Campus was abuzz with activity and students, employees, alumni and friends of the university all gathered in Commerce to celebrate East Texas A&M University's Homecoming last week.

The week was chock full of events organized by multiple areas of campus, and there was plenty to experience, even though the weather tried to change everyone's plans.

A week of school spirit

The week began with a “roller rave” roller skating party at the East Texas A&M Morris Recreation Center. Students donned skates and rolled to the music on a pleasant night. Unfortunately, Tuesday's event, the annual National Night Out hosted by the University Police Department, was postponed due to weather concerns, but the week rolled on unfazed.

Wednesday saw the popular Hot Dog Spirit Rally, where students and alumni gathered for a great meal, a chance to meet the Blue & Gold Royalty candidates, and the much-anticipated hot dog-eating contest.

Thursday saw Lion Volleyball emerge victorious in their match against LSU New Orleans to continue what has been the program's strongest season in years.

Friday's event, Friday Night Lights, was moved indoors due to more rain, but the Lions still showed out and enjoyed games and music in the Rayburn Student Center.

Crowning royalty

The highlight of Friday night was the announcement of the 2026 Blue & Gold Royalty. Students Jayden Copeland and Taylor Gray received the honor following votes from the student body throughout the week.

Copeland, a senior Sport and Recreation Management major from Dallas, is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and is involved as a Lion Camp Counselor, Hail Raiser, and executive member of the university's NAACP chapter and the Black Student Union.

Copeland said he was in disbelief when he heard his name called.

“I was in shock a bit, I couldn't believe it,” Copeland said. “But I know I've put in a lot of work to be chosen.”

He added that he is looking forward to finishing the semester off strong and “making it a good one.”

Gray, a senior from Dallas majoring in Human Services, is a member of the Women of Gold student organization, the Student Government Association and serves as a Resident Assistant.

She said that it was a special feeling to be named Blue & Gold Royalty.

“When I heard my name, it was so surreal,” Gray said. “The first thing I did was thank God, and then I celebrated with my friends there. I just felt happy.”

Gray said that she is looking forward to graduating in the spring and beginning her career.

Going home happy

The week culminated with the Homecoming football game, which pitted the Lions against UT Rio Grande Valley. While consistent rain continued to pelt the area, the Lion faithful still showed up for tailgating festivities and the game itself.

The game was a close affair, with neither team reaching more than a two-score lead at any point. With the game tied at 17 with less than two minutes to play, the Lions got the ball at their own 12-yard line, but marched down the field methodically without using their final timeout. After calling time with three seconds left at the opponent's 33-yard line, senior kicker Ozlo Rigby stepped out to attempt the winning 51-yard field goal try.

Though the snap was slightly low, holder Ben Mehan quickly scooped the ball off the turf and deftly flipped it upright, laces out.

Rigby made the boot

…

Right down the middle, with plenty of yards to spare.

Never. A. Doubt.

Rigby's game-winning field goal is tied for the fifth-longest successful kick in program history, and is just the fifth ever of 50 or more yards. The senior kicker was awarded for his efforts by the Southland Conference, being named the SLC Special Teams Player of the Week, the first weekly conference award for a Lion football player in 2026.

Lasting memories

Homecoming week is always a special time for students, employees and alumni alike, a time to come together and celebrate our shared fondness and passion for the university we love—a time to reminisce on great memories and make new ones.

Wherever you go from here, you will always be a Lion!

Check out some of our photo highlights from 2026 Homecoming.