Under his leadership, Morehouse College captured three consecutive SIAC East Division Regular Season titles from 2022 through 2024. Whittler developed standout talent, including Kerry Richardson, Cedric Taylor III—who earned both Freshman of the Year and First Team All-SIAC honors—and Brandon Peters, a 2024-25 All-Freshman selection. The 2023-24 team also held the title of the nation’s top defensive squad in NCAA Division II by field goal percentage.

With a 76-40 overall record (.655) and 59-21 conference mark (.734), Whittler holds the highest win total of any Morehouse coach in their first four seasons, and the second-highest winning percentage in program history.

As Morehouse begins a national search for new leadership, this transition marks the end of a significant chapter in HBCU basketball. Whittler’s departure leaves behind a legacy of excellence, both on and off the court, that has helped Morehouse stay amongst the elite in the SIAC and HBCU basketball at the Division II level. 

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“It’s been the honor of my lifetime to lead the men’s basketball program here at Bluefield State. Throughout the last 4 years we have built something truly special, culminating in our recent appearance in the NCAA DII Atlantic Regional tournament for the first time in nearly 30 years,” Hoehn wrote. 

“To President Capehart and Coach Price, thank you for taking a chance on me and providing the opportunity to lead this program. Your unwavering support and mentorship have been instrumental in both my personal and professional growth. The friendship we’ve developed over these years is something I deeply cherish.”

The former West Liberty star took over the program prior to the 2021-22 season when HBCU squad was competing as an independent. The program went 10-14 that season, before increasing its win total to 13-15 the following year. BSU re-joined the CIAA in the 2023-2024 season, where it finished 9-22 but managed to win two CIAA Tournament games, knocking off defending conference champion Winston-Salem State. Bluefield State took a big leap this past season, going 19-12 and competing in the CIAA championship game. It earned an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament as well.

Now the HBCU will look to hire another coach to keep it amongst the CIAA elite heading into the 2025-2026 season and beyond. 

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The Washington, D.C. native was lightly recruited prior to coming to Howard, but quickly became as force for the Washington, DC – based HBCU. 

Harper shot 44.7% from the field (182-for-407) and displayed a solid three-point stroke, connecting on 40 of his 99 attempts for a 40.4 percent success rate. He was also reliable at the free-throw line, making 221 of 268 attempts, an impressive 82.5%. Harper was active defensively, recording 31 steals and contributing on the boards with 197 total rebounds. His playmaking ability was evident with 110 assists, while maintaining strong defensive discipline with only five foul-outs.

Harper’s numbers weren’t only outstanding for HBCU basketball and the MEAC but across the NCAA as well. Harper was the 28th ranked scorer in all of Division I basketball, the only HBCU player ranked in the top 50.

While Maryland basketball may be on Blake Harper’s list, it doesn’t appear that he has made a commitment yet. 

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The 2024 season was a rollercoaster for JCSU football. The Golden Bulls started 8-0 and quickly became one of the hottest teams in HBCU football, drawing national attention with their dominant defense and explosive offense. However, the team stumbled down the stretch, losing their final two games and narrowly missing both the CIAA championship game and a potential NCAA Division II playoff berth. The late-season heartbreak has only fueled the returning players. Guys like Brevin Caldwell, who knows the Golden Bulls’ 2025 campaign is his last chance to bring a championship back to the Queen City for JCSU.

WATCH: Brick x Brick with JCSU Football | Spring Ball ’25 | First Day Out

The Charlotte, NC native stars in the premiere episode of the new spring season of Brick x Brick with JCSU Football. HBCU Gameday’s behind-the-scenes docuseries has covered the HBCU football program’s rebuild during Maurice Flower’s tenure in Charlotte.

In the mic-’d-up portion of the episode, Caldwell showcases his determination and professional mindset. He gives viewers a glimpse into the work ethic of a top HBCU football player, as he’s one of the first players on the field before practice in the “First Day Out” episode of the series.

HBCU to NFL

“I’m aspiring for a professional opportunity,” said Caldwell on Brick x Brick. “So it’s just being a pro at everything I do, man. The way that I train, the way that I practice, the way that I live, the way I eat. Taking that professional mindset, applying it here while I’m a senior, and just dominate. So that’s all I can do. And then I try to spread that energy to my teammates.”

That drive is a defining trait of the former West Charlotte High School standout, who arrived at JCSU with big goals and has steadily grown into a leader both on and off the field. Since joining the Golden Bulls, Brevin Caldwell has developed into one of the CIAA’s premier receivers. Over the past two seasons, he has posted multiple 100-yard games and has consistently been one of the top targets in the conference thanks to his route discipline, sure hands, and ability to stretch the field.

“I feel like we pieced it together (last year), man. We found ways to beat really good opponents, obviously let two slip away at the very end. But, you know, that’s what this year is for.” Caldwell has some unfinished business on the personal side too, as his omission from the AFCA DII All-America team is also fueling the 6 foot 1, 185 lb receiver during the offseason. “I feel like I missed out on All-American last year. I was AFCA All-Region. One out of eight guys and four guys got selected for All-American. I wasn’t, you know, a part of the cut.”

CIAA’s Best

During his time at JCSU, Caldwell has built a reputation as one of the top wideouts in the conference. Known for his precise route-running and strong hands, he’s been a consistent threat in the Golden Bulls’ offense. In his career, Caldwell has totaled 180 receptions for 2,286 yards and 14 touchdowns. His standout 2024 performance earned him First team All-CIAA honors and Team Offensive MVP.

But this spring, with a new quarterback under center, the stakes—and potential—are even higher. Enter Fort Valley State transfer Kelvin Durham, one of the top Division II HBCU football quarterbacks in the country. The dynamic dual-threat veteran brings a versatile skill set and big-play ability to the JCSU offense. Caldwell and Durham have already begun to develop chemistry. Developing a connection could be the key to unlocking the full potential of the Golden Bulls’ passing attack in 2025.

Brevin Caldwell on Brick x Brick with JCSU Football | Spring Ball ’25 | First Day Out

“I’ve taken it upon myself to hone in on that chemistry. All the hours that aren’t seen behind closed doors. As soon as he got here, he hit me up. And, you know, we’ve been working ever since. He’s a great natural passer, man, the touch on the deep balls. I mean, I don’t think it gets too much better.”

Caldwell’s attitude seems to resonate with his coaches and teammates as well. He sets a standard for what it means to be a senior leader at an HBCU football program.

“This year, you know, especially this spring is just focusing on the little things that I feel like I could have done better last season. Everybody’s trying to fine-tune their game before the fall. But, you know, I’m here on a mission. Like I said, it’s a professional mindset, and so I’m trying to get myself ready for the pro level, you know. And I know taking those little steps, you know, everything every day is our is our motto. That’s how I’m going to get there. ” Caldwell says in the premiere episode of a special four-episode Spring Ball ’25 season of the ‘HBCU Hard Knocks’ style series on HBCU Gameday.

Brick x Brick, produced by Filmmaker and HBCU Gameday Partner Wali Pitt, gives fans an all-access look into the culture, grind, and brotherhood of JCSU football. As Caldwell anchors the first episode, his journey reflects the dedication, resilience, and pride found within the HBCU sports community. New episodes of Brick x Brick with JCSU Football premiere weekly on the HBCUGameday.com homepage, the Gameday app, and the HBCU Gameday YouTube Channel. Brick x Brick will also air on Fox Soul, Sundays at 7 PM as part of on HBCU Gameday’s flagship show on the Fox affiliated network.

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There’s a prevailing narrative in college athletics that equal investment should automatically mean equal treatment — regardless of outcomes, market interest, or sustainability. It’s a narrative rooted in good intentions but one that often ignores the economic and biological realities that shape how the public consumes sports. As someone who is leading an HBCU institution that proudly supports women’s athletics — including hiring the first woman Athletics Director in the 158-year history of Edward Waters University — I believe in women’s sports. And I believe in investing in them. But I also believe in honest, data-driven leadership.

At Edward Waters University, we’ve made historic strides. We’ve launched brand-new women’s athletic programs in golf, tennis, and soccer — all firsts for our HBCU institution. Women’s flag football is next on the horizon, and we’re building the infrastructure to support it. These aren’t symbolic gestures. They’re real investments backed by real commitment — and they reflect our belief that women deserve the opportunity to compete, develop, and win.

But belief in equity shouldn’t mean we ignore reality. The simple fact is that, to date, men’s collegiate athletics — particularly football and basketball — generate the lion’s share of revenue that funds not just men’s sports but also women’s programs, scholarships, facilities, and operations. This isn’t sexism — it’s economics.

Yes, biology plays a role. Men and women are built differently, and on average, men have greater physical explosiveness, which creates a different kind of spectator experience. Yes, culture also plays a role. Boys are encouraged to play sports from a young age. That’s changing — slowly — and should continue to evolve. But even in the most gender-progressive societies, men still participate in and consume sports at higher rates than women. That matters.

Dr. Ivana Rich, EWU Director of Athletics, left, with EWU President Dr. A. Zachary Faison.

This doesn’t mean women’s sports shouldn’t be funded or promoted—quite the opposite. But it does mean we must think strategically, not sentimentally. Equal treatment doesn’t mean equal spending—it means providing the resources and support commensurate with each sport’s current and potential reach.

For example, women’s collegiate basketball is undeniably surging in popularity — and it has earned every bit of that spotlight through extraordinary talent, storytelling, and competitive excellence. The numbers don’t lie: record-breaking television ratings, sellout crowds, and a surge in mainstream media coverage are all clear indicators of a sport with real market traction. That’s not charity — that’s ROI. It’s time for the NCAA and its corporate partners to respond with real, sustained financial investment and to move decisively toward full parity in the women’s tournament experience — in facilities, marketing, media coverage, and fan engagement. Women’s college basketball student-athletes, their fans, and the stakeholders of the women’s game deserve a championship experience that reflects the quality of the product and the passion of its audience.

My passion for equity in women’s athletics is deeply tied to my broader commitment to justice and opportunity as the president of Edward Waters University — Florida’s first HBCU and a forerunner in access and social uplift. HBCU institutions like ours have always stood at the forefront of challenging inequity and expanding opportunity, often doing more with less. That legacy demands that we not only speak about fairness but that we lead by example. In the same way we’ve fought for access and dignity for Black students, we must also advocate for the full recognition and investment in women’s athletics — particularly for women of color who too often remain on the margins of both visibility and support.

That balance — between principled support and pragmatic stewardship — is where real leadership lives. I will continue to champion women’s athletics not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because I believe in their transformative power when given a real chance to flourish. We can support women’s sports with authenticity and intention without ignoring the economic realities that undergird the business of high-level collegiate and professional athletics.

True equity is not about ignoring differences — it’s about honoring excellence wherever it rises and ensuring that when women show the world they can compete, we’re not the ones standing in the way. The time for performative action is over. The time for real investment — grounded in data, driven by results, and fueled by belief — is now.

A. Zachary Faison Jr., J.D. 

President & CEO 

Edward Waters University 

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With a hoard of re-aligning, transfers, and coaching changes, the SIAC is virtually wide open this season.  Albany State wants to stake its claim on the title by rebuilding and improving the program.  With a solid core of veterans, Quinn Gray could be in a position to return Albany State to the pinnacle of the SIAC, which was last reached by Gabe Giardina.

The ASU Coliseum was the site of the Blue & Gold game. It was a festive atmosphere as the university was hosting an open house for visiting families interested in attending the plush southern Georgia campus. With a full squad of cheerleaders and an impressive 346-member band playing, it was the perfect opportunity for the players to display what they had worked on for 15 days.

