A former top-100 recruit from DeSoto High School in Texas, Powell initially committed to Arkansas before enrolling at NCAT, becoming the highest-rated prospect in the history of the Greensboro, North Carolina, HBCU.

Powell redshirted his first year (2021-22) due to injury and debuted in the 2022-23 season. He played 30 games, averaging 8.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, earning a spot on the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) All-Rookie Team. Notably, he recorded double-doubles against Hampton and Towson and scored a season-high 20 points against College of Charleston. ?

Seeking new opportunities, Powell transferred to Sacramento State for the 2023-24 season. There, he led the Hornets with 12.1 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, starting 23 of 29 games. His performance included the program’s second Division I-era triple-double with 13 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists against Bethesda. ?

In June 2024, Powell joined Georgia Tech, bringing two years of eligibility to the Yellow Jackets. During the 2024-25 season, he made significant contributions, including a career-high 26 points and six three-pointers in a victory over Pittsburgh on February 25, 2025. Throughout the season, Powell maintained averages of 12.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, demonstrating his ability to compete at the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) level.

Reinhart reports that the $750K NIL signing is roughly 30 percent of the Hoyas’ NIL funds.

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Holmes’ Journey from Aggie Pride to NFL Prominence

A native of Tampa, Florida, Holmes graduated cum laude from North Carolina A&T in 2002 with a B.S. in journalism and mass communications. During his time at A&T, Holmes was not only a scholar but also a standout on the gridiron. As a defensive tackle, he was a four-year letterman and two-year starter for the Aggies. His contributions helped lead the team to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship and a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) National Championship in 2001 under the legendary coach Bill Hayes.

Football runs in Holmes’ blood. He is the son of Melvin Holmes, a 1967 A&T graduate and former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman who played in the NFL from 1971 to 1973. That familial connection, combined with his own hard work and dedication, laid the foundation for Holmes’ remarkable career in professional football.

Rising Through the Ranks in the NFL

Holmes joined the Detroit Lions as executive vice president and general manager on Jan. 14, 2021, after spending 18 seasons with the Los Angeles Rams (2003-2020). His journey in the NFL began humbly as a public relations intern before transitioning into scouting. Over the years, he gained extensive experience in player evaluation and personnel management, serving in a variety of roles, including National Football Scouting scout, area scout, national combine scout, and scouting assistant.

In 2013, Holmes was promoted to director of College Scouting for the Rams, a position in which he thrived. During his tenure, the Rams achieved a 64-58 record (.524) and produced 25 Pro Bowl players, with Holmes playing a critical role in identifying and acquiring key talent. His keen eye for talent helped build the Rams’ core that would ultimately lead to their Super Bowl LVI victory.

Transforming the Detroit Lions

Since taking the helm in Detroit, Holmes has orchestrated an impressive turnaround for the Lions. His masterful blend of draft expertise and strategic free agent signings helped the Lions achieve historic success in 2023. The team finished the regular season with a 12-5 record, tying the franchise record for most wins in a single season. Under Holmes’ leadership, the Lions captured their first division title in 30 years and advanced to their second-ever NFC Championship Game, their first since 1991.

Holmes’ transformative work in Detroit earned him national recognition, as he was named the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) Executive of the Year for 2023. He became the first Detroit Lions executive to receive the honor, solidifying his reputation as one of the brightest minds in NFL front offices.

Returning to Inspire the Next Generation of Aggies

Holmes’ keynote address is expected to inspire the next generation of Aggie leaders by drawing from his journey of perseverance, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His story embodies the values instilled at North Carolina A&T — resilience, dedication, and a drive to excel at the highest levels.

“I’m honored to return to A&T and speak to the next wave of graduates,” said Holmes. “My time at A&T laid the foundation for everything I’ve achieved, and I’m excited to share my experiences with these talented young leaders as they embark on their own journeys.”

Spring 2025 Commencement Details

Holmes will address more than 1,500 undergraduate students at the May 10 ceremonies. Additionally, retired NASA astronaut Joan Higginbotham will serve as the keynote speaker for the graduate student ceremony on Friday, May 9, at 6 p.m. in First Horizon Coliseum.

Both ceremonies will be livestreamed, allowing family, friends, and members of the Aggie community worldwide to celebrate this momentous occasion.

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As a top-100 recruit from DeSoto, Texas. Powell made headlines by committing to North Carolina A&T, becoming the highest-ranked American-born player to sign with an HBCU. His freshman year (2021-22) was marred by injuries, leading to a redshirt season. Returning in 2022-23, Powell earned a spot on the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) All-Rookie team. He averaged 8.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in his first season back on the court in over two years. ?

Mid-Major

During his tenure at North Carolina A&T, Powell starred in the HBCU Gameday Original Documentary “Mid-Major.” A collaboration with Duncan’s NIL agency, TLS Sports. Mid-Major gave an in-depth look at his time with the Aggies and showed fans his passions for dogs, music, and HBCU basketball.?

Powell played his only season at NC A&T without the coach who recruited him to the East Greensboro HBCU. Then-head coach Will Jones was let go a month before his freshman season was scheduled to begin. Powell transferred to Sacramento State for the 2023-24 season. As a redshirt Sophomore, he started 23 of 29 games, leading the Hornets with 12.1 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.

In June 2024, Powell committed to Georgia Tech, taking his talents to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Throughout the 2024-25 season, he showcased the skillset that made him a top 100 player in his class. Powell averaged 12.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Earning accolades like the Lute Olson National Player of the Week award along the way. Powell scored 20 or more points in five games. Including a standout performance against NCAA Tournament top seed Duke in the ACC Tournament. He tallied 24 points against the Blue Devils after a 24-point effort in a win against Virginia in the previous round.

Chess Move

In March 2025, Powell declared for the NBA Draft while simultaneously entering the transfer portal. Keeping all of his options open in an era of college basketball where anything can change at any given moment.

In today’s college basketball landscape, NIL deals have significantly altered the decision-making process for high-level transfers like Duncan Powell. Top-tier players in the transfer portal can command substantial NIL compensation, often rivaling or even exceeding the earnings of an NBA rookie deal or a two-way contract. A late second-round NBA draft pick or an undrafted player on a two-way contract may earn between $500,000 and $600,000 annually. Some high-profile college transfers have secured NIL packages worth over seven figures.

Under NCAA regulations, college basketball players can declare for the NBA Draft and participate in pre-draft activities to assess their professional prospects. If they do not sign with an agent or maintain their amateur status. They have the option to withdraw from the draft and return to college basketball, provided they adhere to the NCAA’s withdrawal deadlines. This process allows players like Duncan Powell to explore professional opportunities while retaining the possibility of continuing their collegiate careers.?

For Powell, staying in college another year could allow him to maximize his earnings while further developing his skills and improving his draft stock. With the increasing financial opportunities in college basketball, many players now view the transfer portal as a strategic alternative to entering the NBA prematurely. Ensuring they are in the best position—both financially and developmentally—when they make the leap to the professional ranks.

Powell’s journey from HBCU to ACC reflects the evolving landscape of college basketball. Highlighting the trend of HBCU programs nurturing top-tier talent and creating dynamic pathways for student-athletes to navigate their professional aspirations.

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The marathon win improved A&T to 8-16 overall and 4-1 in CAA play, keeping the Aggies tied for first place with Northeastern atop the conference standings. UNCW, despite an impressive relief effort from right-hander Trace Baker (5.1 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 2 BB, 7 K), dropped to 13-14 overall and 1-4 in league action.

Extra-Inning Drama

The teams entered the 16th inning tied 2-2. UNCW turned to right-hander Bromley Thornton (L, 0-1) to begin the frame. Freshman Tyler Smith ignited the Aggies’ dugout with a leadoff double, celebrating at second base.

Freshman JT Taylor followed with a bunt that UNCW first baseman Tanner Thach fielded, but his errant throw allowed Taylor to reach second and Smith to score, giving the Aggies a 3-2 lead. After senior AJ Jones drew a four-pitch walk, UNCW brought in right-hander Bryan Arendt, who is listed as a catcher on the roster.

Freshman Savoi Edwards then hit a shallow fly ball to center field that dropped in front of BJ Brown for a single, loading the bases. Senior Enrique Wood followed with an infield single up the middle that second baseman Dylan Schaefer fielded but had no play on, allowing Taylor to score and giving A&T an insurance run.

Closing Out the Win

A&T needed the cushion as Cole Nelson led off the home 16th with a solo home run off right-hander Darius Robinson (W, 2-0), cutting the Aggies’ lead to 4-3. After Mac Gillespie grounded out, an error at shortstop added drama to the final moments.

A&T intentionally walked Thach and replaced Robinson with freshman right-hander Braxton Davis (S, 1). Davis struck out Alec DeMartino for the second out, but a walk to pinch-hitter Kevin Novobilsky loaded the bases, putting the winning run at second. Davis, however, delivered a clutch changeup to strike out pinch-hitter Ryker Galaska looking, ending the game after five hours and nine minutes.

Halford’s Heroics

Halford was outstanding in relief, throwing six scoreless innings, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out four. His performance gave the Aggies a chance to win after entering the game in the ninth inning.

Smith, the reigning CAA Rookie of the Week, went 3-for-6 with the game-tying RBI that forced extra innings.

How It Happened

UNCW took a 1-0 lead in the second inning off junior right-hander Matt Murtagh. The teams traded zeros for the next several innings before A&T finally broke through in the ninth against left-hander Cyle Phelan.

Phelan walked freshman Bruce Wyche to open the frame, and Smith followed with an RBI double — his 16th of the season — to tie the game 1-1. Taylor’s sacrifice bunt moved the go-ahead run to third, but a strikeout and a groundout ended the threat, sending the game into the bottom of the ninth.

Late-Inning Drama

The Aggies nearly gave Halford the win in the 15th inning after a wild pitch allowed pinch runner Nigel Robinson to score, putting A&T ahead 2-1. However, UNCW answered in the home half with an RBI single from Kevin Jones to tie the game at 2-2 and extend the contest.

Baseball Series Milestone

The victory marked A&T’s first series win over UNCW since joining the CAA three seasons ago. North Carolina A&T is the only HBCU that plays baseball in the CAA. Hampton University, the other HBCU in the conference does not field a men’s baseball program.

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Here are the top six things you need to know about HBCU teams during March Madness 2025.

1. Norfolk State men’s basketball is back in the NCAA tournament

• Finished the season 24-10 (11-3 MEAC), winning the MEAC Tournament for the third time in five years.
• Return to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years and will face No. 1 Florida in the first round.
• Have built a reputation as a consistent mid-major power, with a historic 2012 upset over Missouri as one of the biggest tournament shockers ever.
• Key to the game: Limit turnovers, defend the three-point line, and win the rebounding battle.
• Game is on March 21 on CBS.

2. Norfolk State women’s basketball earns its third straight NCAA Tournament appearance

• Finished the season 30-4 (14-0 MEAC), going undefeated in conference play.
• Picked up two major non-conference wins over Missouri and Auburn from the SEC, showing they can compete against Power Five programs.
• Enter the tournament as a No. 13 seed and will face No. 4 Maryland in the first round.
• Key to the game: Force turnovers, control the tempo, and slow down Maryland’s transition offense.
• Game is on March 22 on ESPN2.

3. Southern women’s basketball heads to the First Four

• Won the SWAC Tournament and earned a spot in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament.
• Will play UC San Diego, with the winner advancing to play No. 1 UCLA in the first round.
• Have relied on defense and rebounding to win key games this season.
• Key to the game: Limit UCSD’s perimeter shooting, control the boards, and capitalize on second-chance opportunities.
• First Four game takes place on March 20 on TruTV.

4. Alabama State men’s basketball returns to March Madness after 20 years

• Won the SWAC Tournament, earning their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2005.
• Finished the season 21-12 (12-4 SWAC), using a strong defensive presence and physical inside play to win key games.
• Will face Saint Francis (PA) in the First Four, with the winner moving on to face No. 1 Auburn.
• Key to the game: Control the paint, limit fouls, and execute in the half-court offense.
• First Four game takes place on March 19 on TruTV.

5. Four HBCUs are competing in the WNIT

• Alabama A&M, Texas Southern, Howard, and Coppin State all earned WNIT bids.
• Matchups:
  • Alabama A&M vs. Central Arkansas – March 20
  • Texas Southern vs. Saint Mary’s – March 20
  • Howard vs. Siena – March 21 (Howard is hosting)
  • Coppin State vs. Colgate – March 22
• Key to success: Disciplined defense, ball control, and limit turnovers

6. North Carolina A&T earns a spot in the WBIT

• Won the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) regular-season title, finishing 22-9 (14-4 CAA).
• Earned a bid to the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT) and will face No. 1 seed Virginia Tech.
• Led by senior guard Jordyn Dorsey, who is close to becoming the first player in program history with 400 career assists.
• Key to the game: Limit turnovers, defend against three-point shooting, and control the tempo.
• Game is on March 20 on ESPN+.

HBCU teams are making their presence felt in March Madness 2025, with multiple programs competing across the NCAA Tournament, WNIT, and WBIT. Norfolk State, Alabama State, Southern, Howard, and Texas Southern have all earned postseason opportunities, highlighting the continued growth of HBCU basketball. As these teams take the national stage, they have the chance to showcase their talent and competitiveness. Follow HBCU Gameday for the latest updates.

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GREENSBORO – The North Carolina A&T women’s basketball team is headed to the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT). The Aggies, 2024-25 Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) regular-season champions, will play at No. 1 seed Virginia Tech of the ACC on Thursday, March 20 at Cassell Coliseum. A time has not been determined. The game will air live on ESPN+. Thursday’s winner will play on March 23 against the Wyoming/Texas Tech winner. The Aggies were the only HBCU team selected for this year’s tournament field

Aggies vs Hokies

As the No. 1 seed in their bracket, the Hokies enter the WBIT as one of the last four teams left of the Field of 68 in the NCAA tournament. The Hokies, 18-12 this season, join Colorado, James Madison, and St. Joseph’s as No. 1 seeds. Virginia Tech will be the Aggies’ third ACC opponent this season after losing to SMU and the University of North Carolina (UNC).

The Aggies will enter the tournament 19-11. They went 15-3 in CAA play to win the regular season in only their third year in the league as one of two HBCU programs in the conference.  CAA tournament champion William & Mary eliminated the Aggies from the 2025 CAA Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament on Friday in the quarterfinals, 74-66, at CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC.

