“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Coach Johnetta Hayes to Hornet Nation,” said ASU President Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr. “She is a proven leader with a championship pedigree, a two-time SWAC Coach of the Year, and someone who brings a relentless pursuit of excellence both on the court and in the lives of our student-athletes. With her at the helm, we believe Lady Hornets basketball is ready to soar to new heights. Let’s go, Hornet Nation!”

Hayes joins Alabama State following a season as an assistant coach at Rutgers University. She becomes just the third head coach in the history of the Lady Hornets basketball program, succeeding longtime coach Freda Freeman-Jackson, who retired in March after 27 remarkable seasons.

With over a decade of head coaching experience, Hayes has built a reputation for success and program-building. She spent six standout seasons leading Texas Southern University (2013–2019), compiling an 83-24 record in SWAC play and an overall mark of 115-74. During her tenure, TSU captured two SWAC regular-season titles, one SWAC Tournament title, and earned four postseason appearances — including trips to the NCAA Tournament, WNIT, and WBI.

“Today marks an exciting chapter for Alabama State women’s basketball,” said Dr. Cable. “Coach Hayes brings a vision and energy that aligns perfectly with our values and goals. Her dedication to player development and competitive excellence will take our program to new heights while fostering personal growth in our student-athletes.”

“I’m truly honored and grateful to President Ross, Dr. Cable, and Dr. Lavalais for this opportunity,” Hayes said. “Alabama State stands for more than just athletic success — it’s a place that values family, faith, and a championship mindset. I’m excited to join a culture built on these principles and can’t wait to get to work. Now is the time for us to unite as one — SWARMAS1 — and build something special together.”

Hayes most recently served as head coach at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where she led the Retrievers to a historic turnaround. In 2022-23, her team posted an 11-win improvement, one of the largest turnarounds nationally, and went 10-6 in America East play — the second-best conference record in program history. UMBC advanced to the America East Semifinals for the first time since 2015.

Under Hayes’ leadership at UMBC, Kiara Bell earned America East Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year honors, making both the All-Conference Second Team and All-Defensive Team. KK White and Ashia McCalla also received All-Conference recognition, with McCalla named to the Academic All-District Team. The team’s academic performance was equally impressive, achieving a 3.32 GPA in Fall 2022, with several players earning 4.0 GPAs and Dean’s List honors.

Prior to her time at UMBC and Texas Southern, Hayes served on the coaching staff at UNC Wilmington under legendary coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, helping the Seahawks to consecutive 20-win seasons and WNIT appearances. She also held assistant coaching roles at North Texas and Prairie View A&M and was head coach at Wiley College from 2006–2008.

A Houston native, Hayes was a standout player at Rice University from 2000–2004. She earned First Team All-WAC honors in 2003 and led the team in scoring, rebounding, blocked shots, and field goal percentage. She ranks third in program history with 142 career blocks and was 16th nationally in blocks per game during the 2002–03 season.

Hayes holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from Rice and a Master of Education from Prairie View A&M. She is the proud mother of two daughters, Khloe Perry and Zoie Perry.

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TJ Madlock was fouled with 12.4 seconds left and missed the front end of a one-and-one that could have broken the 68-68 tie. However, Saint Francis turned the ball over on the ensuing possession giving Alabama State the ball back with 3.4 seconds remaining. Alabama State threw the ball the length of the court for a wild play that ended up with the ball being tipped to Amarr Knox, who made the game-winning layup with 1 second remaining.

The play was one of many dramatic finishes in this year’s tournament, which was won by the University of Florida on Monday night. So did the play merit a spot in the prestigious “One Shining Moment” recap video that airs at the conclusion of the tournament?

One Shining Moment answer

Yes it did.

The play was edited down to five seconds and can be seen from the- 38-:43 second mark of the 3:02 long video. Mathematically speaking, 2.75 percent of the video featured Alabama State. So as it stands the official visual story of the 2025 NCAA Tournament can not be told without including the champions from the SWAC. You can see the video here.