The first half belonged to the “Dirty Blue” defense.  Led by cornerback Deven Foster, the defense thwarted most attempts by the offense.  It would lead to the offense only scoring on field goals in the first half.  Foster picked off a pass and ran it down to the offense’s one-yard line before being tackled.

The second half belonged to the offense. All-SIAC quarterback Isaiah Knowles got things in gear, and the offense scored some touchdowns. Uncharacteristically, Quinn Gray had all quarterbacks except Knowles as live targets in the game.  

Albany State senior kicker Kyle Wright was spot-on all game.  He nailed every field goal attempt and did a great job performing in swirling wind conditions.  “Kyle has done a tremendous job for us in the kicking game when it comes down to field goals and putting points on the board when we aren’t able to put the ball in the end zone,” Gray said.   “He understands situations and what his role is when it comes down to putting points on the board. We call him Mr. Automatic.”

Gray commended the play of his team as he used the Spring to evaluate the talent and what holes might need to be filled for the Fall.  “Defense played a tremendous first half today and rightfully so.  We’ve been at each other all spring and, and here in the Blue and Gold game we really just simplified a lot of things and didn’t, really call everything that we could simply because it is on national TV but at the end of the day, we had enough in that we can put on a good show for the folks and then also get the work that we were trying to get, but defense flew around, pretty good,” Gray said.

Gray went on to explain the live quarterbacks in the game.  Knowles wore a white jersey to indicate that he was not live, but backups were in play.  “We wanted to make the quarterbacks besides Isaiah live because you’re talking about, Jayden Kenney who played his last meaningful snap in high school in fall of 2023.  So with that you’re talking about a guy who hadn’t really seen or felt the hit in a year and a half.  So we wanted to make those, those two guys live just to see how they react and what they do with the football in terms of decision making.  It was fairly good for us obviously there’s some things we need to clean up, but overall I’m happy with the way it turned out most importantly we’re healthy,” Gray said.

Quinn Gray has overhauled his defensive line position with a coach he experienced at both Delaware State and Alcorn State.  “Damon Francis came over from, Fort Valley, who was, who was with myself, Coach Cash, and Matt Brown at Alcorn State, back in 2021.  Francis has been doing this for the last 30 plus years.  His mindset and the way he coaches and the way he teaches our guys has our guys playing with a different mindset in terms of how we attack and I think we did too much thinking versus reacting and attacking last year and I and it’s evident in what you see on the field now,” Gray Concluded

With the era of coaches and players moving around fluidly on all NCAA levels, the landscape of college football has rapidly changed, and that holds true for Division II as well.  Gray has a philosophy in dealing with all that is going on. “As the cliche, you gotta focus on you, right?  We can’t necessarily focus on what’s going on in and around the SIAC.  We can only handle what we’ve got in front of us, and that’s an opportunity for us to get better as a team with our spring season,” Gray concluded.

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Airing live on ESPN2, Johnson dropped a game high 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting, adding four rebounds and two steals to her totals to win the game’s MVP award.

Johnson scored her first four points of the game early on in the second quarter, highlighted by a fastbreak layup to give Team Miller a 24-23 lead. She put the team on her back midway through the second half, scoring back-to-back baskets that included a steal and layup.

The HBCU guard shined in the fourth quarter, scoring five straight points highlighted by an and-one layup with 8:47 left in the game.

Johnson kept the scoring spree going, knocking one in from way behind the 3-point line to give Team Miller a 66-56 lead.

Johnson followed it up by draining the game-winning 3-pointer from the right side of the arc, allowing team Miller to pick up a 71-59 win.

The former NC State star finished her career in historic fashion at the HBCU, winning back-to-back MEAC titles and winning conference player of the year honors at Norfolk State.

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The sound at the Albany State University Coliseum was greater than it has ever been.  At Saturday’s Blue & Gold Game, William T. Brooks surprised the crowd with a spectacle usually reserved for an HBCU from the Division I ranks.

Midway in the first quarter of play the band made its entrance.  They started coming down the traditional hill between the Jones Brothers HPER Building and the stadium….and they kept coming…and kept coming.  In all 346-pieces participated with the Albany State Marching Rams Show Band.

It even caught the attention of ASU head coach Quinn Gray as he was trying to concentrate on the field, but the roaring sound of this massive band had the attention of everyone at the stadium.  “That gave us a little bit of energy as well because you get energy from the band and from the fans.  With those 300+ kids, they sounded absolutely amazing,” Gray said.

Brooks expanded the band for the day by making it a community band and inviting other high schools and middle schools to perform with them.  “I’m big on community and I wanted to reach out to our area and actually extend beyond our area just to get high school kids here on our campus so they could see some of the great things we have to offer here at Albany State University,” Brooks said.  “Multiple students answered the call and we ended up with the product that you see here today.  We’ve got 346 people here today.”

Understanding the HBCU experience

The band was the talk of the game.  Rehearsing on the morning before the game, you could hear them clear across campus from about 9:00AM until they marched into the stadium.  They were versed in some of the songs the ASU Marching Ram Show Band normally persons as well as the ASU “Get Buck” chant they perform with the ASU cheerleaders.

The ASU players commended the band on raising the entire energy of the game.  

Brooks was overwhelmed with the response to his call to participate by local musicians.  “36 different schools participated, not just high schools but middle schools as well.  346 students combined is the biggest band I’ve ever been in front of,” Brooks concluded.

Gray hinted at but stopped short of saying, what the sound of the band reminded him of.  “It took me back to another place…”. Gray is an HBCU graduate from Florida A&M University.

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This week’s big headline was Trump’s threat to cut funding for a popular cultural institution. In his political cross hairs is the National History Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.  In Trump’s March 27 executive order, he contends that “improper, divisive or anti-American ideology.”  “Once widely respected as a symbol of American excellence and a global icon of cultural achievement, the Smithsonian Institution has, in recent years, come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology,” Trump stated.

For years FAMU’s College of Pharmacy has maintained a grant for the National Institute of Health (NIH). The research studies unique treatments of cancer, enhanced study of AI, and several other key areas of study.  The grant also provided additional staffing for the school.  The sudden loss of $16.3 million that was budgeted for by the university presents a critical set of issues.  Donald Trump rescinded the award with his executive order on March 21.

Program dates back to the 1980s

According to an article on the FAMU College of Pharmacy Website, the program was instituted in 1985. The Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI Program at FAMU was established through a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) as a congressionally mandated program to support minority institutions. In 2012, the RCMI Program was transferred to the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The RCMI Program had a tremendous impact on enhancing the research capacity and infrastructure at FAMU. It recruited promising researchers and established research infrastructure by acquiring advanced instrumentation, developing innovative biomedical research laboratories, funding research facilities, and providing other research support.

The sudden absence of those funds has placed a sense of urgency into FAMU’s own fundraising efforts.  The announcement of the cuts was made just days before FAMU’s annual fundraising campaign known as “1887 Strikes.”  FAMU was founded in 1887.  FAMU Interim President, Dr. Timothy Beard, encouraged Rattlers to dig deeper as the cuts will harm the HBCU.  The university has since appealed the decision.

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THE HILL | Alabama A&M University President Dr. Daniel K. Wims and Director of Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant welcomed new AAMU head men’s basketball coach Donte’ Jackson during an introductory press conference at the Alabama A&M University Event Center on the campus of the HBCU.
 
“We welcome a coach with an outstanding resume, one that has won at the highest levels,” Dr. Bryant said.  Jackson, who has compiled a 263-185 career record in 15 seasons, is a three-time Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Coach of the Year honoree, guiding Grambling State to three regular-season conference titles in eight seasons, including a trip to the 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. 

Excited to be on the Hill

“I’m incredibly thankful to Dr. Wims and Dr. Bryant for this opportunity,” Jackson said. “I am excited to be on The Hill and look forward to bringing a winning culture to this outstanding institution. I’m a program builder. It’s time to build this program into one of the best programs in the SWAC, the state, the region, and the nation…It’s time to build something that Bulldog Nation can be proud of… It’s time to build a winner, a championship program that can compete for titles each year.”
 
Jackson established himself as one of the best coaches in the HBCU conference during his first season at Grambling State. Where he helped the program win its first SWAC Regular Season Championship in nearly 30 years (1988-1989). During the regular season, Grambling State enjoyed the national spotlight as one of the teams in NCAA Division I with the longest winning streak, which reached as high as 11 games before a loss to Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Success with a Rival

The Tigers reached new highs under Jackson during the 2022-23 HBCU basketball campaign. They finished the season 24-9, tallying their most wins in a single season since joining Division I in 1977.
 
GSU also defeated two Power 5 teams for the first time in school history. Earning wins over Colorado and Vanderbilt. The Tigers won the SWAC Regular Season Title and reached the 2023 SWAC Championship Game. Jackson produced the SWAC Player of the Year in Cameron Christon and won the coveted SWAC Coach of the Year Award.
 
Donte’ Jackson reached the pinnacle of the SWAC during the 2023-24 season, leading GSU to its first-ever SWAC Tournament Championship win and berth in the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament. The Tigers went 21-15 overall and 14-4 in conference play. Grambling State defeated Texas Southern 75-66 in the SWAC Title game. GSU went on to defeat Montana State 88-81 in the NCAA First Four before falling to top-seeded Purdue in the first round.

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As reported by Deadline, this marks only the second time Netflix has ordered a pilot. Typically, the streaming service produces shows straight-to-series, bypassing the traditional pilot episode and commissioning entire seasons from the start, unlike network TV.

What to expect

Sources close to Deadline indicate that this pilot is a one-time occurrence, not the start of a larger shift in Netflix’s strategy. The production boasts a strong lineup of talent, including writer, executive producer, and showrunner Felicia Pride, as well as executive producers Debbie Allen, Mandy Summers, Tom Werner, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Reggie Bythewood.

Allen, Werner, and the Bythewoods are all veterans of the original series, with Allen returning as director for the sequel—a role she held throughout the original show’s run.

The Original

The 1987 series itself was a spinoff of The Cosby Show and initially focused on Lisa Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) and her experiences at Hillman College, a fictional HBCU. However, after Bonet’s departure following the first season due to her pregnancy, the show shifted focus to an ensemble cast that included Hardison, Guy, Dawnn Lewis, Darryl M. Bell, Sinbad, Cree Summer, and Glynn Turman.

While the original series centered around Hillman, it’s unclear whether the sequel will remain set there or feature a different HBCU.

In a similar vein to Peacock’s Bel-Air, a reboot of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the sequel will have a more modern approach, with Pride having worked as a supervising producer on Bel-Air‘s third season.

Filming for the pilot is slated to take place in Atlanta this June, though production will need to quickly finalize its casting for the remaining roles.

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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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Listed as 6’7, 201 pounds, Shaqir O’Neal was a  three-star prospect in the Class of 2021 out of Union Grove Senior High School in Georgia and signed with another HBCU, Texas Southern. He redshirted the 2021-2022 season and made his college debut against San Francisco in Nov 2022.  He played in 20 games during the 2022-2023 season, averaging 1.4 points per game in just over seven minutes of action per contest. The best game of his Texas Southern career came against North American when he scored 12 points with 7 rebounds and 4 assists in 28 minutes.

Shaqir’s head coach at Texas Southern was Johnny Jones, who has close ties to Shaq. He talked about how much Shaqir had improved heading into the previous season.

“One of the new guys that we’re really happy and excited about is Shaqir O’Neal,” Jones said. “I think people that hadn’t had an opportunity to see his offseason workouts – I think he’s done an awesome job in transitioning in the last two years and we’re looking forward to him making an impact with us and for us as well.”