North Carolina A&T opened the season with a tough schedule, including NCAA tournament teams UNC, Liberty, Florida Gulf Coast, and Norfolk State. Over their first nine games, the Aggies went 2-7, but over their final 20 regular season games, they went 17-3. They won those 17 games by an average of 14.7 points. Included in those games were two wins over William & Mary, the CAA representative in the NCAA tournament.  

Senior guard Jordyn Dorsey leads the Aggies. She is a two-time first-team All-CAA performer and the Aggies’ all-time assist leader with 398. She needs two assists on Thursday to become the first Aggie in program history with 400 or more assists. Dorsey also made the CAA all-defensive team. She averages 2.17 per game.

A&T also features third-team all-conference performers in graduate guard Maleia Bracone and junior center Chaniya Clark.

Aggies no slouch

Tarrell Robinson, who is in his 13th season as A&T’s women’s basketball coach, won the 2024-25 CAA Coach of the Year award. This marks the first time in his career he has won conference coach of the year despite possessing five regular-season titles and three conference tournament titles during his time as an HBCU women’s basketball head coach.

The Aggies will make their eighth postseason appearance under Robinson, who has three NCAA appearances, four WNITs, and a recent WBIT bid. He is one win shy of his seventh 20-win season.

Virginia Tech went 9-9 in the ACC in 2024-25. The Hokies earned an impressive win over Georgia Tech, who was ranked at the time. They also beat NCAA-tournament-bound Louisville. They were 3-0 against CAA schools, including Elon, Campbell, and UNC Wilmington.

Four Hokies are averaging double-figures in scoring, led by Carleigh Wenzel at 14.5 points per game. Matilda Ekh is the main threat from 3-point range. She makes 40.1 percent (61-152) of her threes. The ACC squad shoots 38.6 percent from 3-point range, which ranks fourth nationally.

The HBCU program is also the 13th-best shooting team in the nation, making 46.8 percent of their shots. On the other hand, the Aggies rank 14th nationally in scoring defense, 38th in field goal percentage defense, and 20th in 3-point field goal percentage defense.

The Hokies lead the all-time series, 2-0. The last time the two teams played, the Hokies defeated A&T 58-39 on December 28, 2012, at Cassell Coliseum. Watch North Carolina A&T take on Virginia Tech at the WBIT on Thursday, March 20 at 6 pm on ESPN+.

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This year marks the second consecutive year that the 87-year-old National Invitational Tournament will not include an HBCU program. The last team to compete in the annual contest was Alcorn State in 2023. That year, Alcorn State lost to North Texas 69-53 in the event’s first round. 

HBCU in the NIT

In considering current teams competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, as well as Division I schools — Hampton, North Carolina A&T, and Tennessee State — in nontraditional HBCU conferences, there have only been seven times where the NIT has included an HBCU program in at least two or more consecutive seasons. There have only been four instances — 1993, 2007, 2008, and 2011 — where the selection committee has invited multiple HBCU programs in its nearly 90 years of existence.

Expect that to be the norm, though, as the MEAC and SWAC have lost NIT autobids along with other smaller conferences in recent years.

HBCU in the CBI

The first rendition of the CBI took place in 2008. The CBI committee selects 16 teams that are not awarded bids to the men’s NCAA tournament or the NIT and programs willing to pay a $27,500 entry fee to participate. This year marks the 12th instance — the tournament was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19 — in the 17-year-old competition that an HBCU will not compete in this year’s tournament field.

Bethune Cookman participated in the 2024 College Basketball Invitational competition, losing to Arkansas State 86-85 in the tournament’s first round. Since the event’s inception, only four programs have participated in the five total occurrences in the 16-team bracket. Those teams include Hampton (2014, 2017), Delaware State (2015), and Howard (2019), in addition to the Wildcats.

More postseason tournaments were created to provide extra opportunities for programs to showcase their prowess on the national stage. However, even with more opportunities, getting more HBCU programs eligible or in a position to receive an invitation to other postseason competitions will be a continuing process.

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Fifteen seconds into the 30-second ad, the North Carolina A&T band makes a quick appearance. Then, around the eighteen-second mark. The A&T school flag covers the screen, only for the A&T mascot to rip it away. Showing him courtside at a North Carolina A&T basketball game. The appearance, although brief, highlights the rich legacy and vibrant culture of HBCU basketball on the main stage of the NCAA Tournament.

Coca-Cola’s Legacy with March Madness

Coca-Cola has a longstanding tradition of creating memorable advertisements during the NCAA March Madness tournaments. Over the years, the brand has consistently delivered campaigns that resonate with basketball enthusiasts, blending the excitement of the games with Coca-Cola’s message of refreshment and unity. In 2021, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar launched the “Best Coke Ever?” campaign to showcase its refreshed recipe and packaging. This campaign featured playful showdowns between pop culture icons and basketball legends, emphasizing the brand’s connection to the sport.

In 2024, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar continued its engagement with basketball fans by releasing the “Free Throw Madness” commercial. This spot captured the intensity of free-throw moments, showcasing fans’ passionate reactions and their rituals to influence the game’s outcome. The ad featured former collegiate stars Jay Williams and Aliyah Boston, continuing the brand’s commitment to celebrating the basketball culture of NCAA basketball’s March Madness.

HBCUs in Coca-Cola’s Advertising History

Coca-Cola’s relationship with including HBCU in their advertising dates back several decades. In 1982, the Grambling State University band was featured in a Coca-Cola commercial. Showcasing the musical talent and spirit synonymous with HBCU bands.

In the 1950s, Coca-Cola recruited Black students from Atlanta-based HBCUs Clark and Morehouse Colleges to appear in its first line of non-celebrity Black advertisements. Marking a significant moment in the brand’s inclusive marketing efforts in the African-American community.

North Carolina A&T’s Recent Appearance

The recent inclusion of North Carolina A&T in the Selection Sunday March Madness commercial is a testament to the growing prominence and recognition of HBCU basketball in mainstream media. The commercial not only celebrates the energy associated with March Madness but also shines a quick spotlight on the basketball culture of HBCUs.

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The Aggies entered the tournament as heavy favorites. Boasting an impressive regular-season record that solidified their position as the top seed in the CAA. Led by a talented roster and a strong defensive presence, North Carolina A&T was expected to make a deep run. However, William & Mary had other plans, delivering one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

The game was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads throughout regulation. North Carolina A&T’s defense, a hallmark of their success this season, managed to stifle William & Mary for much of the game. However, late in the fourth quarter, the Tribe mounted a comeback, forcing overtime with clutch shooting and relentless energy.

Quotes from the Aggies

“They forced me to make reads and find out where the ball needs to go,” Aggie star Jordyn Dorsey said about the Tribe’s defensive approach toward her. “I did that from time to time, but it was hard trying to find some consistency with that so that we could pull out the win.”

“I hate the old saying that it’s hard to beat a team three times in a row, but that proved right today,” said A&T head coach Tarrell Robinson. “Hats off to (Tribe head coach Erin Dickerson Davis) and her Lady Tribe. They played a fantastic game. They played with a refuse-to-lose mentality, which you must play like that this time of the year.

There’s not much we could have done. They got going yesterday and played with a lot of confidence today. They survived many of our runs and were the better team in overtime.”

In overtime, William & Mary capitalized on key Aggies turnovers and converted critical free throws to secure the upset. Despite a valiant effort from North Carolina A&T’s top scorers, the Aggies struggled to regain momentum as the Tribe pulled away in the final minutes. The loss marked a disappointing early exit for an HBCU women’s basketball team that had championship aspirations.

Aggies in the WBIT

Although the Aggies will not be dancing in the NCAA Tournament, their season is far from over. North Carolina A&T has earned a bid to the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT), giving them another opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage. With a strong season behind them, the Aggies will look to regroup and make a statement in the WBIT, proving why they are one of the top teams in HBCU women’s basketball.

Last season, North Carolina A&T made a strong showing in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT), advancing to the second round after securing a hard-fought victory in the opening game. Their deep run highlighted the program’s ability to compete at a high level and further cemented their reputation as a force in HBCU and mid-major basketball. This year, they will aim to build on that experience in the WBIT, hoping to surpass last season’s postseason success.

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Finally…After 248 wins, a .638 winning percentage, a .762 winning percentage in conference play, five regular-season championships, seven postseason appearances, including three NCAA and four WNIT, and three conference tournament titles, North Carolina A&T (NCAT) women’s basketball head coach Tarrell Robinson earned his first career conference coach of the year award on Tuesday when the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) named him coach of the year on Tuesday. NCAT and Hampton are the only HBCU institutions in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA.)

In addition to Robinson’s honor, his star guard, Jordyn Dorsey, earned first-team All-CAA honors for the second straight season while making the CAA’s all-defensive team.

Graduate guard Maleia Bracone and junior center Chaniya Clark made third-team All-CAA.

Robinson’s Aggies came into the 2024-25 season as CAA favorites, marking the sixth time in his 13-year career his team came in as conference favorites. Despite high expectations, which included the Aggies being preseason No. 17 in the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Poll, the Aggies got off to a 2-7 start partly due to a schedule that included two ACC schools and three teams ranked in the mid-major poll.

NCAT finished the regular season 17-3 after its 2-7 start. Overall, the Aggies head into the 2025 CAA Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament 19-10, with a 15-3 conference record.

The Aggies won their 15 conference games by an average margin of 13.4 points. They lost their three CAA games by a combined 10 points, lending to the idea the HBCU women’s basketball power was not far away from pulling off an undefeated conference season. Robinson is one win shy of achieving his seventh 20-win season.

“I’m overwhelmed with emotion receiving this recognition,” said Robinson. “Thank you to all my colleagues who selected me. Thank you for pushing us to improve every game, win or lose. The CAA doesn’t just have some of the best coaches in the country but also some of the best people. I’m thankful to compete against coaches who can compete during the game and support you right after the final buzzer.”

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GREENSBORO – In North Carolina A&T’s (NCAT) first two seasons in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), the Aggies spent a significant amount as the first-place team in the women’s basketball standings. Still, they could not close the deal on a regular-season championship.  

In 2024-25, that deal is signed, sealed and delivered. Behind a career-high 27 points from senior guard Jordyn Dorsey and a historic night for graduate guard Maleia Bracone and the women’s basketball program, the Aggies defeated William & Mary 77-52 at Corbett Sports Center on Thursday to capture at least a share of the CAA regular-season championship.

In addition to capturing the title, the Aggies secured the No. 1 seed for next week’s CAA Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament at CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC. The Aggies are 18-10 overall and 14-3 in the CAA, a game ahead of College Charleston, whom they defeated 71-59 at Corbett on Feb. 7 to secure the tiebreaker advantage.

A win on Saturday against UNC Wilmington at Corbett (2 p.m.) gives the Aggies the conference regular season title outright. A&T will get a double-bye. Therefore, the Aggies’ first tournament game will be on Friday, March 14, at noon.

“I push them, and I push them, and I push them,” said NCAT head coach Tarrell Robinson, who won his fifth conference regular-season title in 13 seasons at the helm. “There are situations like the prior two years where those results we want don’t happen. And it happened now, and that creates more buy-in. I told them, ‘The monkey’s off our back now. Let’s take it all, starting on Saturday.'”

NCAT captured its 11th regular-season conference title in 43 years as a Division I NCAA varsity program. It is its first as a CAA member. The other 10 came in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), which is more MEAC regular-season titles than any other school in history.

“It’s great. It’s very rewarding because we know how hard we’ve worked, the hours we’ve put in, and the lessons we’ve learned,” said Dorsey. “It all feels well worth it, and we are trying to take it up another level when we get to the tournament.”

Dorsey’s career night moved her past Brittanie Taylor-James (2006-09) for eighth on the all-time scoring list. She is three points shy of passing Helena Creamer (1987-91) for seventh on the list.

“Jordyn is a winner,” said Robinson. “The kid is the player of the year.”

She certainly showed up at Corbett to win on Thursday. Dorsey scored 12 first-quarter points to help A&T grab a 27-11 lead after the first quarter. That lead increased to 20 in the second quarter, 31-11, when Dorsey intercepted a Jana Sallman pass and found freshman Rachel Griffin on the break for a layup with 8:44 remaining in the first half.

The Tribe outscored NCAT 10-2 over the next 3 1/2 minutes to cut the Aggies’ advantage to 33-21. William & Mary would get to within 11, 37-26, on a Natalie Fox free throw but never got any closer in the first half. Two Griffin free throws in the waning seconds of the first half gave the Aggies a 41-27 halftime lead.     

“They’re a good team,” said Robinson. “They’re well-coached. They’re playing for something – seeding. I knew they would play a lot harder. I knew they would scout us a lot better than when we were back at their place.

It wasn’t a surprise. Everybody makes runs in this league; it’s just how you respond to it. I thought we did a good job of responding, especially with this (Dorsey) young lady on the court.”

A&T maintained a double-digit lead throughout the second half. Two Dorsey free throws pushed the lead to 67-46 with 5:49 remaining in the game. A Chaniya Clark putback and a layup from Dorsey followed those two free throws.

Graduate guard Ajia James put the exclamation point on an incredible night for A&T women’s basketball with a 3-pointer to give A&T a 74-46 lead with 3:15 to play. A&T went 23-for-28 (.821) from the free throw line led by Dorsey’s 9-for-9 showing. 

“Aggies know how to win,” said Robinson, a graduate of NCAT. “It ain’t always pretty, but it gets the results. The young women who come in and stay committed to that get to experience being a championship before their four years are up.”

The A&T Department of Athletics has two CAA titles in the last week after the men’s indoor track and field program won the athletics department’s first-ever CAA championship.

Bracone, who is in her fifth year as a collegiate player, experienced her first championship on Thursday. It came on a night where she scored 13 points to leapfrog past 1,500 career points after spending her first two seasons at Presbyterian College.

Almost two weeks ago at UNCW, she became the 17th Aggie to surpass 1,000 points exclusively in an Aggies uniform.

“She is a talented player with a die-hard mentality,” said Robinson about Bracone.

Monet Dance came off the bench to score 16 points for the Tribe, who dropped to 11-17 overall and 8-9 in league play.

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From HBCU Commitment to Collegiate Stardom

In November 2020, Duncan Powell, a 6’8″ forward from DeSoto, Texas, made headlines by committing to North Carolina A&T State University (NC A&T), choosing the HBCU over other prominent programs. Rated as a four-star recruit by ESPN, Powell’s decision was seen as a significant boost for NC A&T and highlighted the potential of HBCUs to attract top-tier talent.

