MURRAY, Ky. (Interstat) — Murray State defeated Valparaiso 27-18 on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, in an NCAA Football Championship Division game at Roy Stewart Stadium. The Racers improved to 1-2, while the visiting Beacons fell to 1-1. Jawaun Northington opened the scoring on a 2-yard run for Murray State. Rowan Keefe led Valparaiso’s offense and scored on a 4-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter. Murray State’s Mykel Allen added a 12-yard touchdown run. Baxter Wright scored on a 1-yard run in the fourth quarter. Keefe later connected with Isaac Tran on a 23-yard touchdown pass. Luke Scoma made a 37-yard field goal for Valparaiso, and Antony Morris blocked a Murray State field goal attempt. Key contributors included Valparaiso’s Colin Hayes, Micah Mackay, Devin Yeats, Michael Rumoro and Anthony Feltrinelli, along with Murray State’s Collin Shannon, Jim Ogle, Tyrell Campbell, Dimitri Howard and Klayton Ingram. Valparaiso next plays at Indiana State, while Murray State visits Oklahoma State.