Shaqir averaged 1.8 points and 1.8 rebounds per game in 20 appearances during the 2023-2024 season. He played a season-high 23 minutes against Creighton and had his best game against Biblical Studies when he scored nine points and hit two three-pointers for the HBCU squad.

Will Shaqir land at an HBCU for a third time or will he look for a PWI? Stay tuned for the latest updates from the transfer portal.

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GRAMBLING, La. |  As part of its ongoing commitment to excellence and strategic growth, Grambling State University has partnered with College Sports Solutions (CSS) to conduct a comprehensive operational review of its intercollegiate athletics program. 

The engagement, which officially began on March 17, 2025, is designed to position GSU Athletics for long-term success by evaluating current operations and identifying forward-looking strategies that align with the university’s mission, values, and future aspirations. 

Dr. Trayvean Scott, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, expressed enthusiasm for the engagement and the opportunity it presents for GSU Athletics.  “This is about elevating every aspect of the student-athlete experience while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our programs,” said Dr. Scott. “CSS understands the landscape of HBCU athletics and the competitive demands of today’s college sports environment. Their insights will be invaluable as we strive to build a model athletics program grounded in integrity, innovation, and impact.”  

The timing of this engagement is especially critical. As the landscape of NCAA Division I athletics continues to evolve—with ongoing realignment, expanding media rights deals, and the emergence of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities—institutions like Grambling State must be proactive in evaluating how to remain competitive, compliant, and student-centered. This work will help ensure that GSU Athletics is well-positioned to thrive amid these rapidly shifting dynamics. 

College Sports Solutions is a nationally respected consulting firm with extensive experience working with collegiate athletics programs, including several within the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). 

President Martin Lemelle, Jr. emphasized the significance of this initiative in advancing the university’s vision for athletic and institutional distinction. 

“Grambling State’s athletic legacy is iconic, and our future must be just as bold. Engaging College Sports Solutions is a decisive step in ensuring that our athletics program is built not just to compete—but to lead,” said Grambling State President Martin Lemelle, Jr. “We are building a culture of excellence on and off the field, and this engagement will help us chart a path that honors our past while preparing for a dynamic and competitive future.” 

The review will assess key components of the athletics program, including organizational structure, financial operations, compliance, student-athlete welfare, facilities, and Title IX/gender equity. It will also include benchmarking against peer and aspirational institutions to inform strategic decision-making. 

The final report from CSS will include actionable recommendations and will serve as a foundational tool in the university’s continued strategic planning for athletics. Grambling State University anticipates completing the engagement by June 30, 2025. 

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. |  When the Alabama State women’s basketball team opens the 2025-26 season in November, the HBCU will have a new head coach for the first time in 27 years.

“Coach Freda Freeman Jackson’s 27 years of unwavering dedication at Alabama State University has shaped the future of countless student-athletes,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Jason Cable. “Her remarkable achievements, including multiple SWAC championships, induction into the SWAC Hall Fame, and the Alabama State Hall of Fame, speak to her talent, passion, and leadership.  Her legacy will inspire generations to come. Thank you for your phenomenal impact; you are an Alabama State treasure!”

Freda Freeman-Jackson, who has led the program since 1998-99, announced through a press release on Tuesday, March 25, that she would step down as the Lady Hornets’ head coach. The announcement ended a run that is unparalleled in ASU athletics. “As I stand here, reflecting on this incredible journey at Alabama State University, my heart is full of gratitude,” she said. “This program, this university, and this community have been my home, family, and purpose for so many years.

“Hornet Nation, you are one of a kind. Your energy, passion, and unwavering support fueled us every step of the way. This program is what it is because of you.” Freeman-Jackson led the HBCU program to 373 wins, three Southwestern Conference regular season titles, four conference tournament titles, and three trips to the NCAA tournament. She also led one team to the WNIT. 

Record breaker

With Freeman-Jackson at the helm, Alabama State made its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament during the 2002-03 season when the Hornets won the regular season title with a 20-11 record and 15-3 in conference play. They won the conference tournament and would face eventual NCAA runner-up Tennessee in the first round.

She followed the next year with a record-breaking 108th victory, the most in women’s basketball history at the school. The Hornets returned to the NCAA Tourney in back-to-back years in 2014-15 and again in 2015-16.  In 2011, Freeman-Jackson posted her 200th career win and four years later her 250th career win. Freeman-Jackson coached 29 players who earned All-SWAC honors in her career, plus two SWAC Players of the Year in Britney Wright (2016-17) and Ayana Emmanuel (2022-23).

In 2019, Freeman-Jackson was inducted into the SWAC Hall of Fame, joining her husband, Lewis, as the only active members still coaching in the conference at the time. She was inducted into the Alabama State Athletics Hall of Fame four years later. 

After competing with the Hornets as an HBCU basketball player between 1982 and 1984, Freeman-Jackson began her coaching career at the high school level at Loachapoka. She would join Johnny Mitchell’s staff as an ASU graduate assistant and then as an assistant to her predecessor, Ron Mitchell. She took over in 1998-99 and immediately led the Lady Hornets to a SWAC Tournament championship.

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The decision was announced by the SFA BOT on Tuesday morning.

“This was not an easy nor a quick decision for the Board of Trustees,” stated Chairman and the Very Rev. Joseph Lehman, T.O.R., Ph.D. “The governance associated with intercollegiate athletics has always been complicated and is only growing in complexity based on realities like the transfer portal, pay-for-play, and other shifts that move athletics away from love of the game. For that reason, as a Board, we aim to best provide resources and support to our student-athletes in this changing environment that aligns with our mission, Catholic institution, and our community’s expectations.”

Just one week ago the Saint Francis men’s basketball team took on SWAC conference tournament champion Alabama State. The HBCU squad won 70-68 in a game that went down to the wire. 

Saint Francis President and the Very Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D.,

“The Board and I have been concerned about the student-athlete experience for many years. The geography of our conference is huge. Our students travel either to Chicago or to Boston or to points in between. That’s a lot of time not spent on campus, developing friendships or in the classroom. This change allows our students to be present on campus and lets their friends attend more of their home and away games. This decision is about creating and maintaining community and allowing our student-athletes to thrive in the classroom and their chosen sport.”

Saint Francis is currently a part of the North East Conference (NEC).

Many schools — both predominantly white institutions and HBCUs — are likely to be faced with similar choices over the coming months and years due to the the proliferation of money spent on athletes via NIL and other compensation by major colleges and universities.

Fifteen years ago Winston-Salem State University abandoned its Division I attempt and returned to the CIAA. Eight years ago Savannah State dropped down from Division I to return to the SIAC. Only time will tell of other HBCU programs will attempt to stay afloat at Division I or choose a Saint Francis-style resolution.

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Harper’s decision to join Klutch Sports is another indication that his career is heading to the next level. The agency has gained a reputation for being player-focused, helping athletes secure lucrative contracts, endorsements, and business opportunities, which is exactly what Harper is aiming for. The announcement about his signing came out on X (formerly Twitter) on March 24, 2025, just hours after he entered the transfer portal. The quick turnaround raised questions about what this deal means for his future.

HBCU star freshman

Blake Harper became a star at Howard University during his freshman year. He won the MEAC Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year awards, proving himself to be one of the best college basketball players. His impressive scoring and playmaking skills got the attention of scouts and media.

HBCU Gameday featured Harper in an article titled “College Basketball World Eyeing HBCU Star Freshman.” The piece highlighted how Harper became one of the most talked-about players in the nation. With so much interest, it became clear that he was likely to take his talents to the next level.

In an emotional moment after losing in the 2025 MEAC tournament, Harper said in the post-game Press conference that it wasn’t about money but more about finding the right fit.

With the NCAA allowing student-athletes to profit from their NIL, Klutch Sports provides services such as:

• Brand Deals & Endorsements – Negotiating sponsorships with major companies like Nike, Adidas, Gatorade, and more.
• Marketing & Public Relations – Helping athletes build their personal brands through social media, interviews, and public appearances.
• Financial Guidance – Advising on money management, investments, and long-term financial planning.
• Legal & Compliance Support – Ensuring NIL deals follow NCAA and state regulations.
• Career Development – Preparing athletes for potential pro careers and business ventures beyond sports.

Klutch’s strong network in professional sports and entertainment gives its NIL clients a competitive edge in maximizing their earning potential while still in college. Blake Harper’s relationship with Klutch will boost his profile as he decides about his next college hoops home.

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“I haven’t talked to my team,” Vickers whispered into the microphone as he processed his emotions. “We all have visions and goals. I don’t know man…we’ll see.”

Larry Vickers’ tenure as head coach of the Norfolk State women’s basketball program has ushered in the most successful era in the program’s Division I history. Since taking over midway through the 2015-16 season, Vickers has transformed the Spartans into a perennial contender in the MEAC and a respected name in HBCU basketball.

Vickers enters the 2025-26 season with a career record of 177-99 and an 99-41 mark in MEAC play. His 2024-25 squad achieved a program-record 30-5 overall mark, including a perfect 16-0 record in MEAC play—Norfolk State’s first-ever unbeaten MEAC season since joining the conference in 1997. The Spartans won both the MEAC regular season and tournament championships, earning their third consecutive NCAA Tournament berth as well as knocking off a pair of SEC squads Missouri and Auburn.

Under Vickers, Norfolk State has claimed three MEAC Tournament titles (2023, 2024, 2025), two MEAC regular season titles (2023, 2025), and produced multiple All-MEAC performers, including standouts such as Kierra Wheeler and Diamond Johnson. Vickers was twice named MEAC Coach of the Year and also earned HBCU National Coach of the Year honors by BOXTOROW in 2023.

Vickers’ teams have been defined by elite defense, consistently ranking among the nation’s best in field goal percentage defense, steals, and blocks. His squads have rewritten the NSU record book, both in wins and defensive efficiency. Notable highlights include a 15-game winning streak in 2025, a 21-point win over rival Hampton in 2020, and a MEAC title game appearance in 2019 that ended North Carolina A&T’s 28-game MEAC win streak.

Before taking over the women’s program, Vickers spent eight years with the NSU men’s team as an assistant and associate head coach, including during the Spartans’ historic NCAA upset of Missouri in 2012. A former NSU player himself, Vickers has become a cornerstone of Spartan basketball and a model of program-building success.

If Vickers is leaving his HBCU for the SEC after more than 20 years, he’s leaving it much better than he found it. 

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Head coach Larry Vickers’ team came out fearless, jumping out to a 7-0 lead in front of a crowd of over 7,000 at the XFINITY Center. It was a bold statement by the MEAC champions, a team that had already won 30 games entering the matchup. The Spartans pushed the pace, locked in defensively, and showed that an HBCU program could stand toe-to-toe with one of the nation’s most respected Power Five teams.

Led by Diamond Johnson’s 18 points and Kierra Wheeler’s 20-point, 7-rebound performance, Norfolk State played Maryland even through the first half and led by two at the break. The Spartans forced turnovers, converted fast break points, and played with relentless energy— symbolic of HBCU basketball pride. Even when Maryland surged in the third quarter, hitting six threes and all 12 of their free throw attempts, Norfolk State kept fighting.

Coach Vickers didn’t shy away from the significance of the moment, nor the challenges that HBCU teams continue to face. “We walked into this game prepared, focused, and determined,” Vickers said postgame. “This group won 30 games this year, and they deserve more respect when the Spartan head walks into your gym.” 

His words echoed a broader conversation about HBCU programs earning their place—not just in the tournament, but in national respect.