During his tenure at NC A&T, Powell faced challenges, including injuries that limited his playtime. Despite these setbacks, he showcased his resilience and talent. Powell played in 30 games, starting four of them. He averaged 8.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, with a field goal percentage of 42%. Notably, in the season’s final five games, Powell’s performance peaked as he averaged 16.0 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, including double-doubles against Hampton (16 points, 15 rebounds) and Towson (18 points, 10 rebounds). His contributions earned him a spot on the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) All-Rookie team.

His commitment to the team and the broader HBCU community was a major part of his choosing to play at an HBCU, and his journey was chronicled in the HBCU Gameday Original documentary titled “Mid-Major,” which provided an intimate look into his experiences and aspirations.

Transitioning to New Horizons

After his stint at NC A&T, Powell sought new opportunities to further his basketball career. He transferred to Sacramento State for the 2023-2024 season. Powell played in 29 games, starting 23 of them. He led the team with an average of 12.1 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Powell shot 49% from the field and 69% from the free-throw line. He also contributed 2.0 assists per game, averaging 26.5 minutes on the court. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to injury, causing him to miss the final five games. His performance caught the attention of Georgia Tech, leading to his transfer to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) team in June 2024.

Dominating the ACC and National Recognition

Powell’s impact at Georgia Tech has been profound. In a recent week of ACC play, he delivered standout performances that solidified his reputation as a formidable player. He averaged 24.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, leading the Yellow Jackets to victories over Pittsburgh and NC State. Notably, Powell set a career-high with 26 points against Pittsburgh, including six three-pointers and two rare four-point plays—a feat achieved only 23 times in Division I this season. He followed this with a double-double, recording 23 points and 10 rebounds in a commanding win over NC State.

These stellar performances earned him the Lute Olson National Player of the Week award, a testament to his hard work and dedication. The award, named after the legendary coach Lute Olson, recognizes outstanding players in Division I basketball, and Powell’s achievement highlights his significant contributions to the sport.

Reflecting on the HBCU Influence

Powell’s journey from NC A&T to national prominence underscores HBCUs’ vital role in developing athletic talent. His initial commitment to an HBCU set the foundation for his growth, resilience, and success. As more top recruits consider HBCUs, Powell’s story serves as an inspiring example of the opportunities and platforms these institutions provide.

In conclusion, Duncan Powell’s recent accolades are not just personal triumphs but also a celebration of the enduring legacy and potential of HBCUs in shaping athletes who excel at the highest levels.

Duncan Powell’s Journey: From HBCU Commitment to ACC Stardom

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Early Career at North Carolina A&T

Tuten began his collegiate career at North Carolina A&T, an esteemed Historically Black College and University (HBCU). As a freshman in 2021, he showcased his versatility by rushing for 215 yards and three touchdowns on 37 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He also contributed as a receiver, recording 10 receptions for 230 yards and a touchdown, and as a return specialist, leading the Aggies in kickoff return yards with 330 yards on 18 returns.

His sophomore year in 2022 marked a significant leap, as he amassed 1,363 rushing yards on 208 carries and scored 13 touchdowns. Tuten’s dynamic performances earned him recognition within the Big South Conference and underscored the competitive talent within HBCU football.

Transition to Virginia Tech

Tuten transferred to Virginia Tech in 2023, seeking to compete at a higher level. In his first season with the Hokies, he started all 13 games and rushed for 863 yards and 10 touchdowns on 173 carries.

He continued his upward trajectory in 2024, recording 1,159 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 183 carries, averaging an impressive 6.3 yards per carry. Tuten finished 4th in the ACC in rushing yards and tied for 2nd in touchdowns, including a game in which he set a new school record at Virginia Tech for most yards in a game by rushing for 266 yards against Boston College.

NFL Combine Performance

At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Tuten delivered a remarkable performance that caught the attention of scouts and analysts alike. He recorded the fastest 40-yard dash time among running backs, clocking in at 4.32 seconds, which is the fourth-fastest in combine history for his position. His 4.32 40-yard dash is also faster than Jahmyr Gibbs and Saquon Barkley, two of the top active running backs in the NFL.

Additionally, he led all running backs with a 40.5-inch vertical jump, showcasing his exceptional athleticism. NFL scouts were notably impressed by Tuten’s blend of speed and power. His 40-yard dash time demonstrated his breakaway speed and solidified his potential as a game-changing running back at the professional level. Analysts have suggested that his combine performance could elevate his draft stock, transforming him from a potential day-three pick to an early-round selection.

Some projections even link him to teams like the Los Angeles Chargers, who may seek to bolster their backfield with a player of Tuten’s caliber.

Bhayshul Tuten’s progression from a standout at an HBCU to a top performer at a Power Five school, culminating in an exceptional NFL Combine showing, exemplifies his dedication and talent. His journey reflects the rich legacy of HBCU football in nurturing NFL-caliber players and underscores the diverse pathways athletes can take to professional success. As the NFL Draft approaches, Tuten’s unique blend of experience, athleticism, and performance positions him as a compelling prospect for teams seeking a dynamic running back.

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High School Achievements

During his tenure at T.W. Andrews High School, Cartwright showcased exceptional talent as a running back. In his senior year, he amassed 2,650 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns on 233 carries, averaging an impressive 11.3 yards per carry. His outstanding performance was pivotal in leading the Red Raiders to the state 2-AA championship, where he earned MVP honors. Additionally, Cartwright was selected for the NC/SC Shrine Bowl Game of the Carolinas and was honored as Mr. 2AA Football by NCPREPS.

HBCU Football Success at NC A&T

Cartwright continued his football career at NCAT, where he played under the guidance of running backs coach Shawn Gibbs. Following the departure of standout player Tarik Cohen after the 2016 season, Cartwright stepped into the leading role. Over the 2017 and 2018 seasons, he accumulated 2,149 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, earning first-team All-MEAC honors twice and being named the 2017 Celebration Bowl Offensive MVP.

Relationship with Coach Shawn Gibbs

Shawn Gibbs, who served as the running backs coach during Cartwright’s tenure at NCAT, was instrumental in his development. Gibbs, who returned to NCAT as the head football coach in December 2024, has a history of mentoring successful running backs, including Cartwright. Reflecting on his coaching journey, Gibbs stated, “When (Tarik) Cohen needed to be replaced after the 2016 season, [we] prepared Marquell Cartwright for the job.”

With both Gibbs and Cartwright returning to coach in the area, Cartwright said that he will lean on his former RB coach for mentorship. “I’m super excited that Coach Gibbs is back at A&T. I feel like our relationship will still be the same. We always had a great relationship, and being able to call him or pull up on him if I need any pointers, I know he will give them to me. Heck, he was my position coach, so I already know a little something about something.” Cartwright joked with HBCU Gameday.

Return to T.W. Andrews High School

Now, as an offensive analyst at T.W. Andrews High School, Cartwright brings a wealth of experience and knowledge back to the program where his career began. “I’ve always wanted to go back and help out however I can,” Cartwright said about his return to the Andrews football program, “it ain’t no better place to get my first experience at than the place where it all started for me.”

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EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. – Hall of Fame sportswriter Rob Parker is bringing the Black Sportswriters Hall of Fame to the HBCU campus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT). The inaugural class will honor three of the nation’s most respected Black sportswriters in a special induction ceremony, supported by NCAT student chapters of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the Associated Press Sports Editors. 

This public event will take place Saturday, April 12, at 6 p.m. in the Deese Ballroom at the Student Center, 1403 John W. Mitchell Drive. 

Inductees include William C. Rhoden, columnist for ESPN’s Andscape, former New York Times sports columnist and NABJ Hall of Fame member; Claire Smith, the first woman in the writers’ wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame, known for her work at The Hartford Courant, The New York Times and The Philadelphia Inquirer; and Mike Wilbon, a former columnist for The Washington Post and co-host of ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption.  

“We have had so many great Black sportswriters and editors who have contributed to this business big time and should be recognized,” said Parker. “The best thing is that the students at North Carolina A&T will get a chance to meet these living legends and be inspired by their journalism excellence.” 

Parker, a 2023 NABJ Hall of Fame inductee, developed the idea for the Hall of Fame after delivering a baseball writing masterclass at the Greensboro, NC HBCU in the spring of 2023. Impressed by the students and the journalism program, he reached out to Department of Journalism and Mass Communications (JOMC) lecturer David Squires for assistance in making the idea a reality. 

“This Hall of Fame will give long-deserved recognition to those who paved the way in the exploding sports media industry,” said Squires. “This will be an enriching experience for the students who participate.” 

In addition to honoring the three inductees at the HBCU, the ceremony will also honor “The Original Six” pioneer sportswriters and editors – Bryan Burwell, Thom Greer, Sam Lacy, Wendell Smith, Larry Whiteside, and Ralph Wiley – in memoriam.  

“The Original Six made a lasting impact on the industry and will be honored for their contributions,” said Parker. 

The Hall of Fame will be housed in JOMC’s Crosby Hall. 

“The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication welcomes this exciting initiative that will recognize the outstanding contributions of Black sportswriters and editors annually at N.C. A&T State University,” said Yahya R. Kamalipour, Ph.D., interim department chair. 

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COLUMBIA, SC – Senior North Carolina A&T (NCAT) indoor track and field women’s hurdler/sprinter Lucheyona Weaver headlined the day at the University of South Carolina’s Gamecock Challenge on Saturday by beating Olympian Gabbi Cunningham in the 60-meter hurdle final at the Carolina Indoor Track and Field Complex. In addition to Weaver’s outstanding showing, the A&T men’s and women’s HBCU indoor track and field teams found a sea of success with numerous top-three finishes.

Weaver went toe-to-toe with Cunningham, who appeared in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games for the 100H. Weaver fell behind Cunnigham in the preliminaries as she crossed in 8.36 to qualify second, but in the finals, she overtook the Nike-sponsored athlete by posting an 8.16 to Cunninham’s 8.31.

The two-time Coastal Athletic Association 60H champion has six career 60H wins, including two this season. Weaver is ranked No. 12 nationally in the women’s 60H.  

On the men’s side, junior Thomas Smith IV (7.95), sophomore Isaiah Taylor (7.97), and junior Jason Holmes (8.20), respectively, qualified first, second, and fifth in the 60H. Later in the day, Holmes and Smith IV battled it out in the finals, finishing milliseconds apart.

Both marked a 7.8 on the official’s sheet, but Holmes (7.772) placed first and Smith IV (7.777) took second while claiming a new personal record. Taylor finished sixth in 8.37.

Senior Spirit Morgan made her second appearance and took her second win as an Aggie, conquering the women’s high jump in 5 feet, 8 inches.

Another HBCU track and field newcomer, sophomore Dyimond Walker, made his Aggie debut Aggie in the men’s 600 meters. Walker is a transfer from New Mexico Junior College, and in his first Division I race, he managed to finish second in 1:19.76.

The other top runs of the day came from senior Fajr Kelly (2:07.76), who placed second in the women’s 800m, and sophomore Serenity Brazell (56.62) who placed second in the women’s 400m.

Taking some more top spots in the women’s field events included graduate student My’Khiyah Williams (5 feet, 6 inches) claiming second in the high jump; junior Olivia Dowd (38 feet, 5 ½ inches) finding third in the triple jump; and graduate student Julieth Nwosu (48 feet, 4 ¾ inches) and junior Taylor Reagor (44 feet, 6 ¾ inches) took second and third in the shot put.

Freshman TyHeak Buie placed second in the men’s triple jump at 51 feet, 2 ¼ inches. Buies previous personal record was 49 feet, 3 ¾ inches from the Corky Classic at Texas Tech University last month.

Next week, the HBCU track teams at North Carolina A&T will be headed north to Lynchburg, Va., for Liberty University’s Liberty Opener. The teams will compete February 7-8 at the Liberty Indoor Track Complex.

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Landon Glasper was second on the team in scoring to Ryan Forrest, who was also suspended last week. He averaged 18.5 points per game on 33.2 percent shooting after being named a unanimous preseason first-team All-CAA selection. He scored 29 points three times this season, most recently against Stony Brook.

The Fayetteville, AR native led North Carolina A&T in scoring during his first season at the HBCU during the 2023-2024 season as he averaged just under 21 points and shot just under 40 percent after joining the squad in Ross’ first season. Glasper hit the transfer portal following the season, but elected to return to the HBCU squad.

In 45 games with the program, Glasper averaged 19.8 points per game and 1.4 steals.

NCAT is currently 4-20 and on a 10 game losing streak. 

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Signees from Fort Valley:

Timothy Alderman
6-3, 215, Linebacker
Fort Valley, Ga./Peach County/Austin Peay

Alderman spent four seasons at Fort Valley State University under Shawn Gibbs (2020-23), appearing in 27 games at the defensive end position. He spent last season at Austin Peay. He played only four games at Austin Peay in 2024, but during his three years at FVSU, he made 107 tackles, 38 for loss for a total of 152 tackle yards lost. He also had 17 sacks during his time at FVSU. He earned first-team All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) in 2022.

Kamari Blankumsee
5-10, 175, Defensive Back
Quitman, Ga./Brooks County/Fort Valley State

In two seasons and 20 games played at Fort Valley State University, Blankumsee made 62 tackles with six for loss. Blankumsee also intercepted five passes, including four during the 2023 season. He also finished his career at FVSU with 11 passes defended. As a freshman, he earned second-team All-SIAC in 2023.

Andrew Dorsey
6-3, 300, Offensive Lineman
Atlanta, Ga./Langston Hughes HS/Fort Valley State

Dorsey has two years of eligibility after transferring to A&T from FVSU. After last season, Dorsey earned a spot on the Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association (D2CCA) Football All-South Region team after blocking for the SIAC’s leading rusher. In addition, he and his offensive line teammates gave up the fewest sacks in the SIAC. He also earned first-team All-SIAC honors as a sophomore in 2024.

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Sportsbook accounts bet on games including the two HBCU programs as well as Eastern Michigan this season.

Officials at North Carolina A&T and Mississippi Valley State did not respond to ESPN’s requests for comment regarding the betting case. 

North Carolina A&T recently announced the suspensions of three players for a violation of team rules, including its leading scorer.

North Carolina A&T athletic director Earl Hilton told ESPN in an email that the recent suspension of three basketball players was for a violation “of well-established team rules” but declined further comment, citing privacy laws.

