate needs came from within the transfer portal.”
The Tigers, which finished 2-6 in the SWAC last season, return four preseason All-SWAC players, including defensive lineman Bryce Cage and defensive back Blake Davis.
“Our kids could’ve easily jumped in the portal and chose to stay here because they love Grambling State University, they love this athletic department, they love this football team and they understand that we are building something real here and that we’re going to win.”
The offense also added Zae Teasett, a redshirt freshman who saw significant time for SWAC West champion Southern this past season, who will be part of a quarterback battle in fall camp.
Joseph hopes a change in attitude and personnel will translate into the Tigers being contenders in a pivotal second year.
“I tend to move quietly when it comes to football. Outside of that, I’m outgoing, but when I’m leading a program, I keep things close to the vest—it’s only anyone’s business if I choose to make it so,” Joseph said. “The people in this building right now, we’re all on the same page, and that’s exactly how it needs to be.”