For Johnson and Wheeler, the game was about more than stats—it was about growth. 

“Last year against Stanford, it wasn’t close,” Wheeler said. “This year, we came back stronger. That loss motivated us.” The two stars credited their work ethic and their bond, one forged in the gym and tested under the national spotlight. “As an HBCU, we’ve got to stick together,” Wheeler added. “We don’t get to separate. That shows on the court.”

Maryland’s size and sharp shooting eventually wore Norfolk State down, but the Spartans never stopped competing. The game featured five lead changes and was tied once—far from the blowout most pundits expected.

Norfolk State didn’t just represent itself—it represented every HBCU fighting for recognition. And it did it with heart, hustle, and the unmistakable belief that it belonged.

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Jeff Fisher’s career in football

Jeff Fisher boasts a distinguished coaching career in the National Football League (NFL) over two decades. He began as an interim head coach for the Houston Oilers in 1994, a team that later became the Tennessee Titans. Fisher led the Titans to a Super Bowl XXXIV appearance in 1999, narrowly losing to the St. Louis Rams. He remained with the franchise until 2010, becoming the winningest coach in its history. In 2012, Fisher took the helm of the St. Louis Rams (later the Los Angeles Rams), coaching there until 2016. After a brief hiatus, he returned to coaching in 2022 with the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League (USFL), now known as the American Football 1 (AF1) league, where he continues to contribute his expertise.

Where the rumor oiriginated

These rumors originated from a tweet by W. Keith Friedman, who identified himself on X.com (formerly Twitter) as a freelance journalist. However, investigations into Friedman’s credentials reveal a lack of verifiable journalistic work or affiliations, casting doubt on the legitimacy of his claims. This incident underscores the growing concern over misinformation spread by unverified sources on social media platforms.

Tennessee State University is actively seeking a successor to Eddie George, who recently accepted the head coaching position at Bowling Green. Among the potential candidates is Reggie Barlow, the head coach of the D.C. Defenders in the United Football League, known for his extensive experience and success in HBCU football.

This episode reminds us of the importance of verifying information through credible sources, especially regarding prominent figures and their interactions with HBCU institutions. It highlights the necessity for due diligence and reliance on established news outlets when assessing the validity of such claims.

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“I think we played exceptionally well for the first 15 minutes and kind of exhaled and — Norfolk’s good,” Florida head coach Tom Golden said after the game. “They’re quick. They’re really hard to keep in front. And I thought we our defensive intensity for the first 15 minutes of the game was elite. We did a great job of staying in front, guarding physicality.”

But the HBCU squad wouldn’t go away, managing to keep Florida on its toes for the rest of the game.

And then when we took a little bit of a breath, we actually had some bad turnovers that led to transition run outs and gave them a little juice, little confidence,” Golden said. “Coach Jones does a great job continuing to motivate and keeping them engaged in the game. And they got a little life, an 11-0 run. And you know, I thought, they did a good job taking advantage of that.”

Jones acknowledged that the slow start hampered his team, which never managed to get the lead below 18 points. 

“We didn’t take the punch well, but, I think that we showed after that punch that the team that we were — that we really are — that we really should have been the whole game,” Jones said.

Walter Clayton Jr. led the Florida Gators with 23 points, hitting four of his nine 3-point attempts. Alijah Martin added 17 points for Florida.

Grad student Christian Ings led Norfolk State with 16 points, hitting six of his 13 attempts in his final game.

“We knew that we didn’t start the game the way we wanted to,”Ings said. “But we knew we damn sure we’re gonna finish the way we wanted.”

Norfolk State finishes its season 24-11 overall. 

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In all, 14 Rattlers were weighed, measured, jumped, ran, shuttled, and drilled their way through the workout.  It is the interview of a lifetime.  Most football players dream of making it to the NFL, and Pro Day is the opportunity to see if the athletes are as advertised.

Pro Day in Tallahassee

One player who helped his stock with a good Pro Day was on hand to cheer on his former teammates.  Now, with the New England Patriots, Terrell Jennings stood on the sideline as encouragement for the auditioning Rattlers.  

“Your job is to put on a great show for the scouts out here and make a lot of money.” Jennings said.  “It feels good, man, to see I’m putting my family in a better position and gonna continue to do that as I continue on my journey on in the league. It feels good to see all my hard work is paying off and it’s still gonna pay off because I’m still putting the work to this day.”

Top Rattlers

The top FAMU players on the radars of the scouts were Kendall Bohler (defensive back), Jalen Goss (offensive lineman), Jamari Gassett (wide receiver), and Daniel Richardson (quarterback).  However, much like the past, the scouts are there to recruit talent.  Professional scouts are given much more credit for finding a “diamond in the rough” than they are for obvious professional prospects.  For HBCU athletes, Pro Day offers the opportunity to audition in the same way that the top players experience in the NFL combine.

Big opportunity

FAMU head coach James Colzie III watched closely as his players with exhausted eligibility went through the gauntlet of drills and prodding.  “You’ve got 15 or 16 NFL teams and two CFL teams. It’s an amazing opportunity for these guys, Colzie said.  “It’s a credit to the guys we’ve had in the past that have come from this program and have flourished at the NFL level.  There’s an opportunity.  The reason these scouts are here is primarily because of what these guys have done in their careers and what the guys in the past have done,”

Jennings complimented the skill level in HBCU football.   “I say HBCU football is good football as well.  Football on the next level, it may be a little faster, but other than that. The guys on the HBCU level have a good chance of playing in the NFL and can play in the NFL because as you can see you got Markquese Bell, and Xavier Smith, and a couple other guys.  Those guys are from my school, but it’s a lot of guys out here balling in the NFL right now. So you can’t just shut them out and I feel like everybody can ball on every level. It’s just about the right person to see you.”

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Bellamy’s why

Bellamy, herself a member of the Divine Nine and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Felt in her spirit that she would not just remain helpless but had to do something to show solidarity.

“Well, after the tragedy happened. I was just thinking on ways that our university, our campus could reflect on this and show our support for Southern University as well as Caleb and his family,” Bellamy said.  “The only way that I could really think of was a walk where we could bring all ‘D-9s’ together. That way it could be more effective and more transformative.”

The Walk

Starting from FAMU’s Efferson Student Union, the group of about 100 combined Greek-letter organizations walked peacefully around the HBCU to the main student services building. The Center for Access and Student Success, or CASS Building, is a trademark venue on the FAMU campus, with its huge bronze snake in front of it.

After completing the walk from the top of the campus to the bottom, a brief ceremony was held.  Victor Culpepper, Jr., an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity member, read some brief comments after a short prayer.

The HBCU connection between FAMU and Southern University came in the form of a member of FAMU’s Delta Sigma Theta Sorority who knew Caleb Wilson’s brother. She called him during the brief ceremony, and over the phone, he thanked those for participating and how much it meant to him and his family in this difficult time.

Bellamy admitted that she had serious anxiety about stepping out of the box to form the event.  It was squelched when all of the people showed up to participate.  “It really does warm my heart just to have everyone here. All the different sororities and fraternities and just Greek life as a whole at FAMU.”

Culpepper felt the walk should be a new beginning for cohesion among Greek-letter organizations.  “I think that we should have that type of fellowship throughout the year. Throughout the fraternal year, sorority year.” Culpepper said.  “I think that it’s tragic, to say the least that we have to come to this this type of measure, but I think that like I said, the impact that its having on the immediate people who it was affected was shown today.”

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The report concerning Thornton comes nearly a week after the Bulldog’s HBCU hoops season ended in the 2025 Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament in Atlanta. While a report has surfaced for Thornton as a potential candidate for the Razorbacks’ job, no official confirmation has surfaced that the Bulldogs’ coach is taking her talents back to The Natural State. 

Former Arkansas women’s basketball coach Mike Neighbors resigned from his coaching duties on March 11 after eight seasons leading the Razorbacks’ program.

20 wins in year one

Dawn Thornton recently finished her first season at AAMU, guiding the Bulldogs to a 21-10 record overall and a 14-4 mark in SWAC play. Before her first year at AAMU, she spent five seasons as the women’s basketball coach at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, three seasons at Prairie View and one season at Division II Shorter University. During non-conference action in the 2023-24 season, Thornton led UAPB to a 74-70 victory against Arkansas.

AAMU finished third in the SWAC regular season standings in the 2024-25 campaign and earned the No. 3 seed in this year’s SWAC tournament. However, Alcorn State defeated AAMU 56-53 in the quarterfinals of the league’s postseason event. Despite the Bulldogs’ loss to the Braves, Thornton told reporters that she was excited about her team’s success this season — one that saw the program notch its first 20-plus win season at the Division I level — and was optimistic about the future of the program.

“We’re gonna get in the portal,” said Thornton after AAMU’s loss in the SWAC tourney quarterfinals. “That’s what my staff does. … We’ll go back and we’ll rebuild this team [Alabama A&M] next year. The thing that we will do differently, we’re gonna be able to get some kids that have more than one year. So we will do that as well.”

While the Bulldogs did not secure the automatic bid to the women’s NCAA tournament, the 20-win HBCU squad earned an at-large bid in the field of 48 teams competing in this year’s Women’s National Invitational Tournament, the program’s first appearance in the postseason event.

AAMU will travel to face SoCon foe Chattanooga (16-14) on March 22 at 2 p.m. ET at McKenzie Arena. The Bulldogs-Mocs contest winner will face Troy in the tournament’s second round.

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After serving two years as the Dragons’ linebackers coach and video coordinator, Carter comes to Tuskegee. Lane’s linebackers’ group played a key part in the team’s success defensively. Last season, the Dragons’ defense tallied 644 total tackles, 65 tackles for loss and 23 sacks. The unit also forced eight fumbles while recovering seven and intercepted six passes.

In 2023, Carter anchored a defensive group that registered 633 total tackles, with 68 tackles for loss and 20 sacks. The unit also forced six interceptions and seven fumbles. 

Before Lane, Carter — a former Grambling State football standout — gained a wealth of experience from other high school and collegiate stops in his career. Those include serving as the assistant defensive line coach at SWAC HBCU Texas Southern, helping the Tigers elevate to No. 2 in the FCS in interceptions. 

Carter served as the defensive coordinator and strength and conditioning coach at Franklin High School. At Franklin, Carter’s defense led Class 2A in takeaways. He also served as the defensive coordinator at Pro-Vision Academy, helping the team capture its first state championship in program history.

The Houston native is no stranger to success. He gained recognition from the community as he was responsible for mentoring two high school All-Americans and multiple Division I prospects.

Before he entered the coaching ranks, Carter played for GSU from 2005 to 2009, helping the program secure a SWAC title and Black College Football national championship in 2005 under the leadership of Melvin Spears and a second SWAC title in 2008 under Rod Broadway’s leadership.

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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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Focused on More Than Just a Win

After the semifinal victory, head coach Larry Vickers and his players spoke to the media. Instead of just talking about their next game, they reflected on what it means to be part of something bigger.

Kierra Wheeler made it clear that the team isn’t just focused on winning—they’re focused on building a winning culture.

“Honestly, it’s really about legacy,” Wheeler said. “We’ve done it two years in a row, but now it’s about continuing to build the winning culture at Norfolk State.”

She also emphasized that national recognition matters: “He brought up being invited to the WBIT, but that’s not our goal. We want more.”

Norfolk State’s Championship Pedigree

Norfolk State knows what it takes to win championships. Before their dominance in the MEAC, the Spartans won three straight CIAA titles from 1991 to 1993. That success helped shape the powerhouse they are today.