“The NCAA takes sports betting very seriously and is committed to the protection of student-athlete well-being and the integrity of competition,” the NCAA said in a statement to ESPN and other media outlets. “The Association works with integrity monitoring services, state regulators and other stakeholders to conduct appropriate due diligence whenever suspicious reports are received. Due to confidentiality rules put in place by NCAA member schools, the NCAA will not comment on current or potential investigations.”

The CAA HBCU basketball program’s January 9th game against CAA opponent Delaware was one game that multiple Sportsbook sources pointed out. The point spread on the first half moved from Delaware -2 to -3.5. The point spread on the full game closed at -4.5. First-half lines typically are equal to or around 50 percent of the full-game point spread. NC A&T lost the game 98-88. 

No other HBCUs were mentioned in the ESPN sports betting report.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hampton University men’s basketball team earned its 11th win of the season defeating its HBCU rival Howard University Bison 80-79 in overtime.

Coach Ivan Thomas’s side held one of the best three-point shooting teams in the nation to 24 percent shooting. The Pirates would also have the advantage on glass out-rebounding the Bison 35-28. While Hampton led by double digits in the second half, the contest went to overtime. A four-point play with less than 10 seconds to go helped the Pirates take the lead late. 

Wayne Bristol Jr. got the Pirates on the board with a driving layup. While Hampton struggled from the field early on, the HBCU rivalry remained within a couple of possessions. Heading into the first media timeout the game was tied 4-4.

Hampton continued to struggle from the field only shooting 18 percent from the field before the under 12 media timeout. The Bison jumped out to a seven-point lead after hitting a three. However, Howard struggled from beyond the arc going 1-for-7 from three in the first half. The Pirate’s defense continued to cause problems for Howard. 

Towards the end of the first frame, Hampton’s offense started to find its rhythm. George Beale Jr. could not miss from beyond the arc making four three-pointers. Beale Jr. finished the half with 14 points. With the junior guard making back-to-back threes, Hampton had the lead 32-27. Before the buzzer, Howard made it a one-possession contest. While the Pirates had time for one more opportunity but missed the shot.

Coming out of the half Hampton continued to hold onto the lead. While Beale Jr. finished the game with a career-high 28 points, Noah Farrakhan also helped the Pirates on the offensive end. Farrakhan finished the second frame in double figures with 10 points. With Hampton shooting 50 percent in the second half Coach Thomas’s side jumped out to their largest lead of the night at the 8:10 mark.

The Pirates sustained its double-digit advantage even heading out of the final media time-out. Howard produced a 13-2 to the game 67-67 with less than a minute remaining. With Hampton missing a jumper at the buzzer, the HBCU rivalry went to overtime. 

During overtime, Howard University jumped out to a five-point lead. Blake Harper scored nine of the Bison 10 points down the stretch. Hampton was able to eliminate Howard’s advantage with a six-point swing in less than 22 seconds. A pair of free throws by Tyler Rice made it a one-possession game. Wayne Bristol Jr. hit a shot from beyond the arc making it  79-79. Bristol Jr. was fouled during the shot leaving an opportunity for the Pirates to take the advantage. The Upper Marlboro, Md. native, made the free throw. Xzaiver Long came up with a defensive end to secure the victory for Hampton.

The Hampton University Pirates resume conference play against Monmouth on Thursday, Feb. 6. Tip-off at the OceanFirst Bank Center is set for 7:00 p.m.

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GREENSBORO – North Carolina A&T head men’s basketball coach Monté Ross announced the suspension of three players on Thursday. Sophomore guards Ryan Forrest and Julius Reese, and junior guard Landon Glasper have been suspended indefinitely for violating team rules.

“Landon is a tremendous young player that is growing up right before our eyes,” said NC A&T head coach Monte Ross during Glasper’s standout first season as an Aggie. “He has an uncanny ability to score the ball but wants to improve in all areas of his game.”

North Carolina A&T men’s basketball sits last in the Coastal Athletic Conference (CAA) with a 0-9 record in conference play. Forrest and Glasper are not only the leading scorers on the Aggies hoops team but are ranked second and third in the conference as well, with Ryan Forrest averaging 19.1 points per game and Landon Glasper scoring 18.5 points per game.

The HBCU hoops duo combined for 57 points against Stony Brook in the last game before the suspension. In a game between the only two teams without a CAA win, Stony Brook beat North Carolina A&T 89-74. Glasper led the way for the Aggies with 29 points on 10-for-24 shooting while Forrest dropped 28 points, going 10 of 13 from the free-throw line.

North Carolina A&T will have to look for its first conference win without its top two scorers, as the Aggies have nine games left in the regular season, including a home matchup on January 30th against UNCW that will be the team’s first without Forrest and Glasper.

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This move opens the door for significant financial changes in college athletics and could reshape how HBCUs in the CAA support their student-athletes.

By opting in, CAA schools will now be able to provide direct financial payments to athletes beyond traditional scholarships. This includes revenue-sharing opportunities and institutional facilitation of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. For HBCUs like A&T and Hampton, this presents a chance to offer more competitive financial incentives to athletes, potentially helping with recruitment and retention in an evolving collegiate sports landscape.

However, this decision also comes with financial obligations. The NCAA is reducing revenue distributions to Division I schools over the next decade to fund the $2.8 billion settlement, with 60% of the burden falling on conferences like the CAA. For HBCUs that already navigate financial disparities compared to larger athletic programs, this could add new challenges.

Additionally, opting in means that North Carolina A&T and Hampton must comply with new roster limits that replace traditional scholarship caps. While this change offers more flexibility in scholarship distribution, it could impact team sizes and roster management strategies.

Title IX compliance is another key factor, as HBCUs must ensure that financial benefits for athletes are equitable across men’s and women’s sports.

For North Carolina A&T and Hampton, this decision signals a shift in how HBCU athletics operate within the CAA. While new opportunities for athlete compensation are now on the table, financial sustainability and equity will be critical factors moving forward.

Late last year, SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland explained that the house settlement will impact every school in the conference and would create some challenges. 

“The SWAC conference’s contribution to that [settlement] is $30 million. Southern University’s portion of that is $3 million, so some of the revenue is going away. There’s going to be some challenging times from a financial standpoint.”

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – All season long, freshman Victorya White has been the headliner and the compass pointing toward a bright North Carolina A&T future in collegiate bowling. On Saturday, during the second day of the Prairie View A&M University Invitational at the International Training and Research Center (ITRC), A&T freshman Jasmine Hall gave reason to believe the HBCU bowling program is in good hands in years to come.

Hall knocked down 1,168 total pins on Saturday during traditional play for a five-game average of 233.60 to place third overall as an individual. Meanwhile, the Aggies, the 10th-ranked team in the nation according to the National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA) Coaches’ Poll, finished 5-0 for the second consecutive day.

The Aggies had a total pinfall of 5,520 on Saturday. Through 10 games at the PVAMU Invite, the Aggies have totaled 10,745 pins for an average of 214.9 in five games.

Preseason Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) bowler of the year, Maya Avilez placed fifth on Saturday with a 1,160 total pinfall and an average of 232.0. It puts her and Hall in a position to earn all-tournament honors.

White, a four-time winner of MEAC weekly awards, had her typical weekend. White bowled four games, but they were all magnificent, posting 247, 236, 257, and 243 in the games she bowled. White did have the second-highest average of any player at the tournament, with four or more games bowled (245.75).  

Junior Julianna Sams stepped in during the first matchup against Texas Southern, where she bowled a 203 pinfall in a 1,098-840. The other four Aggies who bowled against Texas Southern also went over a 200 pinfall, led Avilez’s 237. Hall added a 230, followed by senior Laura Garcia. Senior Chloe Newberry completed the domination with a 201.

A day after defeating top-ranked Vanderbilt and third-ranked Nebraska, the HBCU got a chance to face defending NCAA national champion Jacksonville State, the second-ranked team in the nation. White stepped in with her 247, and Avilez added a 221. Hall contributed with a 214, and Garcia posted a 210 total pinfall.

Garcia finished the day with a 1,055 total pinfall, averaging 211.0 over five games.

Fifth-ranked Arkansas State would face the HBCU squad next but could not slow down the Aggies rhythm. Hall flirted with a perfect game as she posted a 289 total pinfall to lead the Aggies to a 1,141-1,066 win over the Red Wolves. White’s 236 contributed to the win, along with Avilez’s 225. A&T’s matchup against fourth-ranked Youngstown State gave the Aggies a chance to beat the top five teams in the country in one weekend of action, and that’s what they did.

North Carolina A&T defeated the Penguins 1,155-1,067. White led the way with a 257, and not far behind was Avilez’s 254 in the monster win. Hall and Garcia bowled 223s. A&T closed out the day with a 1,060-976 win over Duquesne as White led the way with a 243. Avilez had a 223 total pinfall, followed by Hall’s 212.

Aggie bowling will enter bracket play on Sunday in best-of-seven Baker matches.

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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel has announced the first three members of his 2025 coaching staff with the hiring of Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator, Terrell Williams as defensive coordinator, and the return of Jeremy Springer as special teams coordinator. Terrell Williams was the Defensive line coach in HBCU football before becoming an NFL coach. He was the defensive line coach for North Carolina A&T from 1999-2001 where he tutored Lions Executive Vice President and General Manager Brad Holmes, then a defensive tackle for the Aggies.

About Terrell Williams

Williams joins Mike Vrabel’s staff as the New England Patriots defensive coordinator after spending six seasons on his staff in Tennessee. Williams has 27 years of coaching experience. His NFL coaching career started in 2012 as the defensive line coach with the Oakland Raiders (2012-14). He then spent three seasons (2015-17) as the defensive line coach for the Miami Dolphins before Vrabel hired him to be his defensive line coach in 2018. After five seasons as the defensive line coach for the Titans, Vrabel promoted him to assistant head coach/defensive line coach in 2023. Last year, Williams was the run game coordinator/defensive line coach for the Detroit Lions (2024).

Williams coaching career began in 1998 at Fort Scott Community College (1998). His collegiate coaching career included stops at North Carolina A&T (1999-01), Led by 11th-year head coach Bill Hayes, the Aggies compiled an overall record of 11–2 with a mark of 8–0 in conference play, winning the MEAC title in 1999, the third HBCU national title for the Aggies.Youngstown State (2002-03), Akron (2004-05), Purdue (2006-09) and Texas A&M (2010-11) before joining the Raiders in 2012.

From 2018-23, Williams contributed to defensive units that ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing yards allowed during that span. In 2022, Williams helped the Titans finish first in the NFL in rushing defense with an average of 76.9 rushing yards allowed per game.

A native of Los Angeles, California, Williams played college football as a nose guard at East Carolina and helped them earn a Liberty Bowl victory over Stanford in 1995.

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Joining NC A&T will be another former NC Central assistant in Courtney Coard. Coard, who served as defensive coordinator at NCCU for the past three seasons, will be coming back to East Greensboro to serve as defensive line coach as well as assistant head coach.

And perhaps the biggest bombshell dropped by Gibbs was that Sam Washington — who was fired as head coach by NC A&T back in 2022 — will be on his staff as a consultant. Gibbs said he is confident in his staff, but having the architect of many of the great HBCU defenses of the past is something he thinks will only help. 

“But just to add another mind, to it, and maybe we can look at it from an outside perspective and, and let us know — ‘hey, have you thought about this? Or you might want to tweak that… Just having another perspective on it is going to do nothing but make us better because we want to play good defensive around here first and foremost,” Gibbs said.

“So to have one of the best ever do it to be able to pick up the phone and call him and ask him what he thinks is an invaluable resource.”

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“I can’t fault the passion, the effort these guys play with every single night,” North Carolina A&T coach Monté Ross said after the 74-73 loss to their HBCU rivals in front of a season-high crowd of 4,218 at Corbett Sports Center. “It’s a joy to coach them every day. Every night, they just lay it out there on the line. If we keep doing that, we’ll get the Ws that we so desperately desire.”

“The stakes of just trying to get a W in the CAA right now,” Ross said. “We’ve come close. We’ve battled, rumbled. We’ve just got to keep that same type of mentality. We’ll break through.” “That’s what I tell our guys: We signed up for 40 (minutes),” Ross said. “So we’re going to play until that buzzer goes (off). Once that tip-off, we’re committed to 40 minutes.”

“I’d like to thank the fans, the students specifically,” Ross said. “That was a truly raucous crowd. I’m just sorry we couldn’t pull through.” “Sometimes it’s hard to go next-man-up when there’s no man there,” Ross said. “We’ve run into some bad luck here with injuries, but I won’t allow these guys to make any excuses.” “We’ve asked guys to step up, especially our guards, and to rebound the basketball,” Ross said. “Seventeen rebounds is just outstanding. It’s a testament to his work ethic and trying to help us wherever he can.”

NOTES: The Aggies are one of four teams nationally, with two players averaging more than 18 points per game, with Forrest at 19.2 and Glasper at 18.3. … A&T has the best number in the CAA regarding ball security, with 9.8 turnovers per game. The Aggies had nine on Monday night, though Hampton had just four. A&T has one nationally-televised game remaining when the Aggies face Campbell in Buies Creek on Monday, February 10 on CBS Sports Network at 8 p.m.   

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The money is thanks to a provision in the North Carolina General Assembly. The UNC system estimates that university athletic departments will receive at least $2 million this year. WUNC reached out to the 13 universities receiving money to find out how it was being used and six schools answered the inquiry, including a pair of HBCUs.

North Carolina A&T —  the state and nation’s largest HBCU — has a budget that ranges for $15 to $17 million. 

“Within the last few years, we have allocated funds toward extra trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, nutritionists, and mental health experts to work with our student-athletes,” NC A&T AD Earl Hilton said in the statement. “In the future, we hope to add personnel to enhance our productivity and improve the student-athlete experience.”

Similar use of the sports betting money is being made down the road at Winston-Salem State as it is adding improvements to its basketball venue and locker rooms as well as tennis courts and its fueling station. 

“Being able to spend the resources to upgrade facilities and give (athletes) those opportunities for improved facilities — those that they see across town or those that they see at other campuses — is really important,” Thomas said. “You want to have the best facilities you can have, and not just those that you patchwork together.”

As a Division II school, WSSU has a much more modest budget of about $3.5 million. Even at the smaller level, it has a ways to go to become competitive financially on a national scale.