Knox was featured in an Alabama State jersey in the storied video but we may never see him in the SWAC or HBCU basketball again. A week after hitting the game-winning shot Knox entered the transfer portal. The latest check of his social media accounts doesn’t have any information about Knox committing to a new school. He can return to Alabama State if he chooses but the expectation in today’s basketball culture is that he will not.

But for One Shining Moment, Amarr Knox and the Alabama State Hornets left us with one final reminder of 2025 that an HBCU can create its own magic in the Madness of March.

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While the popular HBCU classic showcases a pivotal battle for statewide bragging rights on the gridiron, it also draws record crowds, celebrates the tradition of both programs and creates a massive economic impact for the community.

Community Impact

In 2024, city leaders in Birmingham projected that the game and its festivities would generate more than $20 million in economic impact for the city, according to WBRC-TV. Even more, the game — one that was played on Oct. 26  — was the 10th busiest day of the year in the Magic City. 

“If anybody thinks that’s going to happen [cutting funding] and I’m not going to be at this mic from this moment until we leave, you can forget it,” Smitherman said, per AL.com. “I will be right here.”

The state’s proposed $3.7 billion budget included $200,000 for next year’s MCC. However, when the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee approved the General Fund budget on Tuesday, it axed out the funding for the annual classic. Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville — one of the chairmen of the state’s House Ways and Means General Fund Committee — said the proposed move to cut events like the MCC was part of Alabama’s initiative to prioritize “budgeting” and “get back to funding state agencies.”

“As you saw when [Gov. Kay Ivey’s] budget came over, all of the one-time appropriations was removed from the budget,” Reynolds said, per AL.com.

Smitherman and Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, convened with Reynolds and the state’s additional General Fund chairman, Sen. Greg Albrittion, R-Atmore, to discuss the proposed budget. When Smitherman took the senate floor later Tuesday afternoon, the veteran lawmaker said the Magic City Classic issue, along with others, would be reviewed.

Changes to the Budget

Singleton also confirmed to AL.com that changes would take place to the budget. However, he was not given a timeline on when they would come to fruition. State lawmakers have 12 meeting days left in its annual session, one that runs until May.

According to the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau Board, nearly 70,000 fans attended the Magic City Classic in 2024, keeping its tradition of being one of the most-attended HBCU football games of the year. If funding for MCC is cut off, it would limit the overall impact of the annual event, which Smitherman labeled as part of the state’s diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

As a result, Smitherman said he would exercise the Senate’s filibuster rules to shed light on the importance of this event as well as proposed cuts to other related items in the budget. “… If it [cutting funding] does [happen], it will happen with the most resistance using our rules and procedures that I can use in this body,” Smitherman said.

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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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LEXINGTON, Ky. | Amarr Knox and TJ. Madlock scored in double figures, but Alabama State University fell short to top-seeded Auburn University at the NCAA Lexington Region at Rupp Arena. Knox scored 18 points with two steals, while Madlock scored 11 points with five rebounds to lead the HBCU in the NCAA Tournament.

THE FACTS
Score:  #1 Auburn 83 | Alabama State 62
Records: Hornets (29-6) | Tigers (20-16) 
City | Venue: Lexington, Kentucky | Rupp Arena 
NCAA Tournament First-Round

HOW IT HAPPENED 

• Micah Octave canned a 3-pointer to stake the HBCU a 3-0 lead in the opening minute.
• A TJ Madlock jump shot tied the game 5-5 at the 17:25 mark.
• Mile Kelly made back-to-back 3-pointers to aid an AU 7-0 run and a 12-5 lead.
• Auburn took a 28-15 lead on a Chaney Johnson basket in the lane with 7:38 left in the first half.
• Alabama State went on an 11-1 run to cut the 29-27 with 3:59 left in the opening half.
• CJ Hines had two 3-pointers, along with baskets from Madlock, Amarr Knox, and Ubong, during the run to cut AU’s lead to 28-24 with 5:24 to go in the first half.
• Knox made a pair of layups to cut the deficit to 32-31 with under two minutes to go in the first half.
• Auburn used a 9-0 run to build the lead to 41-31 at halftime.
• The Tigers started the second half on a 6-0 run to build a 47-33 lead.
• AU’s lead grew to 58-38 after a Kelly jump shot at 13:02.
• The Tigers lead did not below 18 points the rest of the way.