How Norfolk State Compares to Other Great MEAC Teams

Few teams have gone undefeated in MEAC play, and Norfolk State now stands among the best. Here’s how they compare to other legendary teams:

Why Norfolk State’s Season Stands Out

1. Chasing a Three-Peat
   • Norfolk State could win its third straight MEAC title, something only Hampton (2011-2014) has done recently.
2. Beyond the MEAC: A National Presence
   • The Spartans want to prove they belong on a bigger stage. A bid to the NCAA Tournament or WBIT would be a step toward national recognition.
3. The Dynasty Mentality
   • Even before the MEAC final, the team is thinking long-term. Wheeler summed it up:“The legacy is what’s important. Potentially going down as one of the best teams ever in the MEAC.”

Staying Focused on the Big Picture

Diamond Johnson talked about how the team has grown and stayed locked in throughout the season.

“It’s hard. Winning at any level is tough,” Johnson said. “This was our goal from the beginning. We were regular season champs, we went 14-0 at home, but now we have to finish the job.”

What is the WBIT?

If Norfolk State doesn’t make the NCAA Tournament, the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) could be an option.

• What is it?
  The WBIT is a national tournament, similar to the men’s NIT, that gives top teams a postseason chance if they don’t make the NCAA bracket.
• Why does it matter?
  A WBIT bid would allow Norfolk State to compete against top teams outside the MEAC, helping them gain more national exposure.
• A Stepping Stone for HBCUs
  A strong run in the WBIT would not only boost Norfolk State but also bring attention to HBCU women’s basketball as a whole.

Norfolk State’s Impact on HBCU Basketball

This season isn’t just about wins. Norfolk State is raising the standard for MEAC women’s basketball and pushing for national recognition.

Head Coach Larry Vickers stressed the importance of appreciating success and staying focused.

“When you win so many games in a row, you start to take it for granted,” Vickers said. “That’s my job—to remind them how special this is.”

• National Recognition – Norfolk State is proving HBCU teams belong in bigger conversations.
• Building a Legacy – The Spartans aren’t just chasing trophies; they’re shaping the future of Norfolk State basketball.
• Setting a New Standard – Winning another MEAC title would put them among the greatest teams in conference history.

One More Game to Make History

With the MEAC Championship game ahead, Norfolk State isn’t just playing for this season—they’re playing for their legacy. A win would solidify them as one of the best MEAC teams ever and could lead to an even bigger stage.

For the Spartans, this isn’t just about another title—it’s about cementing their place in HBCU basketball history.

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For Christian Ings, this moment is personal. A key part of Norfolk State’s 2022 MEAC Championship team, he felt the sting of back-to-back disappointments, first losing the 2023 title game to Howard, then falling to Howard again in last year’s semifinals.

“To not make it this far last year definitely left a bad taste in the locker room,” Ings said. “The seniors from last year told me before they left, like, ‘Yo, it’s your turn next year. You gotta make it. You gotta make it for us.’”

Ings delivered in a big way, leading all scorers with 19 points and knocking down clutch shots to keep the Spartans in control late. Brian Moore Jr. added 14 points, including a powerful dunk in the final minutes that helped secure the win.

Norfolk State’s Championship Journey: Five Years of Ups & Downs

Under Coach Rob Jones, Norfolk State dominated the MEAC in 2021 and 2022, winning back-to-back championships and making consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. But the past two seasons tested the program’s resilience.

• 2023: Norfolk State made the title game but lost to Howard.
• 2024: The Spartans were eliminated in the semifinals—again by Howard.

Now, after two years of frustration, they have a chance to reclaim their place atop the MEAC.

“We gotta play with more desperation and urgency because we’re not guaranteed anything,” said Jones. “When you want to win the league, you gotta do more, or those 23 wins don’t mean anything.”

Why Brian Moore Jr. Chose His HBCU

That winning culture is exactly why Brian Moore Jr. transferred to Norfolk State.

“I wanted to be at a place that really cared about basketball,” Moore Jr. said. “That was the biggest thing when I went to the portal. It makes a difference when you have fans who show up, when you’re playing for a program that expects to win.”

Moore Jr. was crucial down the stretch, scoring 10 of his 14 points in the second half. His defense and intensity helped Norfolk rally from a 28-25 halftime deficit.

One More Game for a MEAC Title

With one more win, Norfolk State can avoid the disappointment of the past two years and bring the championship back home.

“We’ve been waiting for this,” Ings said. “Now, we just have to finish the job.”

The MEAC Championship Game tips off on Saturday at 1pm, with Norfolk State just one win away from reclaiming its spot at the top of HBCU basketball.

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MEAC Matchup Breakdown

Morgan State (14-17, 7-7 MEAC) enters with a potent offense that ranks among the best in the conference, averaging nearly 81 points per game. Norfolk State (22-10, 11-3 MEAC), on the other hand, showcases a robust defensive unit that has consistently held opponents under 70 points per contest.

NSU, the tournament’s top seed, took care of business against Maryland Eastern Shore on Wednesday night and had Thursday off.

Morgan State had to battle to the wire to defeat Howard University in the quarterfinals.

Players to Watch

• Morgan State Bears’ Standouts:
  • Kameron Hobbs: Fresh off an impressive 33-point performance against Howard, Hobbs leads the Bears’ attack with an average of 16.6 points per game.
  • Will Thomas: A versatile forward averaging 14.3 points per game, essential for both scoring and rebounding.
  • Daniel Akitoby: A powerful presence on the boards, averaging 7.3 rebounds per game, crucial for second-chance opportunities
    .
• Norfolk State Spartans’ Key Defenders:
  • Brian Moore Jr.: Norfolk State’s top scorer averaging 18.7 points per game, notable for his efficiency and clutch plays.
  • Christian Ings: Exceptional sharpshooter, converting nearly 50% from three-point range, stretching opposing defenses.
  • Jalen Myers: An influential player contributing 11 points and nearly six rebounds per game, vital for controlling the game’s pace.

Crucial Game-Changers

• Morgan State’s Bench Production: Contributions from Amahrie Simpkins and Kiran Oliver will be critical to match Norfolk State’s depth and sustain offensive pressure.
• Norfolk State’s Reserve Impact: Terrance Jones and Chris Fields Jr. must make significant bench contributions to ensure stability, particularly if starters encounter foul trouble.

Winning Strategies

• Morgan State: The Bears must utilize their high-scoring offense to exploit the Spartans’ vulnerability from beyond the arc and maintain defensive composure throughout.
• Norfolk State: The Spartans need their stout defense to dominate the boards, limit Morgan State’s second-chance points, and effectively defend the perimeter.

The Stakes are High

This semifinal showdown not only determines who advances to the MEAC Championship but also serves as a critical moment for each team’s postseason aspirations. Norfolk State holds a slight edge due to its defensive discipline and the home-court atmosphere, but Morgan State’s explosive offense could create the upset.

Anticipate a very competitive HBCU basketball battle filled with passion, intensity, and possibly a dramatic conclusion.

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A Legacy Defined by Resilience

Lawrence’s story is one of perseverance. Before arriving at Coppin State, she had all but walked away from the game. “I didn’t want to play basketball,” she admitted. “I was grinding, working hard, but I just had to believe in myself.”That belief turned into one of the most decorated careers in Coppin State history. Over just two seasons, Lawrence has climbed into the program’s top 15 in both points and rebounds and sits 10th in blocks. The HBCU WBB star is fourth in the nation in double-doubles, securing her 20th of the season with a 15-point, 13-rebound, 4-steal, and 3-block performance in the MEAC quarterfinals.

A Defensive Powerhouse

Her impact extends beyond scoring and rebounding. She is the MEAC’s back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year and has twice swept the conference’s Player and Defensive Player of the Week honors—something no MEAC player has done since the 2016-17 season.

Her defensive presence is elite. When Coppin State played against LSU last season, she held Angel Reese—one of the top players in the nation—to just six rebounds. She also grabbed 25 rebounds against Delaware State, the most in a single game by any Division I player last season, outpacing Stanford’s Cameron Brink By 1.

How Does She Rank Among Coppin State’s Greats?

Few players in Coppin State history have had the impact Lawrence has. She is only the 10th player in school history to score over 500 points in a season. Additionally, she’s one the only player nationwide averaging at least 15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block per game.

When discussing Coppin’s all-time greats like Rashida Suber and Shalamar Oakley, Lawrence’s name now belongs in that conversation.

The Bond That Brought Her Back to the Game

More than her numbers, Lawrence’s impact at Coppin State is about belief—both in herself and from those around her. “Coach, that’s my dog,” she said with a smile. “Without him, I don’t think I would have ever found my love for the game again. He’s like a second brother.”Her connection with the team and the coaching staff helped her rediscover her passion for the game. Now, she wants her legacy to inspire others: “Just believe in yourself. Never give up, no matter what.”

What’s Next?

With her final MEAC Tournament run underway, Lawrence has one last shot at the NCAA Tournament. Her HBCU hoops legacy is cemented whether or not Coppin State punches its ticket.”Coppin is my family,” she said. “I love it here. Everybody loves me. We always play with heart.”And when the final buzzer sounds, whether in the semifinals, the championship, or beyond, Laila Lawrence will leave Coppin State as one of its all-time greats.

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The win marked the program’s first A-10 tournament championship and earned GMU its first trip to the women’s NCAA tournament in program history. As Blair-Lewis cut a piece of the net and celebrated with her players at Henrico Sports & Events Center, her father – Robert Blair – sat at the front of her mind.

Before establishing a winning culture at GMU, Blair-Lewis coached at Daytona-Beach, FL HBCU Bethune Cookman for 13 years and started her coaching career as an assistant at her alma mater, Largo High School in Prince George’s County, Maryland. After Sunday’s win, Blair-Lewis devoted the championship win to her father.

“My dad is in hospice right now,” Blair-Lewis said in the postgame news conference. “I FaceTimed him before the game; he said, ‘Go win.’ He’s not just my dad. He’s my coach; he’s a big part of the DMV coaching area. I really wish he could have been here and I knew he was here in spirit. … That’s what I thought about in the last minute. This was for my dad.”

GMU finished the regular season – including the tournament – with 27 wins, the most in program history. Much like Blair-Lewis’ success in reviving GMU, she led Bethune Cookman to its first women’s NCAA Tournament appearance in 2019.

The four-time MEAC Coach of the Year led the Wildcats to a 196-168 record overall, produced six winning seasons, and restored a Bethune Cookman program that generated only two winning campaigns in 19 HBCU basketball seasons before she arrived in Daytona Beach, Florida.

About Vanessa Blair-Lewis

Vanessa Blair-Lewis is an accomplished basketball coach with a strong women’s college basketball track record. She began her head coaching career at Mount St. Mary’s University (1998–2007), where she led the team to multiple winning seasons and was named Northeast Conference Coach of the Year in 1999. She later took over as the head coach at Bethune-Cookman University (2008–2021), transforming the program into a perennial contender and securing multiple MEAC regular-season titles and a tournament championship in 2019. In 2021, Blair-Lewis became the head coach at George Mason University, continuing her leadership and player development legacy. Known for her defensive strategies and ability to rebuild programs, she remains a respected figure in women’s college basketball.

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Additionally, he has been offered scholarships by Northern Arizona, Temple, Sacramento State, and Southern Mississippi.

Vick and McNabb are forever linked not only as two quarterbacks who changed the face of the quarterback position in the NFL but also as brief teammates. 

