California Dreams Meet HBCU Pride: Grambling’s West Coast Defenders Ready for Historic Ohio State Showdown

When Grambling State takes the field at Ohio Stadium against No. 1 Ohio State, the spotlight will shine on two California-born defenders who represent everything special about HBCU football, talent that transcends geography, tradition that builds character, and dreams that refuse to be limited by expectations.

The West Coast Connection

Blake Davis (#1) and Delano “Dos Ocho” Franklin (#28) have traveled over 1,800 miles from their California roots to anchor Grambling’s secondary, but their journey represents more than distance on a map. It’s the story of athletes choosing substance over hype, legacy over luxury.

Davis, already earning preseason All-SWAC recognition and landing on the Aeneas Williams Award watchlist, brings proven playmaking ability to the Tigers’ defense. The ballhawk defensive back possesses the quick instincts and physical style that can shift momentum in crucial moments, exactly what Grambling will need against one of college football’s most explosive offenses.

Franklin’s path tells an even more remarkable story. Known as “SlotMachine” during his standout career at Bishop Amat High School, he’s embraced his new identity as “Dos Ocho” at Grambling, a transformation that speaks to adaptation and growth. The versatile safety transferred to Grambling just one month ago after serving as a two-year starter and kick returner, yet has already earned a defensive role that will be crucial in today’s historic matchup.

David Meets Goliath in the Horseshoe

Today marks the first-ever meeting between these programs, with Ohio State favored by 55 points, the largest spread in Buckeye history. The numbers tell one story, but Davis and Franklin understand they’re part of a different narrative entirely.

For Grambling, this game transcends the scoreboard. It’s about showcasing the depth of talent that exists across HBCU programs, the kind of athletes who choose to build something special rather than simply join something established.

“This is about more than one game,” reflects the mindset these defenders bring. They’re tasked with containing an Ohio State offense that has championship aspirations, but they’re also carrying the hopes of a program steeped in tradition and excellence.

Beyond the Game: The Sound of Excellence

The football action represents only part of Grambling’s historic presence in Columbus. At halftime, the World-Famed Tiger Marching Band, under the direction of Nikole Roebuck, will deliver a performance that embodies HBCU culture. With six Super Bowl halftime shows, three presidential inaugurations, and countless legendary performances, the band serves as a reminder that Grambling’s influence extends far beyond athletics.

The precision, passion, and pride displayed by the Tiger Marching Band reflects the same qualities Davis and Franklin bring to the defensive side of the ball, excellence that demands recognition regardless of the stage.

The Bigger Picture

Franklin and Davis represent the modern HBCU athlete, players who understand that choosing Grambling means more than football. They’re part of a legacy that includes legends like Doug Williams and Everson Walls, athletes who proved that greatness isn’t determined by conference affiliation or media attention, but by character, work ethic, and the pursuit of excellence.

Their California origins add another layer to this story. They’re West Coast kids who discovered that the heart of college football beats strongest in places like Grambling, Louisiana, where tradition meets opportunity and every snap carries the weight of history.

Making Their Mark

As Davis and Franklin prepare to face Ohio State’s high-powered offense, they’re not thinking about point spreads or national rankings. They’re focused on representing their program, their teammates, and the broader HBCU community with distinction.

For these two California defenders, today’s game is about proving that talent knows no boundaries, that dreams don’t require validation from outside sources, and that sometimes the most meaningful victories happen when the odds seem insurmountable.

From the sunny fields of California high school football to the hallowed grounds of Ohio Stadium, Blake Davis and Delano “Dos Ocho” Franklin have found their calling at Grambling State. Today, they’ll show the college football world that choosing the HBCU path doesn’t mean choosing the easy path, it means choosing the meaningful one.

In a sport often defined by resources and rankings, Davis and Franklin remind us that it’s still defined by players willing to chase something bigger than themselves. Today, they chase history.