TURNING POINT

• Alabama State cut the Auburn lead to 34-31 at 1:27 before Auburn closed the half on a 9-0 run to take a 41-31 halftime lead.

GAME NOTES

• The Hornets made their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2011
• It was the fifth appearance by the HBCU in the NCAA Tournament.
• Alabama State was 11-of-19 from the free throw line in the game.
• The Hornets shot 41 percent in the first half and equaled Auburn in the paint, 14-14.
• Knox led ASU with 18 points with two 3-pointers in the contest.
• The Hornets had 28 points in the paint to Auburn’s 30.
• ASU got 14 points from the bench.
• Auburn held a 46-36 edge on the board, including 14 offensive boards.

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Alabama State played Auburn close early in the first half before going down by as many as 13 points with eight minutes to play in the half. The Hornets would go on a run and found themselves down only three, 34-31, with just over a minute remaining until halftime. The upset alert was ringing loudly until Auburn closed out the half on a 7-0 run to give them a 10-point, 41-31 lead heading into halftime.

Alabama State came in as 32 points underdogs to Auburn, indicating that bookmakers expected a dominant performance from the Tigers. ?Can the HBCU hoops champion keep up the stellar play and pull off the historic upset?

Betting Odds Overview

• Point Spread: Auburn -32.5?
• Over/Under (Total Points): 149.5
• Moneyline: Auburn -8000; Alabama State +7000

These odds reflect Auburn’s strong season performance, boasting a 28-5 record and its status as a top seed. Conversely, Alabama State enters the tournament with a 20-15 record, having secured its spot by winning the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship.

Historical Context: 16 vs. 1 Seed Upsets

Historically, No. 1 seeds have dominated their first-round matchups against No. 16 seeds, holding a 154-2 record since the tournament expanded in 1985. However, there have been two monumental upsets.

• 2018: The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) stunned the Virginia Cavaliers with a 74-54 victory, marking the first-ever instance of a 16 seed defeating a 1 seed. ?
• 2023: Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) shocked Purdue with a 63-58 win, becoming the second 16 seed to achieve this feat. ?

These rare upsets serve as motivation for teams like Alabama State, illustrating that while improbable, defeating a top seed is possible.?

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With two of the league’s best baseball teams, comparable basketball teams, and strong fanbases, the Hornets-Rattlers rivalry is steadily growing.

On Tuesday, however, the rivalry was tabled as HBCU love took center stage. The Hornets, winners of the 2025 SWAC Basketball Tournament, were in Dayton, Ohio, to play St. Francis in the “First Four” round of the NCAA Basketball “March Madness” tournament. When the Hornets arrived, they were greeted by FAMU alum Rachel Blanks, who was sporting black and gold gift bags for the team. 

Rivalry aside

“Orange and green run through my veins every day—FAMUly forever! But tonight, I’m all about that black and gold!,” Blanks said.  A member of the Greater Dayton Chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association. Blanks has been a key component of the re-certification of the chapter that originally started in the 1960s, but was recently re-started.

The Alabama State Vice President of Institutional Advancement ties into the gesture.  Col. Gregory L. Clark is a graduate of FAMU and was President of the FAMU National Alumni Association.  The Dayton Chapter was formed under his leadership of the association.

“It’s one thing about unity among HBCUs, but it’s also about SWAC love,” Clark said.  For me to see my alma mater and a chapter that started under my leadership and do a great gesture to welcome the university I currently work at, it says a lot about character of the university, its grads, and the alumni association.  Coach Matlock really appreciated the gesture.  This chapter has been doing this year-after-year.  This is an annual thing with the group.  They stepped up and got it done.”