When Michael Vick joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009, he entered a quarterback room led by Donovan McNabb, one of the franchise’s greatest passers. McNabb, a six-time Pro Bowler and the face of the Eagles for over a decade, was coming off a season where he led the team to the NFC Championship Game. Meanwhile, Vick was returning to the NFL. The Eagles took a chance on him, and McNabb played a key role in mentoring him during his transition back into professional football.

Though Vick played a limited role in the Eagles’ offense in 2009, often used in gadget plays and wildcat formations, he has credited McNabb for helping him regain his confidence and understanding of the game after two years away. McNabb publicly supported Vick’s comeback, even lobbying for the Eagles to sign him. Their time together lasted just one season, as McNabb was traded to Washington in 2010. With McNabb gone, Vick took over as the Eagles’ starting quarterback and had an MVP-caliber season, proving he still had elite talent. Their brief stint as teammates marked a unique moment in NFL history, as one great quarterback helped another resurrect his career.

Now Vick is making sure he gets an early run at Donovan McNabb Jr. to add to his HBCU football roster.

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George, a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, guided Tennessee State to a 9-4 record this season, marking the program’s first nine-win campaign since 2013. Under his leadership, TSU was recognized twice as the Stats Perform HBCU Team of the Week and remained ranked in the national FCS Top 25 polls entering the postseason.

The former Tennessee Titans legend took the reins of the HBCU program despite having no prior coaching experience, signing a five-year contract worth $400,000 annually. His transition from the NFL to the sidelines was met with skepticism, but his ability to develop talent and instill a winning culture has changed the perception of the Tigers on the national stage.

After a 5-6 finish in his first season and a 4-7 mark in 2022, George’s team took a significant step forward in 2023. Competing in the newly formed Big South–OVC Football Association, Tennessee State finished 6-5 but struggled in conference play with a 2-4 record. However, in 2024, George’s squad dominated the competition, winning nine games while excelling on both sides of the ball.

Tennessee State’s defense ranked among the nation’s best, averaging 7.3 tackles-for-loss per game and forcing three defensive touchdowns. The Tigers boasted the conference’s top kickoff return unit (26.79 yards per return) and led in key defensive categories, including passing defense and turnover margin. Offensively, they scored 40 points in four different games and avoided consecutive losses all season.

If George accepts the Bowling Green job, he would become the latest former NFL player to leverage his success at an HBCU into an opportunity at the FBS level. His departure would be a significant loss for Tennessee State, but his tenure has left the program in a much stronger position than when he arrived.

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The MEAC has been dominated by dual-threat quarterbacks for years, but Jackson’s decision to recruit a big-bodied pocket passer suggests a pro-style shift for Delaware State. However, Arnou isn’t walking into an empty quarterback room. Marqui Adams, who showed flashes of potential last season, is still in the mix. With the HBCU program looking to improve from a 1-11 season, the battle for QB1 will be one to watch.

A Pro-Style Quarterback in a Dual-Threat League

The MEAC has traditionally seen mobile quarterbacks thrive. Recent stars like Davius Richard (North Carolina Central) and Corey Fields Jr. (South Carolina State) used their legs as much as their arms to lead their teams to championships.

Anthony Arnou, however, is a different type of quarterback.

His college career began at Fresno State, where he redshirted and then transferred to Pasadena City College. He threw for 620 yards and four touchdowns in just four games. His standout performances earned him a spot at Michigan, where he was a Scout Team Offensive Player of the Week, helping prepare the Wolverines’ defense for the Ohio State game.

As Arnou arrives at Delaware State, the big question is: Does Jackson’s quarterback choice signal a major offensive shift for the HBCU program?

Building a Pro-Style Offense at Delaware State

If DeSean Jackson is committed to a pocket-passing offense, he needs the right offensive line and playmakers to make it work. That’s why Delaware State’s recruiting overhaul is just as important as Arnou’s commitment.

Offensive Line: Protecting the Quarterback

The biggest weakness for Delaware State in 2024 was its offensive line:

• Allowed 45 sacks (worst in the MEAC)
• Averaged just 309.3 total yards per game
• Struggled in red-zone situations

Jackson has made significant upgrades by bringing in bigger, more experienced linemen:

• Elijha Payne (OL, Arizona, 6’7”) – FBS experience at left tackle.
• Rodney Leaks (OL, Houston Christian, 6’5”) – Strong interior lineman.
• Keyshawn Ross Jr. (OL, Huguenot HS, 6’3”) – Promising high school recruit.
• Blake Brown (OL, East St. Louis HS, 6’4”) – Adds much-needed depth.

With these additions, Delaware State’s offensive line should improve—an essential factor for a pro-style quarterback like Arnou to succeed.

Finding a New Lead Running Back

The Hornets must replace Jaden Sutton, who was the engine of Delaware State’s offense last season, rushing for 1,220 yards and 12 touchdowns. Jackson brought in Kobe Boykin (Jackson State transfer) and will also look to Marquis Gillis (2022 MEAC Rookie of the Year) to handle the rushing attack.

If Boykin and Gillis provide a strong backfield, it will take pressure off Arnou and open up the passing game.

Revamping the Wide Receiver Room

For Delaware State’s passing offense to improve, Arnou will need playmakers at wide receiver. Jackson has already made key additions:

• Antonio Gates Jr. (WR, Michigan State, 6’2”) – FBS talent with size and hands.
• Jadyn Robinson (WR, Junipero Serra HS) – The highest-rated recruit in Delaware State football history.
• Ezekiel Orozco (WR, Long Beach Poly HS) – A speedster who adds a much-needed deep threat.

With these additions, Delaware State’s passing attack has a chance to be far more explosive in 2025.

Is DeSean Jackson Changing Delaware State’s Football Identity?

Delaware State has struggled offensively for years, relying on a run-heavy system and mobile quarterbacks. But Jackson’s recruiting moves, particularly landing a pro-style quarterback like Arnou, suggest a more balanced, vertical passing attack.

However, two key factors will determine whether this shift is successful:

1. Can the offensive line give Arnou the time he needs to operate in the pocket?
2. Will the new receivers and running backs provide the offensive firepower to complement a passing attack?

With five months until kickoff, Jackson’s first recruiting class at Delaware State is shaping up to be one of the best in HBCU football this offseason.

And it may all start with Anthony Arnou.

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SIAC coaches and sports information directors voted on the players selected for each team as well as the league’s Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Freshman of the Year, and Coach of the Year.

Allen guard Taliah Wesley was named the SIAC Player of the Year while Clark Atlanta head coach Tony Bailey earned the league’s Coach of the Year honors. CAU forward Corriana Evans earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, Edward Waters guard Mia Morrel received Newcomer of the Year, Allen guard Eboni Clay notched Freshman of the Year honors while Spring Hill forward Marta Duda earned Elite 16 honors.

Wesley averaged a league-high 17.8 points while shooting 44% from the field (second in the SIAC) and 85.6% (first in the league) from the free throw line in 26 games this season. She notched eight double-doubles and tallied double-figure point totals in 23 of Allen’s 26 games. The senior guard also averaged the third-highest rebounds per game (8.2) and finished second in the conference in steals (2.8) per game.

Evans registered 161 total rebounds with 90 coming on the defensive side of the ball in 29 games this season. She also tied for second in the league in blocked shots (36) while averaging 12.2 points per contest.

Morrel averaged 11.4 points while averaging 2.1 three-pointers made (second in the SIAC) per game in 26 contests this season.

Clay became the first Allen player to capture both the league’s Freshman of the Year and earn a spot on the league’s all-freshman squad. She averaged 11.3 points per game — the most among SIAC freshmen players — tallied double figures in 16 of Allen’s 26 games while notching 2.4 assists and 2.2 steals per contest.

Bailey led CAU to a 23-6 mark that includes a 15-4 record in conference play and a 10-2 mark in the SIAC East. As a result, he led the Panthers to a No. 1 seed in the division.

Player of the Year

Taliah Wesley

Defensive Player of the Year

Corriana Evans

Newcomer of the Year

Mia Morrel

Freshman of the Year

Eboni Clay

Coach of the Year

Tony Bailey

The complete listing of the SIAC all-conference selections and individual awards winners can be found below.

All-SIAC First Team

• Taliah Wesley, Allen
• Atreonia Garner, Clark Atlanta
• Corriana Evans, Clark Atlanta
• Kellyn Hunter, Spring Hill
• Hilani Cantone, Tuskegee

All-SIAC Second Team

• Iemyiah Harris, Miles
• Dyani Bernstine, Lane
• Brittney Bolin, Tuskegee
• Marta Duda, Spring Hill
• Trinity Jones, Clark Atlanta

All-SIAC Third Team

• Keyra Peterson, Albany State
• Taylor Christmas, Benedict
• Mia Morrel, Edward Waters
• Chantoryia Rivers, Lane
• Feliah Greer, Miles

All-SIAC Freshman Team

• Eboni Clay, Allen
• Marley Bell, Fort Valley State
• Zhieyah Rolack, Central State
• Laurie Severe, Spring Hill
• Breana Griffin, Albany State

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For their efforts, Brown was named the SAC Tournament Most Valuable Player and Kirksey was named to the SAC All-Tournament team.

In his inaugural season at the helm, head coach Chris Vincent has led the HBCU to their first ever SAC women’s basketball regular season and tournament title while boasting a 29-2 overall record. The 29-win total is the highest win total since the 2007-08 season when Langston finished 31-2 under former head coach and current Director of Athletics Donnita Drain-Rogers.

Langston University (29-2) awaits it’s tournament draw in the 44th Annual NAIA Women’s Basketball Championships which will be unveiled on Thursday, March 6 at 6 p.m. by the NAIA on their Youtube Channel.

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Arnou started his college career at Fresno State where he didn’t see any playing time his freshman year. His sophomore year he transferred to Pasadena City College, a JUCO, where he was able to see the field and show off his talents. At Pasadena he had a total of 620 passing yards with four touchdowns in only four games. In his first-ever college game, he threw for over 250 yards with three touchdowns. The 6’2″ 234-pound Arnou was a two-star quarterback coming out of high school in Santa Monica, California.

He transferred from Pasadena College after 2022 and landed in Michigan for the 2024 season. In Ann Arbor, he didn’t see any in-game action for the Wolverines but was a valuable practice player. He was named Scout Team Offensive Player of the Week for his role in preparing the defense for the Ohio State game.

Now Arnou will presumably finish his college career at Delaware State, teaming up with Desean Jackson and his initial hot recruiting class.

Our Cobi Simmons gave a detailed breakdown of just how good Jackson’s first recruiting class might be. You can read that article here on HBCU Gameday.

With the 2025 season just five months away, will Desean Jackson be able to turn this DSU football program that finished last year 1-11 around?

2025 Delaware State University Football Schedule:

• Thursday, August 28: at Delaware
• Saturday, September 6: vs. Albany
• Saturday, September 13: vs. Bowie St.
• Saturday, September 20: at St. Francis
• Saturday, September 27: at Sacred Heart
• Saturday, October 4: at Monmouth
• Saturday, October 11: vs. Southern Connecticut St. – HOMECOMING
• Saturday, October 25: at NC Central
• Saturday, November 1: vs. Norfolk St.

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It is a team filled with long, athletic players at all five positions.

It’s an impressive feat given the lack of basketball pedigree, remote location and school demographics. Located just over the West Virginia border, the HBCU’s most recent demographic information shows a school that is 3/4 caucasian and just 15 percent black. So building a basketball team full of players from places like Florida, New York, Detroit and other metro areas. 