“To be a powerhouse in Division II — not just in the state, not just in our conference — you’re looking at about a $7 million budget,” Thomas said. “So, you’re talking about $3 million, $3.5 million annually in sports betting.”

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GREENSBORO, N.C. – Hampton University men’s basketball team defeated the North Carolina A&T Aggies 74-73 in an HBCU basketball thriller on MLK day. Prior to tonight’s victory, the Pirates had not won inside Corbett Sports Center in nine years. While HU had only attempted eight free throws, Coach Ivan Thomas’s side was able to close out the contest at the charity stripe. 

Both teams struggled to score early on in the contest. North Carolina A&T jumped out to an early lead scoring the contest’s first four points. Trevor Smith got the Pirates offense going with a jumper from beyond the arc. Hampton tied up the contest 6-6 with Wayne Bristol Jr. hitting a three. At the 11:03 mark, the Aggies jumped out to its largest lead of the night 15-6.

Noah Farrakhan provided the Pirates with a spark off the bench. The Newark, N.J. native, scored nine points before the under-eight media timeout. Farrakhan’s contribution helped Hampton go on a 17-2 run to earn their first double-digit advantage in the CAA’s HBCU rivalry. While Coach Ivan Thomas’s squad found its rhythm on the offensive end, North Carolina A&T struggled from the field. Toward the end of the first half, the Aggies went 1-for-10 from the field. With N.C. A&T’s Camian Shell made a pair of free throws, HU entered the half up 39-29.

Coming out of the first frame the Pirates had success scoring inside the paint. Tyler Rice and Richard Goods propelled HU to 22 points in the paint in the second half. With the dunk by Goods, Hampton held onto their largest lead of the night. 47-31. 

While North Carolina A&T would battle back to make it a six-point contest before the 10-minute mark, the Pirates jumped back out to a double-digit advantage. After George Beale Jr. scored back-to-back jump shots from outside the paint, HU’s offense started to come to a halt. As the Pirates could not make shots, the Aggies went 10-for-12 from the field before the final media timeout. 

With North Carolina A&T starting to make shots the Aggies cut Hampton’s lead down to five. The Aggies would eventually tie the contest 73-73 with only 18 seconds remaining. The Pirates were able to find an open Xzaiver Long with less than three seconds remaining. Long drew a foul sending him to the line with 2.4 seconds left on the clock. The Washington, D.C. native made the game-winning free throw. Hampton had a strategic miss from the charity stripe to secure the 74-73 victory over North Carolina A&T in the MLK Day HBCU hoops showdown.

Farrakhan led the Pirates in scoring with 17 points and tallied six assists along with three steals. Beale Jr. would be Hampton’s lone starter to finish the contest in double-figures with 13 points. The Pirates return to action on Thursday. Hampton University will face the Tribe of William and Mary at Kaplan Arena. Tip-off is slated for 5:00 p.m. and will be on CBS Sports Network. 

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LUBBOCK, Texas – The HBCU men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams from North Carolina A&T saw a school record fall on Day One of the 2025 Corky Classic at Texas Tech University’s Sports Performance Center.

Junior Jason Holmes has officially won all three of his 60-meter hurdles finals this season and now holds the North Carolina A&T 60H program record. Nine months earlier, Holmes broke the record at the HBCU in the 110H at Penn Relays by running a 13.43.

Championing the final at the Corky Classic, Holmes marked a personal best of 7.54 to topple the old Aggies record of 7.55, held by Leonard Mustari from the Tiger Paw Invite at Clemson University on Feb. 12, 2022.

On Tuesday, Holmes was honored as the Coastal Athletic Conference (CAA) men’s track athlete of the week – making it the second time he received the award this season after competing in only two previous meets. His recent run currently ranks him as the No. 2 runner in the country, behind Johnny Brackins (7.49) from the University of California (rankings are updated after weekend competitions are completed).

Joining Holmes in the hurdles, sophomore Isaiah Taylor crossed second in Heat 1 of the semifinals and finished with a personal record of 7.74. He placed fifth overall after posting a 7.75 in the finals.

On the women’s side, senior Lucheyona Weaver also saw a good day in the 60H. In the semis, she placed first in the second heat while running a personal-record 8.11. In the finals, she finished fifth in 8.14. After moving to No. 9 on the NCAA Div I list this past week, her new PR could bump her back up to No. 5.

Senior Fajr Kelly took home a second-place title for the women in the 800m, coming in just behind Texas Christian University’s Tabitha Ngao, with a time of 2:09.8. And sophomore Serenity Brazell placed sixth in 2:15.16.

While competing in the 800m for the men, junior Dawson Grogan ran a personal-record 1:53.23 to shave one second off his indoor record of 1:54.3, and freshman Elijah Thomas followed up with a run of 1:54.35.

On Day Two of the Corky Classic, the Aggies will compete in 200m and several field events at the Texas Tech Sports Performance Center.

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GREENSBORO – North Carolina A&T (NCAT) head coach Shawn Gibbs announced his coaching staff on Monday, with his offensive and defensive coordinators being familiar names and faces to the Aggies.

NCAT graduate Denzel Jones returns to Aggieland as Gibbs’ defensive coordinator. Former Howard quarterback Greg McGhee will serve as A&T’s offensive coordinator.

Gibbs will bring several coaches from previous NCAT staffs, including offensive line coach Ron Mattes, wide receivers Nate Poole, running backs coach Keith Henry, outside linebackers coach Terry Lantz, tight ends coach Stephen Barnette, and assistant linebackers coach Alex Purviance.

Defensive backs coach Tony McRae, one of the best defensive and special teams players in the football program’s history, is another familiar face and name on the staff. Defensive line coach OC Williams II rounds out the coaching staff. In addition, Gibbs announced Theric Holt as his director of football operations.

“I’m excited about the staff we have assembled here,” said Gibbs. “We have several guys who have ties to A&T and have accomplished many things as players and coaches in the HBCU world and in the pros as players.”

Jones played football at A&T from 2012-2105, earning defensive MVP honors at the inaugural Celebration Bowl in 2015. After spending three seasons as Gibbs’ defensive coordinator at Division II Fort Valley State University (FVSU), he returns to his alma mater.  

Over the previous two seasons, FVSU had the No. 1 rush defense in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). Last season, the Wildcats had the nation’s best rush defense and total defense. Before coaching under Gibbs at FVSU, he served as A&T’s inside linebackers coach from 2018-2022 under Sam Washington.

In addition to his defensive coordinator duties, Jones will also serve as the Aggies linebackers coach.

Some Aggies will certainly remember McGhee from his playing days as Howard University’s starting quarterback. McGhee is one of the best offensive players in Howard’s history and, without question, one of the best offensive talents the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) has produced thus far in the 21st century.

McGhee won MEAC offensive player of the year in 2013 and 2014, sharing the honor with Aggies legend Tarik Cohen in 2014. He has spent the previous two seasons at Howard serving as the program’s quarterback coach and passing game coordinator. He coached quarterbacks at West Liberty University from 2020-22, earning a promotion to offensive coordinator in 2022.

He was a four-year starter at Howard from 2011-14, earning MEAC Rookie of the Year in 2011. He still ranks as the school’s and the MEAC’s all-time leader in total yards and completions. After his collegiate career, he played professionally for the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Arena Football League. In 2024, he was inducted into the Howard University Hall of Fame.

In addition to his offensive coordinator duties, McGhee will coach quarterbacks.

Mattes will return for his 10th season as the Aggies offensive line coach. At North Carolina A&T, he coached some of the best offensive linemen in program history, including current Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Brandon Parker. He also coached 2018 MEAC offensive lineman of the year Micah Shaw, 2019 MEAC offensive lineman of the year Marcus Pettiford and 2020 preseason All-American Dacquari Wilson. In 2022, all five A&T starting offensive linemen earned an All-Big South Conference accolade.

Poole has coached wide receivers at NCAT since 2020 and has developed some talented receivers including Zachary Leslie, an All-Big South selection, Taymon Cooke, who received an NFL tryout, and Ger-Cari Caldwell, who led the Aggies in receiving yards and receptions last season.

Keith Henry, who has coached safeties the past two seasons, will coach the A&T running backs in 2025.

Terry Lantz is another familiar name to the NCAT coaching staff, becoming an assistant coach under Rod Broadway at A&T in 2017 before serving in the same capacity under Washington from 2018-22. Over the previous two seasons, he served as the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Averett.

Barnette spent one season as the tight ends coach under former NCAT head coach Vincent Brown in 2024. Meanwhile, Purviance spent two seasons under Brown and will return with the A&T football program in 2025.

McRae is a former NFL talent, who was a three-year starter for the Aggies at cornerback and earned significant playing time all four seasons in an Aggies uniform (2012-15). He was also an excellent return specialist. In 2013, he helped the Aggies upset Appalachian State 24-21 with a 91-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. He returned three other kicks for touchdowns in his career.

McRae spent the previous three seasons as the cornerbacks coach at N.C. Central University (NCCU), where he helped the Eagles win the 2022 Celebration Bowl and earn a spot in the 2023 NCAA Division I-FCS playoffs.

Williams and Holt will make the trip north with Gibbs from FVSU. He coached defensive linemen and was the assistant head coach at FVSU from 2022-24, helping Jones and the Wildcat defense become the No. 1 total defense and rush defense in Division II in 2024.

Holt coached wide receivers and tight ends at FVSU from 2022-24, where he coached Division II and HBCU All-American Dejuan Bell and All-SIAC tight end Gentry Sparks.

The Aggies open the season on Saturday, August 30, at Tennessee State.

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Hooker transferred to Ragsdale after starting his career at Dudley High School, where Hendon Hooker had been a star. He threw for 2,400 yards and 31 touchdowns while completing 60 percent of his passes as a senior at Ragsdale and rushed for 518 yards and four touchdowns on 88 carries as a senior. 

He committed to the school in 2020 under former head coach Sam Washington.

NC A&T didn’t play in 2020 due to the pandemic, and Hooker redshirted in 2021.  He got the chance to make his first career start in 2022 against Charleston Southern, he hrew for 40 yards on 4-for-13 passing and rushed for 47. The 2023 season saw him get limited action again under new head coach Vincent Brown Sr. as all of his passing statistics came in a game against Campbell. He competed 11 of 15 pass attempts for 159 yards and a touchdown in that game.

He decided to leave NC A&T after the 2023 season, joining FAMU which was coming off an HBCU national title. However, he would once again find playing time hard to come by. Hooker’s only stat in 2024 was a tackle, although he was still listed as a quarterback.

Hooker joins a North Carolina A&T program undergoing a change again as Shawn Gibbs has been hired to take over as head coach at the nation’s largest HBCU. There’s no guarantee how much he will play, but for now, the program does have a Hooker back in the fold. 

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Prunty is a 6’2, 180-pound cornerback from Portsmouth, VA. He was a three-star prospect according to 247 Sports, ranked the 30th best player from the state. Prunty transferred to North Carolina A&T from the University of Kansas in 2022 after earning All-Big 12 honorable mention accolades. He also earned 247 True Freshman All-American recognition before landing on the east side of Greensboro. He was named first-team All-Big South during his first year in Greensboro.

A third different conference recognized Prunty’s talents the following season when the CAA Football Conference named him a third-team all-conference selection. Prunty earned all-conference accolades for the fourth straight season in 2024 by making 27 tackles, one sack, one interception, four pass breakups, and a quarterback hurry. Twenty-three of Prunty’s tackles were solo.

Now Prunty will take his talents to the ACC just one season after North Carolina A&T kicked off its season against Wake Forest football. 

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Berkhalter started his career at North Carolina A&T, playing for the HBCU during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. He caught 35 passes for 486 yards and two scores in two seasons there before hitting the transfer portal.

The 6’4, 185 pound Cincinnati, OH native eventually landed on his hometown squad. He saw little playing time his first season at the FBS level, appearing in two games with no catches before redshirting. He saw his playing time increase the past season, catching 11 passes for 191 yards and one touchdown. 

He hit the portal following the season once again, and has committed to the ACC team program.

Reginald “RJ” Vick Jr. is a 6’3, 185 yard receiver from Wendell, NC. He spent the last three years at Virginia Union University, a Division II HBCU in the CIAA. He didn’t play in 2022, and caught just nine passes as a redshirt freshman in 2023 before exploding in 2024. 

Vick caught 48 passes for 1,164 yards — an average of 24.25 yards per catch — for 12 touchdowns. He helped VUU win back-to-back CIAA titles and advance to the NCAA Division II national quarterfinals. 

Now both of these players who started their careers as gems for HBCUs — one in Division II and one in the FCS — will head to Winston-Salem to try to help Wake Forest climb out of the ACC basement.

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EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. – The National Park Service has designated the F.W. Woolworth Co. Building, where the four teenage HBCU freshmen from the North Carolina A&T State University staged a sit-in that buoyed the Civil Rights Movement, a National Historic Landmark.

On Feb. 1, 1960, Jibreel Khazan (formerly Ezell Blair Jr.), Joseph McNeil, the late Franklin McCain Sr., and the late David Richmond seated themselves at Woolworth’s whites-only lunch counter in downtown Greensboro. Students from Bennett College, Dudley High School, and the University of North Carolina-Greensboro joined the HBCU students in their peaceful protest, which others replicated across the country to stand up against racial inequality until Woolworths guaranteed equal access to all of its lunch counters.

The sit-ins led by the HBCU students who would become known as the “A&T Four” provided strong momentum for the inclusion of public accommodations as a protected category in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Public accommodations are businesses and venues open to the public, such as movie theaters, sports arenas, and, yes, lunch counters.

“Their sit-in inspired thousands of people to demand equal treatment in shops, restaurants, and other public places,” the National Park Service noted. “It also opened new opportunities for Black youth to take on leadership roles in the Civil Rights Movement.”

According to the National Historic Landmark executive summary on the site, “The lunch counter sit-ins by the four students reinvigorated the modern civil rights movement by shifting strategy toward nonviolent direct-action protests such as sit-ins as a way to supplement voter registration drives and boycotts.

“(They) introduced a new youthful leadership in the civil rights movement that led to the formation of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, which challenged older leaders from the NAACP and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Over the next five years, Black youth often set the course of civil rights protests.

“The defiance of the A&T Four “characterized and inspired the aggressive insistence by young people of the 1960s that the United States fulfill its ideals of freedom and equality, inspiring protest movements by other oppressed groups such as women and Native Americans and sparking the student-led Free Speech movement and protests against the Vietnam War.”