The Hornets would go on to defeat St. Francis 70-68 on a shot as time expired to advance to the field of 64.

The gesture has gone viral on HBCU social media.  The comments dig to the core of HBCU rivalries in that there is a point at which they don’t matter.

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The Hornets earned a first-round appearance against their in-state SEC foe after defeating Saint Francis 70-68 on Tuesday in First Four action in Dayton, Ohio. With the ball out of bounds and seconds to play in the contest, Hornets 6-foot-2 junior guard Micah Simpson lobbed a hail-mary pass down the court to his teammate, and 6-foot-3 sophomore guard Amarr Knox converted on a game-winning layup to lift ASU to its first NCAA tournament victory in program history.

Tuesday’s win marked Alabama State’s first NCAA tournament victory. The HBCU lost its previous NCAA tourney matchups that included Michigan State (2001), Duke (2004), Morehead State (2009), and UTSA (2011).

Auburn enters Thursday’s game as the top overall seed in this year’s men’s tournament. The Tigers lost to Tennessee 70-65 on Saturday in the semifinals of the SEC tournament. Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl led Auburn to its third SEC regular season title this season and the sixth in program history.

Series history between Alabama State, Auburn

Now, Alabama State head coach Tony Madlock will strive to guide his Hornets’ squad to a victory against the top team in the country in an Alabama showdown. Thursday’s contest marks the 10th meeting between the two teams, with the Tigers winning all previous contests against the in-state HBCU.

The last meeting between the Hornets and the Tigers took place on Dec. 3, 2015, when Auburn defeated Alabama State 80-78 in Montgomery, Alabama.

Key players for Auburn

The Tigers are led by Associated Press first-team All-American and 6-foot-10 fifth-year center Johni Broome, 6-foot-7 senior guard/forward Chad Baker-Mazara, 6-foot-6 senior guard Miles Kelly, 6-foot-1 freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford and 6-foot-4 senior guard Denver Jones.

Statistically, Broome averages a double-double, registering 18.9 points, a team-high 10.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game. Baker Mazaras serves as Auburn’s second-leading scorer, averaging 12.6 points, followed by Kelly with 11.5 points, Pettiford with 11 points and Jones with 10.7 points per contest. 

Other key contributors for the Tigers include 6-foot-7 senior forward Chaney Johnson, 6-foot-11 fifth-year center Dylan Cardwell and 6-foot-6 fifth-year forward Chris Moore. As a team, Auburn sits No. 10 nationally in points per game (83.8) and 24th in field goal percentage (48.3%).

Key players for Alabama State

The Hornets are led by first-team All-SWAC tournament selections in 6-foot-2 senior guard CJ Hines and 6-foot-3 senior guard TJ Madlock, along with Knox, 6-foot-10 sophomore forward Jasteven Walker and 6-foot-5 senior guard Micah Octave.

Currently, Knox leads the Hornets in scoring, averaging 14.4 points per game. In the Hornets’ win against the Red Flash, Knox finished with 16 points and two steals. Hines, the team’s second-leading contributor, averages 14.3 points per contest. Madlock, the son of Hornets’ head coach, averages 12.6 per game, followed by Walker with 5.3 and Octave with 5.1 points per game.

The game will tip off at 2:50 p.m. (ET) in Lexington, Kentucky and will be televised on CBS.

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Alabama State and Saint Francis (PA) battled in a competitive first half of their NCAA First Four matchup. Alabama State’s defense set the tone early, forcing turnovers and controlling the paint. Guard play was key for the Hornets, as they capitalized on transition opportunities. Saint Francis responded with hot shooting from beyond the arc, keeping the game close. Both teams traded leads throughout the half, with neither able to establish full control. Alabama State’s rebounding edge and aggressive play gave them a slight advantage heading into halftime, leading 34-30.

Alabama State rallied in the second half, outscoring Saint Francis 36-29.

Key players for Alabama State included Amarr Knox, who led the team with 16 points on 8-of-15 shooting, and TJ Madlock, who contributed 11 points and seven rebounds. For Saint Francis, Juan Cranford Jr. stood out with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Riley Parker added 12 points and five rebounds.

