OFFENSE DEFEATS DEFENSE, 26-20, IN 2026 SPRING GAME

Morgan State Football, Damon Wilson wrap up 2026 Spring Camp

MSU Athletics Communications

Football | 4/17/2026 10:00:00 AM

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BALTIMORE, Md. (April 16, 2026) -- Morgan State football officially closed out its 2026 spring camp Thursday evening with its annual spring game at Hughes Stadium, featuring an offense-versus-defense format instead of the traditional split-squad scrimmage. Behind a strong offensive showing, the offense secured a 26-20 victory.

Morgan's quarterbacks delivered an efficient performance, combining to complete nearly 70 percent of their passes while throwing for two touchdowns. The rushing attack was paced by Dorian Harris, along with newcomers freshman Chase Belin and redshirt freshman Collin Reynolds, while the receiving corps featured standout efforts from sophomore Justin Perry, redshirt junior Joseph Towler, and junior tight end Alex Simmons.

Towler provided the game's defining moment with a 39-yard touchdown reception late in the contest, helping seal the win and cap an explosive night for the offense.

Defensively, the Bears made their presence felt early and often. Joshua Narh electrified the crowd with a pick-six on just the second play from scrimmage, accounting for the unit's lone takeaway. The defense continued to set the tone throughout the night, registering 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks, led by redshirt sophomore linebacker Jalen Greene-Scarver, who recorded three.

Head coach Damon Wilson was encouraged by what he saw from his team as a whole following the conclusion of spring camp.

"I feel good. We got through it fairly injury-free, which is always the goal in the spring," Wilson said. "We've got a lot of things to work on, but I think we have some pieces to have a chance to be successful in MEAC play. I'm excited about where we are, but we still have a lot of work to do."

Wilson also noted the development of a young defensive unit that showed promise throughout the spring.

"I feel good about the defense," Wilson added. "We're young — we graduated eight guys and only have about three returning starters — but the guys who have been in the program and the ones we've brought in all have the ability to help us. I like where we are and the direction we're heading."

The game was the culmination of Morgan State's 15-session practice window, and the Bears now turn their attention to the team's anticipated season opener at North Carolina A&T on Saturday, Aug. 29th. Five of the Bears' 12 contests in 2026 will be at Hughes Stadium.

For fans wishing to take part in the excitement at Hughes Stadium for the 2026 season, visit Ticketmaster to secure your seats today and get ready to Protect the Den! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Morgan State Athletics website or contact the ticket office (443)-885-4487.

 

HOW IT HAPPENED
On the second play from scrimmage, junior quarterback Ade Olanegan's pass was tipped at the line by senior defensive lineman Shawn Phillips and intercepted by junior defensive back Joshua Narh, who returned it for a touchdown to give the Defense an early lead.

The Offense responded with a short touchdown run by junior running back Dorian Harris to get on the board.

Quarterback Raeden Oliver helped generate momentum through the air, connecting with junior tight end Alex Simmons for gains of 20 and 15 yards, while also finding freshman tight end Elijah Stevenson for a 17-yard completion.

Defensively, redshirt sophomore linebacker Jalen Greene-Scarver made a major impact, recording three sacks to help the Defense take a 16-14 lead.

Olanegan answered with an efficient drive, completing 4-of-5 passes, highlighted by a 7-yard touchdown strike to sophomore William Johns to put the Offense back in front, 20-17.

The Defense continued to apply pressure as redshirt senior linebacker Martavian Davis recorded a sack, senior Kristopher Boyd stopped a run in the backfield, sophomore Donovan Moyer broke up a pass, and Scarver added a tackle for loss.

The Offense closed out the scrimmage with a decisive sequence, as Chase Belin strung together three consecutive runs to set up a 39-yard play-action touchdown pass from Oliver to redshirt junior Joseph Towler, sealing a 26-20 victory.

 

NOTE THE QUOTES
Student-Athletes

Justin Dutton | DL | RJr.
On the team's growth this spring…
"I really feel like we've improved a lot as a unit. It comes down to playing together as a brotherhood, listening to our coaches, reading our keys, and doing our job. From the start of spring, we were kind of down here, but now I feel like we're steadily rising. I'm extremely proud of this group."

Cameron Edge | QB | Sr.
On his emotions playing in the Blue & Orange game…
"You know, it's fun getting back out here in more of a game setting. I've got family here, and I've been away for about a year, so being back close to home is special. I'm excited about that."

On describing his play style…
"I consider myself more of a pro-style guy who still can get out of trouble when I need to. I like to throw it and lead the offense down the field, however I need to."

On how in sync the offense is right now…
"I'd say we're about 50/50 right now, and that's pretty normal for spring. We had a productive spring with a lot of new faces. We just have to keep working and have a big summer moving forward."

Marquez Spells | RB | Sr.
On his feelings about the game…
"It felt good, honestly. Everybody is coming together and playing as a team."

On how he would describe himself as a runner…
"Explosive, fast—everything in the book."

On a pro comparison…
"Ooh, Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions)." [laughs]

Dante Archie | WR | So.
On how he would describe himself as a receiver…
"Just a real-deal athlete. Get the ball in my hands, and I'm going to make a move—following blocks and making plays up the field."

On what he brings to the offense…
"I really feel like we aren't missing anything. We just have to capitalize on our opportunities. I'm just coming in to fill a spot as another playmaker."

Jalen Greene-Scarver | LB | RSo.
On how the spring game went…
"I think the spring game went well. We've been locking in during practice and really working together as a unit."

Josiah Blake | FS | Sr.
On what challenged him most from the quarterbacks…
"I'd say their eyes. They do a great job looking off receivers and getting us out of position. That's what stood out the most today."

On the defense's performance…
"I loved it. We brought energy, made some big hits, and came away with an interception. Overall, we did pretty good."



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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.