Today, the former Woolworth’s – where a portion of the lunch counter has been preserved – has been restored to house the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, established and operated by Sit-In Movement Inc. since 2010.

The citizens who organized Sit-In Movement Inc. to save the building from demolition began inquiring about National Historic Landmark designation after Woolworth closed the lunch counter in 1993, but the effort stalled.

The sit-ins provided strong momentum for the inclusion of public accommodations as a protected category in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Public accommodations are businesses and venues open to the public, such as movie theaters, sports arenas, and, yes, lunch counters.

“Their sit-in inspired thousands of people to demand equal treatment in shops, restaurants, and other public places,” the National Park Service noted. “It also opened new opportunities for Black youth to take on leadership roles in the Civil Rights Movement.”

According to the National Historic Landmark executive summary on the site, “The lunch counter sit-ins by the four students reinvigorated the modern civil rights movement by shifting strategy toward nonviolent direct-action protests such as sit-ins as a way to supplement voter registration drives and boycotts.

“(They) introduced a new youthful leadership in the civil rights movement that led to the formation of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, which challenged older leaders from the NAACP and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Over the next five years, Black youth often set the course of civil rights protests.

“The defiance of the A&T Four “characterized and inspired the aggressive insistence by young people of the 1960s that the United States fulfill its ideals of freedom and equality, inspiring protest movements by other oppressed groups such as women and Native Americans and sparking the student-led Free Speech movement and protests against the Vietnam War.”

Today, the former Woolworth’s – where a portion of the lunch counter has been preserved – has been restored to house the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, established and operated by Sit-In Movement Inc. since 2010.

The citizens who organized Sit-In Movement Inc. to save the building from demolition began inquiring about National Historic Landmark designation after Woolworth’s closed the lunch counter in 1993, but the effort stalled.

In 2017, scholars and preservationists assisting the Georgia State University (GSU) World Heritage Initiative identified the Woolworths as a potential component of UNESCO World Heritage serial nomination for U.S. Civil Rights Movement Sites. Since World Heritage program requirements specify that a site must have achieved the highest federal designation possible, the Sit-In Movement Inc., in consultation with the GSU World Heritage Initiative, resumed the effort to seek National Historic Landmark designation for the site of the HBCU student’s sit-in.

The Woolworths was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 as part of the Downtown Greensboro Historic District.

North Carolina A&T will commemorate the 65^th anniversary of the A&T Four’s courageous act with a celebration, “Perseverance: The Power of an Ageless Evolution,” on Friday, Jan. 31. The event will begin at 7 a.m. with breakfast, guest speakers, and a program – including the awarding of the N.C. A&T Human Rights Medal that honors the A&T Four – in the Alumni-Foundation Event Center, followed by a wreath laying at the February One monument and high school engagement program at 10:30 a.m. in Harrison Auditorium on the campus of the Greensboro, NC HBCU.

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Harvey played both wide receiver and running back at Northside High School on the football squad and is a 6’2 guard for the basketball program.

North Carolina A&T football offered Harvey under previous head coach Vincent Brown Sr. and continued to recruit him as the program transitioned to new head coach Shawn Gibbs. NC A&T assistant Nathan Poole, a member of the staff under Sam Washington as well as Vincent Brown, has remained on as recruiting coordinator through the change. 

Harvey says he plans on walking on to the men’s basketball program at North Carolina A&T.

We asked him why he chose the HBCU and this is what he said:

“I know they haven’t had a winning record the past two Years and the fans haven’t been too happy and I wanted to bring back that winning mentality for them. The coaches told me I reminded them of their best player when they were watching my film and I could be a big time playmaker in their offense. The coaches seemed like they really wanted me there and coach  (Shawn) Gibbs told me he wouldn’t mind me playing basketball after the season is over and that was something that I’d like to do.”

Harvey says he plans to walk on to the basketball program.

One of the most recent two-way players in HBCU sports also competed at North Carolina A&T. Denzel Keys was a star wide receiver during the school’s football run under Rod Broadway and was also a solid contributor on the men’s basketball squad.

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Freeman brought energy and vision to Lincoln, transforming the program with his dynamic play. In 2022, Freeman was named CIAA Offensive Rookie of the Year, showcasing his potential as a rising star within HBCU football. He continued to refine his skills, delivering critical plays under pressure and setting the stage for an even more impactful 2023 season. In 2023, Freeman elevated his game to new heights, earning CIAA Offensive Player of the Year honors. He completed 139 of 274 passes for 2,319 yards and 25 touchdowns, adding 471 rushing yards and three scores on the ground. His standout games included a five-touchdown performance against Bluefield State and a three-touchdown, 278-yard effort against Winston-Salem. In 2024, despite a more challenging year, he contributed 990 passing yards and seven touchdowns while rushing for 211 yards and four scores. Transitioning from the CIAA to Division I represents a significant milestone, not just for Freeman but for the perception of HBCU talent emerging from smaller conferences. Now at Hampton, Freeman has the opportunity to shine on a larger stage and elevate the Pirates’ offense in the competitive Colonial Athletic Association.

Peters had an equally impactful career at Shaw, where his leadership and versatility made him a cornerstone of HBCU football success. Over 27 games, he passed for 3,052 yards and 30 touchdowns, complemented by 426 rushing yards and seven scores. In his 2024 season, Peters delivered 1,478 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 151 rushing yards with three scores. His ability to adapt to game situations made him invaluable, and his performances included critical moments like a six-touchdown showcase against Albany State in 2024. As he transitions to Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Peters brings with him the experience of leading a team through both highs and lows. His composure under pressure and ability to energize an offense make him a vital addition for a program looking to rebuild in the competitive SWAC.

The moves of Freeman and Peters underscore the growing opportunities created by the NCAA transfer portal. These transitions demonstrate how standout CIAA players from Division II can seamlessly step into Division I programs and make an immediate impact. For both Hampton and UAPB, the arrival of these quarterbacks signals hope and renewed energy, potentially turning the tide for their respective teams.

Freeman and Peters are entering new chapters with high expectations. Freeman’s dynamic style could be the difference-maker Hampton needs to contend in a tough conference, while Peters’ composed leadership may provide the consistency Arkansas-Pine Bluff has been seeking. Their journeys reflect the hard work, determination, and rising prominence of HBCU football, setting the stage for what could be defining moments in their careers.

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North Carolina A&T’s men’s basketball team played its best game of the season against longtime rival North Carolina Central University (NCCU), taking down the visitors from Durham with an 85-72 victory.

“You have to be careful as a coach the way you approach a game like this,” Aggies coach Monté Ross said about the historic HBCU rivalry. “Every game is important, but there is significance to rivalry games like this game. I didn’t want them to be out there and getting emotionally drunk, where they’re just flying on emotion. And then when that emotion subsides, it’s a basketball game to play.”

The win ended an eight-game losing streak for North Carolina A&T. The Aggies (4-10) head into the New Year ready for conference play in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA).

Ryan Forrest racked up 30 points, Landon Glasper poured in 25 points, and Nikolaos Chitikoudis hauled in a career-high 22 rebounds, becoming the first Aggie to snatch 20-plus boards in a single game since Bruce Jenkins did it on January 12, 2002, against Norfolk State.

Read the full game recap from NC A&T Athletics here.

Hampton (8-5) overcame a slow start on the CBS showcase before overpowering archrival Howard (5-8), 83-67, in the annual Battle of the Real HU before 4,213 fans at the Hampton Convocation Center. The victory stretched Hampton’s winning streak to five, its longest in five years.

Howard jumped to an 8-2 lead at the 12:35 mark as Hampton missed its first 11 shots from the field. The two teams combined to make just two of their first 20 shots from the field.

After misfiring on its first 11 shots, Hampton shot 11-for-19 (57.9 percent) from the field the rest of the half to lead 31-23 at intermission. Daniel Johnson came off the bench to score eight points to pace the Pirates. George Beale Jr. finished the half with six points on a pair of three-pointers. Howard’s Blake Harper led all scorers in the first half with 12 points.

Hampton outscored Howard 20-10 to start the second half to build a 51-33 lead. The lead grew to 22 with 6:01 left in the contest on a Wayne Bristol Jr three-pointer making the score 67-45. The Bison trimmed the lead to 77-65 in the game’s final minutes. But the Pirates were a perfect 10-10 from the free throw line in the final 2:08 to erase any hope of a comeback by Howard.

Hampton shot a sizzling 60.9 percent from the field in the second half while converting 17-of-20 free throws. Hampton canned 13 treys with seven players making a three-pointer in the contest. The Pirate bench chipped in 38 points in the win.  

Four players scored in double figures for the Pirates on the CBS showcase including Bristol (18), Noah Farakhan (17), Beale (13), and Kyrese Mullen (11). Howard’s Harper led all scorers with 30 points. Cameron Shockley-Okeke came off the bench to score 10 points for the Bison. Mullen also grabbed nine rebounds in the win.

Read the full game recap from Hampton Athletics here.

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“It’s funny because — we were talking about this — that they hadn’t played well together all year long,” NC A&T coach Monte Ross said after the game of Forest and Glasper’s performance. “To see them do it — and both of them do it in different fashions — it was really good, and it just shows, what we can do… what we can be as we move forward.”

Those numbers were eye-popping — but they weren’t the only ones that made you look twice.

North Carolina A&T sophomore forward Nikolaos Chitikoudis stuffed the stat sheet with a game-high 22 rebounds — eight of them on offense — to go along with eight points, four assists and four blocks. His coach beamed with pride as he discussed his play against the HBCU rival. 

“The selflessness that Chitikoudisis plays with is the key — will be the key for us as we move forward and to be able to win,” Ross said. We have guys that really like to score, and he’s just the glue and probably the most important guy that we have. Because he doesn’t care about scoring, he cares about winning. All he cares about is winning and what it takes and what it’s going to take for us to win and to. He had a performance like that off of, one day of practice because he was in concussion protocol.”

The win was a bit of the redemption for the Aggies, who were pummeled by their HBCU rivals from Durham during football season. Ross recalled a story of being in church shortly after the win and the pastor remarked that it was a great day to be an Eagle. 

“Somebody from the back of the church — and we’re in church now — somebody from the back of the church yelled ‘it ain’t going to happen when basketball rolls around. And I’m like, oh my gosh,’ Ross said with a look of incredulousness on his face. “Like so it’s serious. It’s a serious rivalry.”

On this day, it was North Carolina’s CAA HBCU getting a win over North Carolina’s MEAC team. 

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GREENSBORO – North Carolina A&T has a new head football coach and a new schedule. A&T’s 2025 schedule has been released, and newly minted head coach Shawn Gibbs will make his Division I-FCS head coaching debut on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn., against historic HBCU football rival Tennessee State.

Here is a breakdown of the remaining 2025 football schedule. No game times have been announced except for 1 p.m., Saturday, October 11, versus HBCU foe South Carolina State University (SCSU) in the Greatest Homecoming On Earth.

North Carolina A&T at Tennessee State
Date: August 30, 2025
Series: Tennessee State leads, 19-6-1

Breakdown: These two HBCU squads who play in non-HBCU conferences will meet for the first time since the Tennessee State Tigers defeated A&T 37-7 in the Circle City Classic in Indianapolis, Ind. The last time the two teams played in Nashville was November 27, 1999, when the Aggies defeated the Tigers 24-10 in the first round of the NCAA Division I-FCS playoffs.

The Tigers were the No. 1 team in the nation at the time, and the game still stands as A&T’s only playoff win.

North Carolina A&T at UCF
Date: September 6, 2025
Series: First meeting

Breakdown: A&T’s game against the University of Central Florida Knights will stand as the Aggies lone game against a Division I-FBS opponent. The Aggies had some success with FBS programs when he served as the Aggies running backs/special teams coordinator from 2011-21. During that span, the Aggies beat Kent State, Charlotte, and East Carolina.

Hampton at North Carolina A&T
Date: September 13, 2025
Series: Hampton leads, 29-18-2

Breakdown: The Aggies have struggled against the Hampton Pirates since leaving the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). The Aggies are 0-3 against the Pirates since both HBCU institutions left the MEAC, including one loss in a Big South Conference game and two in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) contests. Hampton defeated the Aggies 59-17 during the 2024 homecoming game, the most points ever scored in the series.

This season’s game will stand as A&T’s home and conference opener between the CAA’s only HBCU members.

N.C. Central University (NCCU) at North Carolina A&T
Date: September 20, 2025
Series: A&T leads, 54-37-5

Breakdown: Two head coaches might not know each other better than Shawn Gibbs and NCCU head coach Trei Oliver. The two were teammates at NCCU in the mid-90s. They were on the same staff at Grambling State from 2007-10 and the same staff at A&T from 2011-15. They will face one another for the first time as head coaches when the historic HBCU rivalry occurs at Truist Stadium on the east side of Greensboro. In the forefront leading to the game that week will undoubtedly be NCCU’s 66-24 win over A&T in 2024.

North Carolina A&T at Maine
Date: September 27, 2025
Series: First Meeting

Breakdown: These two schools have absolutely zero history together. It will, without doubt, be the Aggies’ farthest trip north in the more than 100 years of the program’s history. After playing the Black Bears on the 27th, there will still be three teams the Aggies have yet to play in the CAA – Stony Brook, UAlbany, and New Hampshire. They have played Monmouth and Bryant, but not as CAA opponents. They played both of those opponents in Big South Conference games. They will take Stony Brook off that list later in the season.

North Carolina A&T at William & Mary
Date: October 4, 2025
Series: William & Mary leads, 1-0

Breakdown: The Tidewater area is way more familiar to the Aggies than Maine, without question. Even though A&T has spent plenty of time in the area playing the likes of Norfolk State and Hampton, they have never traveled to Williamsburg, Va., to play at William & Mary’s Zable Stadium. In the first-ever meeting between the two teams during the 2024 season, William & Mary ran for 213 yards in a 45-7 win at Truist Stadium.

S.C. State University (SCSU at North Carolina A&T
Date: October 11, 2025
Series: SCSU leads, 32-24-2

Breakdown: The SCSU Bulldogs emphatically ended a seven-game losing streak to the Aggies with a 45-25 win at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium last season. In 2025, the Bulldogs will visit the Greatest Homecoming On Earth. Two former A&T football assistants will match wits when reigning MEAC coach of the year Chennis Berry faces first-year Aggies head coach Shawn Gibbs. Berry served as an assistant in Aggieland from 2003-05 and 2009-10. The Bulldogs will come in as the defending MEAC champions. The Aggies will try to end a three-game homecoming game losing streak.