The Hornets’ defense was instrumental, forcing 15 turnovers while committing only six themselves. They also held a slight edge in rebounding, grabbing 35 boards to the Red Flash’s 33.

The game was deadlocked at 68 apiece when the Hornets provided a dramatic finish that will surely make the “One Shining Moment” season recap at the Final Four.

TJ Madlock was fouled with 12.4 seconds left and missed the front end of a one and one that could have broken the 68-68 tie. However, Saint Francis turned the ball over on the ensuing possession giving Alabama State the ball back with 3.4 seconds remaining. Alabama State threw the ball the length of the court for a wild play that ended up with the ball being tipped to Knox who made the game-winning layup with 1 second remaining.

The win was the first ever for Alabama State in the NCAA Tournament. ASU previously had not won a game in the Division 1 NCAA Tournament. The Hornets lost to Michigan State in 2001, Duke in 2004, Morehead State in 2009, and UTSA in 2011.

Alabama State will now play No. 1 seed Auburn on Thursday afternoon in Lexington, Kentucky. Tip off is set for 2:50pm at Rupp Arena and the game will be televised on CBS.

No. 16 seed Norfolk State, the other HBCU in this year’s field, plays on Friday at 6:50 pm versus No. 1 seed Florida. That game will be televised on TNT.

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The Hornets, under the leadership of head coach Tony Madlock, have been assigned a No. 16 seed and are set to compete in the First Four matchup against Saint Francis (PA).

The Hornets’ journey to the tournament has been marked by resilience. As shown by their thrilling 60-56 win over Jackson State to win the SWAC title. Their defense is particularly noteworthy, ranking in the 97th percentile nationally for steals. This aggressive defensive approach has been instrumental in creating fast-break opportunities, a key component of their offensive strategy.

Defensive minded champion

Offensively, Alabama State is led by a trio of dynamic guards: Amarr Knox, CJ Hines, and TJ Madlock. Knox averages 14.5 points per game, closely followed by Hines at 14.3 points, and Madlock contributes 12.8 points per game. Their ability to capitalize on turnovers and execute in transition will be crucial in their upcoming matchup against Saint Francis (PA).

Saint Francis (PA) presents its own set of challenges. The Red Flash have demonstrated offensive prowess throughout their season, making them a formidable opponent. For the Hornets to advance, they will need to maintain their defensive intensity limit Saint Francis’s scoring opportunities. And Improve their shooting efficiency, particularly in half-court sets.

Should Alabama State emerge victorious in the First Four, they will face the Auburn Tigers, the No. 1 seed, in the subsequent round. Marking a historic in-state matchup between the HBCU and the SEC powerhouse.

Possible Alamama showdown

Auburn has been a dominant force this season. The Hornets would need to deliver an exceptional performance to contend with the Tigers. Key strategies would include controlling the tempo, minimizing turnovers, and effectively challenging Auburn’s offensive sets.

This tournament appearance is particularly significant for the Hornets, symbolizing the culmination of years of dedication and growth within the program. The father-son duo of Coach Tony Madlock and senior guard TJ Madlock adds a compelling narrative to their journey. Highlighting the personal and professional bonds that have propelled the team to this achievement.

Alabama State’s entry into the 2025 NCAA Tournament is a testament to their hard work, strategic defense, and leadership within the team. Their upcoming games offer an opportunity to showcase their skills and the rich legacy of HBCU basketball on a national platform.

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The routine message dates back to Hines’ tenure as a standout guard at nearby Archer High School in Lawrenceville, Ga., and his days as a NAIA first-team All-American at Faulkner University, a private Christian university in Montgomery, Alabama. When Hines woke up Saturday in preparation for No. 5 seed Alabama State’s matchup against No. 2 seed Jackson State in the 2025 Southwestern Athletic Conference championship game, the elder Hines’ text message to his son was simple yet personal.