“You got to be a little different to come to Bluefield State,” Hoehn said on Thursday, after his team’s 84-61 win over Johnson C. Smith. “But I tell these guys all the time —  if you’re wanting to lock in with your academics and basketball and not have a whole lot of distractions —  it’s a place for you. And a lot of these guys just like when I was a player, everyone’s wanting to go pro that plays basketball. So I tell these guys lock in in the grades and with no distractions because you’re not in a big city, you can be in the gym for a long time and work on your game.”

The cornerstone of the program is Jordan Hines. The 6’5 guard from South Florida has led the league in scoring for both the school’s seasons in the CIAA, including an average of 20.3 on 49.3 percent shooting en route to being named CIAA Player of the Year at the start of the week. Hines remembered getting the call from Hoehn to come to Bluefield State and the transition to the CIAA. 

“We really weren’t playing for much. And then one day, we found out my sophomore year that he would be joining the CIAA. Listen, a great opportunity. I feel like it’s great exposure. And last year was our first year. It was a down year. We only had seven wins coming into the tournament that year. We just leveled it up. Seven wins coming in, and we’re here now in the final four. So it’s just blessings.”

Hines scored 24 points in the quarterfinal win over JCSU to help put the school in the semifinals for the first time in history. He followed that up with a 14-point, 10-rebound effort in a grind-it-out 71-64 upset of Fayetteville State on Friday night. It wasn’t the sharpest offensive effort for the squad, but they found a way to get it done. 

“It’s a game of runs,” Hoehn said. “When they weren’t hitting shots, we stuck to the game plan, which is just be us. Keep the pressure up. Don’t let the crowd get involved. And just be disciplined.”

Besides being the new kid on the block and its fast-paced style — Bluefield State stands out for another reason in the CIAA. The school doesn’t have a pep band or cheerleaders — almost unthinkable in the HBCU basketball conference where both of those matter most. 

It’s a distinction that is obvious to everyone all week long. Hoehn brought it up himself after Friday’s win over Fayetteville State in the semifinals. 

“FSU had a big crowd, the band, everyone behind them,” Hoehn said. “But at the end of the day, though, the fans and band can’t go to the court and play basketball, so you just got to be resilient for 40 minutes.”

Roughly 16 hours later, all that stood between Bluefield State University and its first-ever CIAA title was a matchup against Virginia State. VSU and BSU couldn’t be more opposite in terms of CIAA pedigree and titles. Led by a veteran coach in Lonnie Blow who has been one of the best in HBCU basketball over the last two decades, VSU had an even bigger fan base, a stellar pep band and an iconic cheer squad on its side.

Yet, for most of the game, Bluefield State kept them all on the edge of their seats as it battled through halftime and led by five points with just under six minutes left. But a late steal and dunk brought the VSU crowd to life and another couple of buckets ignited them. When the dust settled, VSU held a 71-64 win and took home the CIAA Tournament trophy.

A somber Hoehn and Hines faced the media for the final time and reflected on how much their four years together had meant. 

“It’s been a crazy journey, but one that I needed myself,” Hoehn said. “I probably wouldn’t be who I am right now if I didn’t go through some of the rocky roads that we had to go through to get here. And this guy right here to my left, been here with me every step of the way. Through the bads and the goods. And that’s why he’s different. He’s loyal. They they don’t make a whole lot of people like this guy to my left over here that’s been with me from the get-go.”

Hines concurred with his coach as he took in the end of his Bluefield State University career.

“Everybody on our team has a role…the guys that don’t play, to our coaches, everybody has a role,” Hines. “And I feel like this whole season everybody’s done their role extremely well. And this is why we here for the first time. And we made history as a team.”

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“I’m really, really proud of these young men,” said Blow. “Our season was kind of streaky. We started off slow, 1-3, then went on a long winning streak. Got to conference play, dropped three in a row, but then we got ourselves back on another long run. We came into the tournament with momentum, and we just kept pushing.”  

Virginia State (21-8, 12-3 CIAA) leaned on its defense to stifle Bluefield State (19-11, 10-6 CIAA), holding the Big Blue nearly 30 points below their season scoring average. The Trojans dominated the rebounding battle, outworking Bluefield State 52-38 on the boards. Jayson Harris and Davian Coleman each grabbed 12 rebounds, helping VSU limit Bluefield State to just one shot per possession down the stretch.  

“Our defense was huge,” Blow emphasized. “We knew they liked to get out and run in transition, so our focus was to make them play against our half-court defense. We wanted to make them work for every basket, and I think we did that.”  

The game remained tight throughout, with nine lead changes. Virginia State held a narrow 36-35 lead at halftime before gaining control in the second half behind the play of Jacob Cooper, who finished with 16 points and eight assists. Jared White delivered in key moments, scoring seven of his 11 points in the closing minutes, including a crucial three-pointer that gave VSU the lead for good.  

The defining moment came when Jaedan Jefferson ignited the crowd with a fast-break dunk, shifting momentum firmly in favor of the Trojans. “Jaden, that’s my guy, man,” Cooper said. “I stay on him to always be ready for the moment, and he couldn’t have been more ready today. He told me he wasn’t losing, and that’s the mentality we all had.”  

For Blow, the championship held even deeper significance. It was a tribute to former Virginia State athletic director Peggy Davis, who passed away earlier on Oct. 16. “Miss Davis brought me to Virginia State,” he reflected. “I know she’s smiling down on us from heaven. This championship is for her.”  

Virginia State University now turns its focus to the NCAA Division II Tournament, where they hope to continue their run. “We’re going to take a day to rest and get back in the gym,” Blow said. “This is a special win, but we’re not done yet.”  

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A Proven Leader

Donte Pimpleton’s football journey began in Louisville, Kentucky, where he excelled as an all-state quarterback at Fern Creek High School. During his senior year, he set a school record with 1,551 passing yards and 18 touchdowns, complemented by over 700 rushing yards. His dual-threat capabilities laid the foundation for a successful collegiate career at Western Kentucky University (WKU).

At WKU, Pimpleton showcased versatility by playing both quarterback and wide receiver from 1997 to 2001. He amassed 1,425 rushing yards with 18 touchdowns and recorded 13 receptions for 165 yards and four touchdowns. His performance was instrumental in leading the Hilltoppers to the Ohio Valley Conference Championship in 2000. He earned honorable mention All-Gateway Conference honors in 2001.

Coaching Career

Transitioning from player to coach, Pimpleton began his coaching career in Louisville’s high school circuit before advancing to collegiate positions. His early roles included offensive quality control assistant at the University of Louisville in 2009 and wide receivers coach at WKU in 2012, where he contributed to the program’s first bowl game appearance.

Pimpleton’s coaching trajectory continued with positions at Kentucky Wesleyan College as Offensive Coordinator in 2014 and running backs coach at the University of South Florida (USF) from 2015 to 2016. He developed a formidable running back unit at USF that ranked second nationally with an average of 6.51 yards per carry. His mentorship was pivotal in the growth of Marlon Mack, who set multiple school records under Pimpleton’s guidance.

Furthering his career, Pimpleton served as running backs coach at the University of Oregon in 2017 and Florida State University in 2018 and 2019. At Florida State, he coached Cam Akers, who achieved consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons and was subsequently drafted into the NFL.

Before his current tenure at Bethune-Cookman. Pimpleton was part of the coaching staff at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in 2022. He coached Larry McCammon to a 1,000-yard season there, marking the first such achievement for an FAU running back since 2018.

Impact on Bethune-Cookman

Since joining Bethune-Cookman University, Pimpleton has been instrumental in enhancing the team’s offensive strategies. His promotion to Assistant Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, and Quarterbacks Coach is a testament to his expertise and the positive influence he has had on the program. As he steps into these expanded roles, Pimpleton is poised to lead the Wildcats to new heights, further solidifying Bethune-Cookman’s standing in HBCU football.

In his first two years in HBCU football at Bethune-Cookman, Pimpleton served as Co-Offensive Coordinator and Running Backs coach. The Wildcats turned in the conference’s sixth-best offensive efficiency mark in 2024, as well as coaching one of Bethune-Cookman’s best freshman running backs in a decade in the form of Daniel Palmer (706 yards / 5 TDs).
 
The 2023 squad was the least penalized team in program history, leading the SWAC in that department. Also, in 2023, Jimmy Robinson III finished ninth in the league in rushing (51.8 yards per game).
 

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“The experience we got with those guys last year and the way that we played in the Fountain City Classic, defensively, is the ‘Dirty Blue’ defense that we know.  To take the momentum from that game and take it into this spring, hopefully, we’ll have a tremendous spring in terms of competition and turn that page from last year moving forward.”

The Golden Rams topped the SIAC in offense. If there was an area that needed some bolstering, it was the defense. If ASU can continue its progress on defense and expand its capabilities on offense. it should be in the position it desires at the end of the season. The Blue and Gold could look to be a top contender in the highly-competitive SIAC.

Gray returns to Bragg Stadium as opposing coach

The Golden Rams will play SWAC HBCU Florida A&M (FAMU) early on. The Sept. 13 game will be Gray’s homecoming. He is in the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame for his record-setting passing under legendary HBCU football head coach Billy Joe. Gray says he will be focused on the task at hand.  

“It’s really a tremendous opportunity for us at Albany State to come down and play a good football team. We’re really trying to make sure we understand the magnitude of it.  We’re going down to win a ballgame,” Gray said.  “All of the outside noise with me coming back and all that good stuff. We really want to test and see where we are as a football team.  To come down here and play well and hopefully come out of here with a victory is what it’s all about.”

Quinn Gray Jr joins the Golden Rams squad

This year, two Quinn Grays will be on the Albany State sideline.  Quinn Gray Jr, who graduates from Tallahassee’s Lincoln High School this year, will be playing for his father this season.  After a standout career with the Trojans, Gray Jr. decided to take his talents to where his father is coaching.  Gray’s other som, Ashton Chaney-Gray. also graduates from Lincoln High School and will attend ASU as well.  This is an honor for his sons to choose to play for him, but they get no favoritism from Quinn Sr.

“Quinn (Gray Jr.) and Ash (Ashton Chaney-Gray) signed to play for me. As a father, you just want to see your boys succeed. If the next level is afforded to them, then it’s afforded to them. Fortunately, they are good football players, and it’s not like I’m doing them a favor. I told them that, at the end of the day, if you’re not playing good football, then you can go somewhere else. Having them with me is a blessing in itself. 

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MACON, Ga. | HBCU softball program Alabama State rallied from an 8-3 deficit to knock off UConn out of the Big East conference, 10-8, and give Camise Patterson her first win as the Lady Hornets Head Coach on Sunday.

Sophomore Kohana Pouson (1-3) picked up the victory out of the bullpen for Alabama State (1-14). The right-hander went 4.1 shutout innings while giving up two hits, allowing three walks and striking out three.

Offensively, the Hornets were led by senior Leah Richardson, who went 2-for-4 on the day with a home run and two RBI. Junior JaNiyah Boykin compiled a noteworthy performance at the dish as well, going 2-for-3 with a walk and two RBI. Junior Brooke Ramsey also chipped in for Alabama State, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate while adding a double and an RBI for the HBCU.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Hornets were trailing 1-0 in the first inning when they first put runs on the board. Alabama State plated two runs when Richardson left the yard with Boykin aboard.

The Hornets lost the lead they built in the first but got back on the board in the fifth, trailing 8-2. Alabama State scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Boykin, which brought the score to 8-3 in favor of the Huskies.

Alabama State kept the Huskies off the board before rallying to snatch a 10-8 lead in the sixth. The Hornets bats heated up in the inning, scoring seven runs, including a one-run single off the bat of Boykin. The score remained 10-8 for the rest of the game as Alabama State held on for the win.