Campbell at North Carolina A&T
Date: October 25, 2025
Series: Campbell leads, 2-1

Breakdown: The schedule gods gave the Aggies a week away from competition after homecoming. Plus, it will allow fans and alums to regroup before playing consecutive home games. The Fighting Camels will make their third trip to Truist Stadium in four years. The last time Shawn Gibbs saw the Camels was part of an epic comeback during homecoming in which the Aggies overcame an 18-point first-half deficit to win 45-38. Campbell has won the last two meetings over the Aggies, including last season’s 21-7 win at Barker-Lane Stadium in Buies Creek, N.C. Gibbs will be the third different A&T head coach to have faced the Camels in the series.

Towson at North Carolina A&T
Date: November 1, 2025   
Series: Towson leads, 2-0

Breakdown: A&T has not succeeded much against the Tigers since joining the CAA. In their two meetings, the Tigers have scored 73 points and compiled 949 yards of offense. The last time Towson came to A&T, they defeated the Aggies 42-32 during the 2022 Homecoming Game. The Aggies have never led against the Tigers in their two previous meetings. Like against other CAA teams, the Aggies will look for a better result against Towson this season.

North Carolina A&T at Stony Brook
Date: November 8, 2025
Series: First meeting

Breakdown: A&T will get their first shot at the Stony Brook Seawolves, leaving the Aggies with only two CAA opponents they have yet to face – New Hampshire and UAlbany. The Seawolves made one of the best turnarounds in Division I-FCS last season, going 8-4 and falling just short of making the NCAA playoffs. Stony Brook went a combined 2-19 in 2022 and 2023, including 0-10 in 2023 before its dramatic turnaround. That should give hope to the Aggie fans looking for a positive step in the right direction during the 2025 season.

Monmouth at North Carolina A&T
Date: November 15, 2025
Series: Monmouth leads, 1-0

Breakdown: Monmouth returns to the schedule and Truist Stadium in 2024. The last time the Aggies faced the Hawks was during the 2021 A&T Homecoming Game, and it counted as a Big South Conference game as Monmouth drove away from the east side of Greensboro with a 35-16 win. In 2025, the two schools will face each other as CAA schools for the first time. Monmouth went 6-6 last season but ended the season on a two-game winning streak against two nationally-ranked teams – Villanova and Stony Brook.

North Carolina A&T at Elon
Date: November 22, 2025
Series: A&T leads, 8-6

Breakdown: The Aggies will end the regular season against Elon for the second straight season. The Aggies are 0-2 against the Phoenix since joining their Piedmont brethren in the CAA. Elon is another team that ended the 2024 season on an impressive winning streak. The Phoenix won its final four games a year ago, including a 31-13 win at Truist Stadium against A&T in each team’s season finale. The series could get fun and become a rivalry if both Piedmont teams are playing for something like a playoff berth or a championship at the season’s end.

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HAMPTON, Va. – The NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions has approved a Negotiated Resolution Agreement with Virginia-based HBCU Hampton University following a collaborative investigation into academic certification errors. Rather than engage in an adversarial process, Hampton and the NCAA enforcement staff worked together to resolve the matter, resulting in strengthened support for the university’s academic certification process.

“From the moment these violations were discovered, Hampton took this investigation seriously,” said Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams. “I am proud of how we cooperated with the NCAA and reached a collaborative agreement. Hampton University will continue to operate with the highest ethical standards and absolute integrity.”

The investigation determined that some HBCU student-athletes competed while academically ineligible due to unintentional errors in the academic certification process. These errors occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of significant staffing turnover in key leadership positions responsible for academic certification. Once new leadership was in place and operations stabilized, Hampton promptly identified the infractions and took immediate steps to address them.

To prevent similar issues in the future, Hampton has invested in additional positions to strengthen its academic certification process and implemented comprehensive best practices to ensure continued compliance.

“Hampton University has instituted a robust certification model to ensure compliance moving forward,” said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Anthony D. Henderson, Sr. “I am also pleased that our student-athletes and programs will continue to compete at the highest level, as no postseason bans, scholarship losses, or recruiting restrictions were imposed.”

This resolution highlights Hampton University’s proactive response, commitment to compliance, and dedication to maintaining its student-athlete’s academic and athletic success.

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Here are five key takeaways from the event:

1. A Return to Championship Pedigree

Gibbs emphasized his excitement about returning to an HBCU powerhouse that has already demonstrated the ability to dominate on a national stage. “This is home,” he declared, reflecting on his time as a key assistant during A&T’s Celebration Bowl dynasty. Gibbs’ tenure as running backs coach and offensive coordinator from 2011-2017 helped secure four MEAC titles and three Celebration Bowl victories. Now, he plans to build on that legacy with an emphasis on discipline, player development, and a commitment to Aggie excellence.

2. Acknowledging the Role of HBCUs in His Success

Throughout the press conference, Gibbs highlighted how his experiences at HBCUs shaped him as both a coach and a leader. He expressed gratitude to the institutions and mentors who invested in him, particularly during his formative years at North Carolina Central and North Carolina A&T. He recognized coaches like Bill Hayes — who gave him his first college coaching job — and Rod Broadway — whom he worked as an assistant under for nearly a dozen years at NCCU, Grambling State and NC A&T.

3. Appreciation for Tiffani-Dawn Sykes

In a moment of genuine reflection, Gibbs recognized former Florida A&M athletic director Tiffani-Dawn Sykes, who attended the ceremony.

“She was the AD at FAMU and she offered me a job and things didn’t work out,” Gibbs said of events that took place earlier this year. “But like I told her before this started ‘look at God.’  It wasn’t in the plans right there. Now look at look at God. Thank you so much, Tiffani.”

4. Resources matter, but they won’t determine success 

Gibbs was asked by an North Carolina A&T alumnus about the fact that the program was at the bottom of the Coastal Athletic Association in terms of football budget. He said he wasn’t concerned about it. 

“It’s definitely something that we have to work on to improve — But I’m a product with black colleges,” Gibbs said. “My entire career since 1993, I’ve been in nothing but black colleges, and we’ve always had to find a way to be great with less. Now we’re going to work to get everything that we need. We’re not going to make any excuses because we have way more than a lot of people have said. We’re going to do the most with what we have. And the thing that I know that we can get is players like those guys over there, and that’s what it’s about.

5. Uniting job and purpose  

Gibbs spoke of the task of building young men as he re-builds a program. For him, that means making the oft-used term “Aggie Pride” more than a slogan. 

“Aggie Pride is what’s going to help these guys graduate. Aggie Pride is what’s going to help these guys become great fathers, great husbands and leaders in that community. Aggie Pride is what’s going to help make those guys become great football players. And Aggie Pride is going to teach them to walk like, talk like, and act like a champion and everything that they do. That is my purpose. My job is to win football games.”

Shawn Gibbs’ return marks a pivotal chapter for North Carolina A&T football. His remarks underscored not just his passion for the game, but also his deep connection to the values that make HBCUs a vital part of the sports landscape. With Gibbs at the helm, Aggie fans have much to look forward to in 2025 and beyond.

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 Following a year-long process initiated by the Ivy League’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the Ivy League Council of Presidents has approved a proposal to participate in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs beginning next season.
 
“The Ivy League prides itself on a storied tradition of impact, influence and competitive success throughout the history of college football. We now look ahead to a new chapter of success and to further enhancing the student-athlete experience with our participation in the NCAA FCS playoffs,” said Ivy League Executive Director Robin Harris. “I want to commend the students on our SAAC for their thoughtful and thorough proposal as well as their commitment to the league’s legislative process.”

The Ivy League champion will now receive an automatic bid to the playoffs which will restructure the math slightly. The 24-team field will shift from 10 to 11 automatic bids (league champions) and drop the at-large bids from 14 to 13 to make up the 24-team field. In its release, the league said that it “will develop tiebreakers to determine how its automatic qualifier will be awarded when there are co-champions in the future.”

That leaves the MEAC and the SWAC as the only two FCS conferences without an automatic bid, but that’s because the two leagues participate in the Celebration Bowl. The foundational argument for the Celebration Bowl is that it provides a better payout and more national exposure for the participating schools.

The SWAC and MEAC get a guaranteed $2.4 million payout, with $1.2 million apiece going to the SWAC and MEAC to disperse to its teams. Conversely, teams must bid money to host a FCS first round game. The Celebration Bowl is televised nationally each year on ABC from the Mercedes-Benz stadium in Atlanta.

The MEAC and SWAC are eligible for at large bids if a team isn’t playing in the SWAC Championship game or already qualified for the Celebration Bowl. Grambling and Southern would never receive invites because the Bayou Classic is played on the same weekend as the beginning of the FCS playoffs. Alabama State’s Turkey Day Classic on Thanksgiving would preclude it from any playoff invites as well.

FAMU was the last team from the SWAC to qualify for the FCS playoffs. They lost to Southeastern Louisiana 38-14 in 2021 after ending the regular season 9-2 but finishing second in the SWAC East to Jackson State.

Tennessee State (OVC) along with Hampton and North Carolina A&T (CAA) are eligible for automatic qualifiers and at-large bids from their respective conferences. TSU was the last HBCU team to make the FCS playoffs, qualifying this season as an at-large team. The Tigers lost in the first round to Montana 41-27. Prior to that TSU’s last FCS Playoff appearance came in 2013, when they defeated Butler 31-0 in the opening round before falling to Eastern Illinois 51-10 in the second round.

The Ivy League has banned teams from the postseason for decades dating back to a 1945 agreement that banned athletic scholarships for football players.

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HAMPTON, Va. – Hampton University has unveiled the 2025 Pirate football schedule. The slate includes six contests at Armstrong Stadium and six road games. Highlights of the schedule include a season-opening HBCU football matchup at 2024 Celebration Bowl champion Jackson State, the traditional Battle of the Real HU against Howard, and the annual Battle of the Bay contest against Norfolk State.

Hampton will open the 2025 campaign on the road at Jackson State on Aug. 30. It’s the first of Hampton’s four non-conference games, all versus HBCU competition. A week later, the Pirates have a home date with Elizabeth City State on Sept. 6. On Sept. 20 Hampton will play Howard in Washington, D.C. in the annual Battle of the Real HU. It will mark the 100th game in the rivalry that began in 1908. The Pirates host longtime rival Norfolk State on Oct. 4 in the Battle of the Bay to complete the non-league schedule.

Coach Trenton Boykin’s team will play at North Carolina A&T on Sept. 13 to open Coastal Athletic Association play. Following the game with Howard, Hampton travels to Elon on Sept. 27. On Oct. 11 Campbell will play at Armstrong Stadium before the Pirates take to the road for a game at Villanova on Oct. 18. Hampton will host Monmouth (Oct. 25), Maine (Nov. 8), and William & Mary (Nov. 15) before ending the season on the road at Rhode Island (Nov. 22).  

Hampton will celebrate its HBCU Homecoming on Oct. 25 against Monmouth. Homecoming has been an annual event at Hampton since 1928. The Pirates have a 57-36-3 record in Homecoming games.

2025 Hampton University Football Schedule
Times TBA

* – at Washington, D.C.
^ – Homecoming 
To purchase Hampton football tickets, go to hamptonpirates.com/tickets

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GREENSBORO – Shawn Gibbs will return to Aggieland. Only this time, he returns as the 23rd head football coach in North Carolina A&T State University (NCAT) football program history. A&T Director of Athletics Earl M. Hilton III announced Gibbs’ hiring on Friday. Gibbs, 49, replaces Vincent Brown, who spent two seasons at A&T. An introductory press conference for Gibbs is scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, at 11:30 a.m. in the Deese Ballroom inside the campus Student Center at the Greensboro, NC HBCU.
 
 A native of Black Mountain, N.C., Gibbs spent 11 seasons at NCAT as the football program’s running backs and special teams coach under head coaches Rod Broadway (2011-17) and Sam Washington (2018-2021) before taking his first career head coaching position at Division II HBCU Fort Valley State University (FVSU) on February 10, 2022.
 
Gibbs posted a 22-9 record in three seasons with the Wildcats. In 2023, he led the Wildcats to the Florida Beach Bowl in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where Fort Valley State earned a 23-10 win over Johnson C. Smith. During Gibbs’ tenure there, FVSU went 17-6 in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) play.
 
 “I want to welcome back Coach Gibbs to North Carolina A&T State University,” said Hilton. “We are excited for his return. A&T fans certainly have fond memories of the outstanding job he did coaching some of the best players in our school’s history while also maintaining a high level of respect from those same players. Shawn’s coaching history is very impressive.
 
“It is obvious he finds a way to get the best out of his players. Coach Gibbs understands the challenge ahead and has great enthusiasm and passion for North Carolina A&T. I know he can’t wait to get started.”
 
During Gibbs’ time as an assistant coach, the program earned a national reputation as Running Back U. The Aggies won Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championships in 2014, 2015, and 2017-19 with Gibbs as a key member of the HBCU championship-winning coaching staff. He also served as the position coach to one of the most historic players in program history, running back Tarik Cohen.

 
Cohen became the MEAC’s all-time leading rusher, MEAC Rookie of the Year, and a three-time MEAC Offensive Player of the Year. In addition, Cohen was drafted in the fourth round by the Chicago Bears in 2017 and eventually became an NFL All-Pro. Cohen is the only player in MEAC history to win Offensive Player of the Year three times.
 
Shawn Gibbs also coached 2011 MEAC offensive player of the year Mike Mayhew, two-time first-team all-conference back and 2017 Celebration Bowl offensive MVP Marquell Cartwright, and Jah-Maine Martin, who owns the program record for single-season touchdowns (23).
 
The list of return specialists under Gibbs’ tutelage is also impressive. It includes such names as NCAA record-breaking punt returner Kris Gardin, former NFL standout Tony McRae, and record-breaking kickoff returner and Celebration Bowl hero Malik Wilson.  
 
“It is a dream come true for me to accept the position as head football coach at North Carolina A&T State University,” Gibbs said. “My family and I are thrilled to return home to Greensboro, a community with such a special place in our hearts.
 
“Thank you to Chancellor James R. Martin II, Director of Athletics Earl Hilton, and the Board of Trustees for the opportunity to lead this prestigious and historic university’s football program. It is an opportunity I do not take for granted and a challenge I eagerly accept.”
 