“It was a great message today,” Hines told HBCU Gameday with a laugh. “He [Corey] basically tells me that I’m that dude. … I know I’m that dude, but it is always different when you can hear it from your pops.”

Fuel for the fire

Despite Hines’ confidence in his skills, the SWAC basketball coaches and sports information directors felt slightly different. The Hornets’ guard failed to earn a spot on the list of players who earned All-SWAC men’s basketball recognition released on Monday before the conference tournament. Hines was one of three players — Amarr Knox and TJ Madlock — who averaged double-digit point totals (14.2 points per game) for the Hornets this season. 

His denial from the league’s coveted docket of HBCU basketball players activated a burning desire inside of him to prove that he belonged among the SWAC’s top echelon. The rejection worked. Hines finished with a team-high 20 points — his sixth game of 20 or more points this season — three rebounds, two assists, and three steals. Alabama State (19-15) upset Jackson State (16-18) 60-56 in front of 3,154 energized fans inside Gateway Center Arena at College Park. 

After we [Alabama State] had our film [session], and we talked about [the list], I said I want you [CJ] to have a chip on your shoulder,” said Hornets head coach Tony Madlock. “…They left him off [the list] and he did so many things for this team.”

For Hines, it was a moment of redemption and memory that his father will cherish forever. With the victory, the Hornets captured their fifth SWAC tournament title since 2001 and the program‘s first since 2011. 

Words from a father

“As a father … I [Corey] gave him the biggest hug once [the game] was over with and told him well deserved,” the elder Hines told HBCU Gameday. “This whole tournament has been personal. … He knew he deserved to be on one of those [All-SWAC] [postseason] teams. … At the end of the day, he came here and he showed why he should have been on the team. …He has the other awards now, the ones he’s really going to hold on to. …It’s a beautiful thing when you see your kids achieve their goals.”

Not only did Hines find his rhythm and smooth stroke to lead the Hornets in scoring. But the men’s SWAC tournament MVP was also the most efficient, converting 8-of-15 shots from the floor that included 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. Hines delivered down the stretch of a tight game against JSU, scoring six — two of his four three pointers — within the final 7:30 of the contest.

During the Jan. 11 clash between the two teams, the Tigers bested the Hornets on the road 77-70. Still, Hines finished with 14 points. 

Although Hines started his career at Faulkner University (FU), he dreamed of playing Division I basketball. When James Jackson left FU after two seasons to become the Hornets director of recruiting, player relations, and community engagement. He guided Hines through his transition from NAIA to the SWAC, helping the Hornets’ guard fulfill his D-I dream. Hines’ first year at Alabama State was not perfect. 

However, with Jackson and Madlock’s belief in the 6’2” guard, that was all Hines needed.

Words from coach

“When you come from NAIA to Division I, it takes you a little time to get adjusted,” Madlock said. “He [CJ Hines] started every game [last season]. I just believed in him [Hines]. This year, he played his butt off. He’s already graduated, he’s working on a MBA. I’m just so proud of him.”

Alabama State’s victory on Saturday — a team that was predicted to finish eighth in the SWAC’s preseason poll — marked only the second time in the last seven seasons that the Hornets played in the SWAC tournament. The 2023-24 season marked the first time the program competed for the league’s crown since 2019.

Hines helped the Hornets win nine of their last 10 HBCU basketball games leading up to Saturday’s SWAC title game. Now, he and his teammates will find out which team Alabama State will face in the men’s NCAA tournament when the full 68-team bracket is announced during Selection Sunday on March 16.

“… This is what he wanted … to play D-I ball and to play to get to March Madness,” Hines’ father said. “He did it. …I’m probably more excited than they [Alabama State players] are.”

Hines agreed. “I had to let all them coaches know what they missed out on,” he added… “I was upset that I wasn’t on the [postseason All-SWAC team] list. But, it just fueled me for these three games and I’m glad we got the ring.”

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The game between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University will be known as the Amazon Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola, officials announced on Thursday. McDonald’s was the previous title sponsor. 