GAME NOTES

» Alabama State’s highest scoring inning was the sixth, when it pushed seven runs across.
» Four Hornets had multiple hits in the ballgame.
» The Hornets out-hit the Big East Huskies at an 11-10 clip.
» Alabama State went 4-for-7 (.571) with runners in scoring position.
» Alabama State pitchers faced 37 UConn hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and eight fly balls while striking out four.
» Richardson led the Hornets at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI.
» UConn was led offensively by junior Grace Jenkins, who went 1-for-3 with a home run and three RBI.

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Crawley spoke about his excitement for the opportunity, emphasizing how crucial the event is for players seeking to transition to the next level. “It’s a blessing to be here,” Crawley said. “This is something a lot of guys dream about, and to come out here and compete with some of the best talent from HBCUs is an amazing opportunity.”

Reflecting on his preparation, Crawley highlighted the dedication it took to perform at his best. “I’ve been training hard, making sure my footwork is right, my throwing mechanics are clean, and my timing with receivers is on point,” he explained. “I just want to put my best foot forward and show what I can do.”

The Grambling quarterback also acknowledged the challenges HBCU athletes often face in gaining national recognition. “We’ve got talent at HBCUs,” Crawley stated. “A lot of guys just need a chance, and events like this give us that platform to prove ourselves.”

Crawley credited his time at Grambling State for shaping him as a player and a leader. “Playing at an HBCU, you learn resilience,” he said. “You learn to push through adversity and stay focused on your goals, no matter what.”

As Crawley continues his journey toward a professional career, his performance at the HBCU Combine serves as a testament to the skill and determination of athletes from HBCU programs. “I just want to show scouts that I can play at the next level,” he concluded. “Wherever I end up, I’m going to give it my all.”

Below are the measurables and numbers for Myles Crawley at the 2025 HBCU Combine:

• Height: 6 feet 3.1 inches
• Weight: 223 pounds
• Hand Size: 10 1/4 inches
• Arm Length: 31 3/4 inches
• Wingspan: 76 5/8 inches

• 40-Yard Dash: 4.78
• 20-Yard Split: 2.78
• 10-Yard Split: 1.57
• Vertical: 35″
• Broad Jump: 10’0″
• Shuttle: 4.63
• 3-Cone Drill: 7.52

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In Episode 2, the hosts take listeners on a journey through New York Fashion Week, giving an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Black designers and the rising influence of HBCU culture in high fashion. They discuss how HBCU apparel has evolved from campus merchandise to a legitimate fashion statement, blending school pride with modern trends. The conversation extends to the legacy of red lipstick, a historic symbol of resilience and empowerment for Black women, and how it continues to be a statement in both fashion and activism.

Basketball is always a hot topic, and this episode spotlights WSSU women’s basketball coach L’Tona Lamonte, celebrating her 100th career win and impact on women’s sports. The hosts also discuss the growth of North Carolina Central University’s enrollment, showcasing how HBCUs continue to expand and attract new students.

A major debate in the episode is the CIAA Tournament’s location, with discussions on whether it should remain in Baltimore or return to Charlotte. Additionally, the hosts compare the Black College Invitational Championship (BCIC) to traditional tournaments, highlighting the need for better marketing and community involvement in HBCU sporting events.

From in-depth discussions on HBCU fashion and sports to thought-provoking cultural conversations, Queens of The Yard is a refreshing and necessary addition to the HBCU media landscape, amplifying Black women’s voices and perspectives in a space where they have long been influential.

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“It was very important because as a small-school guy, that’s the biggest question—competition-wise,” Vinson said. “I just wanted to show that HBCUs—we’ve got dawgs. We got dawgs at FCS and we compete. We play. I’m not a charity case—I’m here to play football.”

Vinson’s dominance at Alabama A&M made him one of the most intriguing small-school prospects heading into draft season. He sharpened his skills against elite competition when Alabama A&M faced Auburn and Vanderbilt in recent years, an experience that prepared him for the scrutiny he will face at the NFL Combine. Scouts and analysts will be eager to see how he performs in athletic testing and position drills as he represents HBCU football on the national stage.

While Vinson is the lone HBCU player in this year’s NFL Combine, several former HBCU standouts who transferred to FBS programs also received invitations. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders and defensive back Travis Hunter, both former Jackson State stars, will participate after transferring to Colorado. Former North Carolina A&T running back Bhayshul Tuten, now at Virginia Tech, and ex-North Carolina Central offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins, who transferred to South Carolina, also received invites.

Vinson’s inclusion in the NFL Combine is significant, as it underscores the ongoing fight for more HBCU players to get opportunities at the next level. His performance in Indianapolis will be closely watched, as he aims to make a statement that talent from HBCUs deserves more recognition in the NFL Draft process.

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A two-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints, Goddard spent the past eight seasons at S.C. State, helping the Bulldogs capture multiple Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) titles and the 2021 HBCU National Championship.

Goddard’s impact at S.C. State was undeniable. As the Bulldogs’ offensive line coach and NFL Pro-Liaison, he helped mold one of the top rushing attacks in FCS. In 2023, his unit ranked fifth nationally, averaging 220 rushing yards per game and eclipsing 2,600 yards for the season. Under his leadership, S.C. State claimed another MEAC title in 2024, finishing as runner-up in the Celebration Bowl against Jackson State. His ability to develop linemen into dominant forces in HBCU football made him one of the most respected coaches at the position.

Prior to his time at S.C. State, Goddard coached at Newberry College, where his offensive lines helped set multiple school records, including scoring, passing yards, and total offense. His ability to build strong, disciplined units was evident throughout his tenure.

A former standout at South Carolina under legendary coaches Lou Holtz and Steve Spurrier, Goddard’s playing career took him from the SEC to the NFL, where he earned two Super Bowl rings. His experience at the highest levels of the game will now benefit West Georgia as it continues its transition into the Division I ranks.

Goddard’s departure is a loss for the HBCU runner-up, but his influence on the game continues to grow. His championship mindset, both at the HBCU and professional levels, will undoubtedly shape West Georgia’s offensive line for years to come.

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In addition to Dickerson, the Philadelphia Eagles had a pair of former HBCU cheer and dance squad members on its squad. 

Tamia Casey cheered for the FeFe’s at Lincoln University from 2015 to 2019, where she became a standout performer and served as the 45th Miss Lincoln University of Pennsylvania during the 2018-2019 academic year, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Meika Cobbs was a member of the Scarlet Lace Auxiliary dance team at Winston-Salem State University. She graduated from WSSU in May 2002.

The Chiefs had a pair of former HBCU players hoping to get their third Super Bowl ring in as many years — Joshua Williams (Fayetteville State) and Bryan Cook (Howard).

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Hosted by Sheena and Skell, Queens of The Yard is more than just a podcast—it’s a movement. Each episode will spotlight the impact of women in the HBCU world, from campus queens to trailblazing alumnae, while covering the hottest topics in culture, education, and empowerment. The debut episode drops on Mon, Feb. 10 at 7 PM EST.

“This is the podcast we’ve been waiting for,” says co-host Sheena. “HBCUs have long been a space where women lead, innovate, and inspire, and Queens of The Yard is here to amplify those voices.”

“The fact that we have this platform and we get to highlight black women, and black women at HBCUs from the past and from the future and from the now — I’m so excited for this platform to be able to do that,” Skell said. 

“Queens of The Yard is something different and unique in the podcasting sphere, in the HBCU niche and beyond,” said Steven J. Gaither, HBCU Gameday Founder. “It’s a place where women take the lead and have authentic conversations that enlighten and enrich us all. Sheena and Skell are the perfect drivers on a ride that will take HBCU-centric content to the next level.”

The premiere episode sets the tone for the series, introducing listeners to the show’s authentic, engaging, and empowering discussions. Whether you’re an HBCU grad, student, or supporter, Queens of The Yard is your go-to source for real talk, sisterhood, and celebration.

New episodes will be available on YouTube and podcast platforms. Follow the show and its hosts to stay updated:

Watch & Subscribe:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf2l922yqAyWjyB5WwpHwzwZQurIVGFOY
Follow the Show: Queens of The Yard Twitter
Follow the Hosts:
Skell: Instagram
Sheena: Twitter

For media inquiries, interviews, or collaborations, contact queenssoftheyard@gmail.com

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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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Among the participating teams were The University of Alabama, Clemson, LSU, Florida State, The University of Georgia, The University of Florida, and The University of Miami. They were joined by Florida Gulf Coast University, UCF, The University of North Florida, Florida International, Kennesaw State, Louisiana Tech, San Jose State, and Troy University in a highly competitive meet.

The legacy and challenges of collegiate wrestling

While only 77 Division I schools sponsor wrestling as an NCAA sport, many more carry it at the club level. Wrestling, one of the oldest recorded sports, has origins dating back 15,000–20,000 years, as depicted in ancient cave drawings.

FAMU, like many colleges, once sponsored wrestling as an NCAA sport but discontinued the program. Following the passage of Title IX in 1972, many schools dropped wrestling to achieve gender equity in athletic programs. Despite this, wrestling remains a thriving club sport at several universities.

The Seminole-Rattler Invitational featured a full day of wrestling, with men’s and women’s divisions competing across various weight classes. The event showcased FAMU’s brand-new, logo-embossed mat, with three matches running simultaneously in the Tookes Recreation Center. Competitors ranged from the 125-pound weight class to the 245-pound division, making for an exciting display of athleticism and skill.

Overcoming NCAA sponsorship barriers

Many conferences seeking to maintain NCAA recognition for wrestling have partnered with affiliate teams. For example, the Big 12 Conference merged with the Western Wrestling Conference to meet NCAA requirements. Similarly, the Big Ten and ACC have had to strategize their conference alignments to sustain wrestling at the collegiate level.

Delaware State to launch women’s wrestling program

In an exciting development for HBCU wrestling, Delaware State University is set to introduce a women’s wrestling program in the 2025-2026 season. This initiative is being supported by HBCU Wrestling, a foundation that has donated $1.25 million to help launch the program.

HBCU Wrestling is dedicated to re-establishing wrestling programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Their mission, as stated on their website, is to “restore and establish Women’s and Men’s wrestling programs at HBCUs, ensuring up to a 10-year commitment to NCAA-sanctioned wrestling programs, scholarships, competitive coaching salaries, and operating budgets.”

Additionally, Morgan State University is expected to be the next institution to benefit from HBCU Wrestling’s expansion efforts.

FAMU’s Wrestling legacy is rich with tradition

FAMU has a proud history of wrestling excellence. In the early 1970s, before the program was discontinued, the school produced standout athletes, including Harold and Carroll Roberts. The twin brothers, both state champions, regularly defeated competitors from Florida State, The University of Florida, and The University of Miami. They remain honored in the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame.

In more recent years, Roland Pitts emerged as one of the greatest wrestlers in FAMU’s history. Competing in the 197-pound weight class, Pitts was a multi-time All-American and an Academic All-American. He later served in the U.S. Armed Forces, achieving the rank of Captain and excelling as a Ranger and member of a brigade combat team. Pitts played a crucial role in keeping wrestling alive at FAMU, despite its status as a non-NCAA sport.

The Future of Wrestling at HBCUs

With renewed interest and financial support, HBCU wrestling is experiencing a resurgence. The efforts of organizations like HBCU Wrestling and the passion of athletes, coaches, and alumni continue to push for the return of wrestling as a fully sponsored NCAA sport at FAMU and other historically Black institutions.

The Seminole-Rattler Invitational was a testament to the resilience and competitive spirit of collegiate wrestling, proving once again that the sport has a home at FAMU.

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