FVSU had back-to-back eight-win seasons in 2022 and 2023, marking the first time in 24 years that has occurred in the HBCU program’s history. Gibbs brings with him 20 years of coaching experience. Before his time at NCAT he served 2007-10 as Grambling State University’s running backs coach under Broadway. Gibbs also served as running back coach at his alma mater, North Carolina Central University (NCCU), under Broadway from 2003-06. During his time there, NCCU won consecutive CIAA titles (2005-06).
 
Shawn Gibbs has a B.S. degree in behavioral and social sciences from NCCU.

 
He attended Owens High School and left it in 1992 as its all-time leading rusher (4,655 yards). As a standout back at NCCU (1993-97), he rushed for 1,687 career yards and averaged 5.1 yards per carry. Gibbs tied the school record for longest rushing touchdown from scrimmage in 1996 when he went 89 yards against Fayetteville State.

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GREENSBORO – North Carolina A&T State University’s (NCAT) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is thrilled to announce the extension of its partnership with Sinclair Broadcasting to broadcast select men’s and women’s basketball games from Corbett Sports Center. NCAT is the largest HBCU in the nation.

The partnership allows Aggie fans to enjoy the games from the comfort of their homes or local venues, offering more access to live basketball action and furthering the reach of A&T Athletics within the Piedmont Triad region. During football season, the Aggies partnered with Sinclair, airing all five of A&T’s home games on WMYV My48.

Sinclair aired four of those games live. The ratings competed or were comparable to other shows and sporting events in the time slot. Four men’s and five women’s HBCU basketball games will air on the station this season, starting with the Gate City rivalry between the A&T and UNC Greensboro men’s basketball teams.

Fans can also see the games at https://www.my48.tv/, on cable channel 15, HD 1215, and over-the-air channel 48. Sinclair’s reach expands as far north as Patrick County (Va.) and south to Montgomery County (N.C.).

The Sinclair Broadcasting footprint extends as far west as Wilkes County (N.C.) and east to Alamance County (N.C.). The Aggies still maintain their agreement with FloSports through the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA).

NCAT will host Gate City Division I rival UNC Greensboro on Saturday, December 7 at 2 p.m. from Corbett Sports Center.

Men’s Basketball Schedule:

• Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. – A&T vs. UNCG
• Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at 2 p.m. – A&T vs. Drexel
• Saturday, Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. – A&T vs. Charleston
• Saturday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. – A&T vs. Stony Brook

Women’s Basketball Schedule:

• Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. – A&T vs. Norfolk State
• Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, at 2 p.m. – A&T vs. Stony Brook
• Sunday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. – A&T vs. Campbell
• Sunday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. – A&T vs. Delaware
• Saturday, March 8 at 2 p.m. – A&T vs. UNCW

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Alabama State also shines among the top five FCS attendance teams, ranking fifth with an impressive average attendance of 18,868. The Hornets’ strong showing highlights the deep pride and commitment of their supporters, further solidifying their reputation as a premier HBCU program.

Within the top 10, two more HBCU schools make a significant impact. Southern University ranks seventh, averaging 18,463 fans per game, while Florida A&M secures the ninth spot with 17,043 attendees. Both schools are celebrated for their rich traditions and dedicated alumni networks, which contribute to their success and vibrant game-day atmospheres.

Beyond the top 10, HBCU programs continue to demonstrate their influence in college football. Norfolk State (average attendance: 14,544), South Carolina State (13,962), North Carolina A&T (13,265), Alcorn State (11,408), and Grambling State (11,334) all rank within the top 20 in attendance. This ranking further showcases the depth and passion of HBCU fandom. These programs consistently draw loyal supporters, fostering strong community ties and preserving long-standing traditions.

The impact of HBCU programs in the FCS is undeniable. Teams like Jackson State, Southern, and Florida A&M lead in attendance. They also represent the heart and soul of college traditions. These schools and their devoted fanbases ensure that HBCU football remains a cornerstone of the sport’s identity. From pre-game tailgates to halftime performances, HBCU fandom is more than just numbers. It’s a celebration of community, culture, and excellence. This spirit continues to captivate audiences across the nation.

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“Thank you for the opportunity to serve the young men in the A&T football program. I have nothing but the highest hopes for their success,” Brown tweeted. “Not the results on the field that anyone expected, but my faith in how we went about our work and how we were building it is rock solid.

Shortly thereafter, North Carolina A&T released a statement from Earl Hilton III on Brown’s departure.

This tweet comes one day after HBCU Gameday posted a story regarding a push from alumni and boosters to unseat him as the program’s head coach after back-to-back one-win seasons. 

Vincent Brown was appointed as the head football coach at North Carolina A&T State University on January 6, 2023. He succeeded Sam Washington, becoming the 22nd head coach in the program’s history. He signed a five-year deal with a base salary of $365k per year.

In his inaugural season in 2023, Brown led the Aggies through their first year in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). The team concluded the season with a 1–10 overall record and an 0–8 mark in conference play. Its lone win came against fellow HBCU and former MEAC rival Norfolk State. 

The 2024 season saw North Carolina A&T striving for improvement under Brown’s leadership. They secured a notable victory against Winston-Salem State University, winning 27–20 in overtime before a sellout crowd of 21,500. This game marked Brown’s first home win and was a significant morale booster for the team. 

However, that excitement was short-lived as the program continued to stumble. Those stumbles included humbling losses including a trio of HBCU football programs: a 66-24 blowout by archrival North Carolina Central, a 45-25 thumping by South Carolina State and a humbling 59–17 homecoming loss to Hampton University, which intensified scrutiny of the program’s direction. Ultimately, the team came up with an even worse record of 1-11 during Brown’s second season. 

Despite these setbacks, Coach Brown remained optimistic, emphasizing the importance of progress and development within the team. He expressed confidence in his coaching staff and the players’ commitment to improvement. Earl Hilton, the North Carolina A&T AD, expressed his confidence in Brown as the losses mounted. However, others in East Greensboro felt otherwise and began pushing for Shawn Gibbs, according to HBCU Gameday sources. 

HBCU Gameday will update the story as necessary.

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HBCU Gameday has reached out to North Carolina A&T as well as Gibbs, but received no response. Representatives for Gibbs’ agency declined to comment.

Vincent Brown’s short-lived tenure

Vincent Brown was appointed as the head football coach at North Carolina A&T State University on January 6, 2023. He succeeded Sam Washington, becoming the 22nd head coach in the program’s history. He signed a five-year deal with a base salary of $365k per year.

In his inaugural season in 2023, Brown led the Aggies through their first year in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). The team concluded the season with a 1–10 overall record and an 0–8 mark in conference play. Its lone win came against fellow HBCU and former MEAC rival Norfolk State. 

The 2024 season saw North Carolina A&T striving for improvement under Brown’s leadership. They secured a notable victory against Winston-Salem State University, winning 27–20 in overtime before a sellout crowd of 21,500. This game marked Brown’s first home win and was a significant morale booster for the team. 

However, that excitement was short-lived as the program continued to stumble. Those stumbles included humbling losses including a 66-24 blowout by archrival North Carolina Central, a 45-25 thumping by South Carolina State and a humbling 59–17 homecoming loss to Hampton University, which intensified scrutiny of the program’s direction. Ultimately, the team came up with an even worse record of 1-11 during Brown’s second season. 

Despite these setbacks, Coach Brown remained optimistic, emphasizing the importance of progress and development within the team. He expressed confidence in his coaching staff and the players’ commitment to improvement. Earl Hilton, the North Carolina A&T AD, expressed his confidence in Brown as the losses mounted. However, others in East Greensboro felt otherwise and began pushing for Gibbs. 

North Carolina A&T would be a homecoming for Gibbs

Gibbs has gone 23-9 at Fort Valley State, a Division II HBCU in the SIAC, since being hired as it head coach prior to the 2022 season. However, he is no stranger to North Carolina A&T. The North Carolina Central product spent a decade helping A&T become the premiere HBCU football program of the second half of the 2010s. Serving as running backs coach under both Sam Washington and Rod Broadway, he helped the program establish a running game that was one of the best in FCS football. His prized pupil was Tarik Cohen, who starred at NCAT before getting drafted into the NFL and eventually becoming a pro bowler.

Ironically, Gibbs nearly took over at Florida A&M following the 2023 season. He was recommended as the candidate to replace Willie Simmons following his departure in January, but that never came to fruition due to internal pressures in Tallahassee. 

HBCU Gameday will update as necessary.

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ATHENS, Ga. – Tyra Kennedy’s running jumper in the lane beat the overtime buzzer as the HBCU women’s basketball team at Hampton University rallied from a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat SEC opponent Georgia 76-74 in overtime on Sunday afternoon.

The win for Hampton (2-4) snaps a four-game losing streak and is the first win over a Power Four opponent since defeating Alabama of the SEC 64-61 on November 9, 2019, at Alabama.

“I tried to get them to play the game in four-minute blocks and they did a good job at that. I told them Georgia was going to make a run, and they did, hats off to them,” said Hampton Head Coach Tamisha Augustin. “We wanted to give them a lot of different looks and some of which had not been scouted just yet. Some things I just drew up in the dirt and they said, ‘We got it’ and went with it. It made a huge difference in what their approach was in the game today.”

Hampton forced overtime outscoring Georgia (5-4) 22-8 in the fourth quarter and tied the game at 70 on an Amyah Reaves 3-pointer from the corner with 4.9 seconds left. The Bulldogs could not pull a shot at the end and the HBCU vs SEC game went into overtime.

“That’s the biggest shot of her career,” said Augustin. “Sometimes it takes some time for that confidence, and she let it fly at the right time.”

In the overtime, Jenae Dublin put her HBCU on top with a foul line jumper at the 3:36 mark 72-70. Roxane Makolo put the Bulldogs back on top with a driving layup at 3:12 and a free throw 20 seconds later to lead 73-72 with 2:52 on the clock.

Amiya Evans pushed the lead to 74-72 for Georgia with a free throw with 52 seconds, but Dublin answered with a layup off a Le’Asia Foreman feed to even the game with 32 seconds on the clock.

Asia Avinger missed a jumper that was snared by Foreman with five seconds left. Foreman found Kennedy on a breakaway and her jumper from inside the lane beat the buzzer.

“Tyra heard my voice, she’s been really good about that,” said Augustin. “That band was yelling, it was loud, and my voice was getting drowned out. She heard me saying let it fly. I told them, ‘Make or miss I am going to ride with you, but if you hear me, let it fly.”’

Georgia scored the first points of the fourth quarter to take their largest lead of the game at 64-48 on a jumper by Asia Avinger 23 seconds into the frame. The HBCU squad methodically worked their way back into the contest and trailed 67-66 with 99 seconds left after Jasha Clinton went 1-for-2 from the line.

Fatima Diakhate put Georgia up 69-66 on a layup with 54 seconds left and Avinger went 1-of-2 from the line with 29 seconds remaining to lead 70-66. Clinton was 1-for-2 from the line, but Hampton forced an offensive foul from Amiya Evans with 23 seconds for one last chance.

Kennedy missed a 3-pointer with 12 seconds, but Foreman gathered the rebound. She fed Kennedy who found Reaves in the corner and the senior drained the triple to force OT at 70. Hampton was led by Clinton with season-highs of 20 points and five steals, while Dublin added 15 points and a team-best six rebounds. Reaves rounded out the double-figure crew with 12 points and four assists.

As a team, Hampton hit a season-best 29-of-60 from the floor (48.3%), 7-of-15 from the 3-point line (46.7%), and was 11-of-14 from the foul line (78.6%). The HBCU by the Bay forced the SEC squad into a season-high 32 turnovers and converted those into 32 points. The bench outscored Georgia’s bench 28-23.

“They were due for this game. They really had buy-in, and they are starting to understand how hard and detailed you have to be at getting things done,” Augustin said. “Forcing 32 turnovers is a great defensive effort. We knew they were going to hurt us on the boards, and we had some big shots from different players. We were all connected as a unit today and I am glad they are able to experience this feeling.”

The Hampton Lady Pirates are now off until December 12 when they host East Carolina at 11 a.m.

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Division I Top 15 Bands for November

1. North Carolina A&T University – 322 points  

2. Florida A&M University – 307 points  

3. Tennessee State University – 302 points  

4. Norfolk State University – 301 points  

5. Bethune Cookman University – 291.5 points  

6. Southern University – 280 points  

7. Texas Southern University – 278.3 points  

8. Jackson State University – 276 points  

9. Alabama State University – 267 points  

10. Prairie View A&M University – 262.5 points  

11. Alabama A&M University – 258.5 points  

12. South Carolina State University – 257.6 points  

13. Grambling State University – 257 points  

14. North Carolina Central University – 255.5 points  

15. Alcorn State University – 248.5 points  

North Carolina A&T remains dominant, consistently ranking in the top positions for Drum Majors, Percussion, and Drill and Design. Florida A&M University holds a solid second place, with their musicality shining through as they lead that category. Tennessee State University climbs into the top three, thanks to strong showings in both Percussion and Drum Majors, while Norfolk State University continues to impress in multiple categories, holding fourth place.

Category Leaders for November

– Drum Majors: North Carolina A&T leads, followed by Prairie View A&M and Tennessee State.  

– Percussion: A&T also takes first in this category, with Norfolk State and Tennessee State rounding out the top three.  

– Musicality: Florida A&M holds the top spot, showcasing their renowned precision and soul.  

– Drill and Design: A&T continues its dominance, with Jackson State and Southern University in second and third, respectively.  

– Auxiliaries: North Carolina A&T also shines here, proving their versatility and excellence across all aspects of performance.

The Road to Atlanta

The ESPN HBCU Band of the Year competition is nearing its final stages, and the top two Division I bands will earn the chance to compete for the ultimate title in Atlanta on December 13, 2024, as part of the Cricket Celebration Bowl weekend. The final cumulative rankings, set to be released on December 2, will determine which bands make the cut.

As the competition intensifies, every performance counts, and the race to Atlanta is as thrilling as ever. Will North Carolina A&T maintain its lead and defend its title, or will challengers like Florida A&M or Tennessee State rise to the occasion? Fans will have to stay tuned as the best HBCU bands battle it out for supremacy.

Stay Connected

Follow the 2024 ESPN HBCU Band of the Year competition on HBCU Gameday and ESPN platforms for the latest updates and exclusive coverage. With one final ranking left, the journey to the national championship promises to deliver unforgettable moments and showcase the unrivaled talent of HBCU marching bands. Don’t miss a beat as the countdown to Atlanta begins!

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