“This four-year partnership represents a shared commitment to education, diversity and economic growth in our community,” said Perren King, the executive director of the Magic City Classic. “We look forward to working with Amazon to elevate the Classic experience for our fans and the broader HBCU family.”

The Magic City Classic has been a staple in Birmingham for more than 80 years, but the last few years have seen a push to get more money to the institutions. Alabama A&M sent promoters a cease-and-desist back in 2023 as terms were re-negotiated. Alabama A&M signed on to receive $1 million when the Bulldogs are designated as the home team, and $300,000 when they are visitors. Alabama State signed a four-year agreement to receive $1.5 million during the years that it is the home team. Adding in $500,000 annually to each of the institutions, the two schools are set to receive an average of $1.5 million over four years. 

“Through this partnership with the Magic City Classic, we’re celebrating HBCUs as a legacy of excellence while investing in tomorrow’s leaders,” said Donetta Houser-Sly, HR Director, Amazon North America People Experience & Technology. “This historic game isn’t just about football — it’s about community, opportunity, and the endless possibilities that arise when tradition meets innovation.”

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Some of the greatest NFL players like Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, Aeneas Williams, Shannon Sharpe and Michael Strahan played at HBCUs – today’s Football Championship Subdivision level programs – before dominating at the NFL level. However, when the Pro Football Hall of Famers played in college, they didn’t have access to name, image and likeness nor were they forced to deal with the impact of the transfer portal.

Only seven (FCS) players were invited to the 2025 NFL Combine nearly a week ago in Indianapolis. With the seismic changes to the transfer portal that took place ahead of the 2021 college football season, along with last year’s amendment to the transfer rule of allowing programs unlimited players to transfer without penalties (barring they met academic obligations), it has resulted in fewer FCS players receiving an invite to the NFL’s weeklong showcase at Lucas Oil Stadium due to the perception of more NFL-ready talent at the FBS ranks.

NFL red flags for non-transfers?

Zach McKinnell, editor and owner of FCS Football Central, reported Tuesday on X (formerly known as Twitter) that multiple scouts from professional football teams who attended the Senior Bowl and HBCU Legacy Bowl revealed that FCS prospects who choose to remain at the FCS level instead of darting for FBS programs are labeled as “potential red flags” at the next level.

“Were they scared of better competition, are they not good enough to play at that level?” McKinnell tweeted.

ESPN’s Kalyn Kahler reported that an average of 20.5 players from smaller non-FBS programs received invites to the combine between 2016 to 2021, prior to changes to the transfer portal. However, the mean number of players has dropped to 14.5 since 2022, the lowest mark in the last decade.

Even more, no players from the Division II or the Division III ranks earned invites to the last two combines. But prior to changes to the transfer rule, an average of 3.5 sub-FCS players earned combine invites from 2015 to 2021, per the report.

The report also indicated that 126 of the 330 players who received invites to the combine transferred at some level of college football at least once, with many of the players taking their talents to programs on the same level. Additionally, 28 of those 330 have transferred no less than once from a non-FBS program. Compare that to the 2018 combine, an event where only two players among 336 invited players transferred to a higher-level college football program – meaning NAIA to D-II or FCS to FBS – after playing at a non-FBS program.

Some of the higher-profile HBCU prospects hoping to hear their names called in this year’s NFL draft include Alabama A&M’s Carson Vinson and Donovan Eaglin, Jackson State’s Irv Mulligan and Robert McDaniel, Florida A&M’s Kendall Bohler, Howard’s Jarrett Hunter, Virginia Union’s Jada Byers, Hampton’s Elijah Burris, South Carolina State’s Aaron Smith and Alabama State’s James Burgess, to name a few.

The 2025 NFL draft will take place April 24-26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

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A Historic Milestone for HBCU Education

ASU’s decision to introduce cannabis education programs marks a significant milestone for HBCU institutions nationwide. While several universities across the country have begun incorporating cannabis-related courses into their curricula, ASU is the first historically Black institution to officially embrace this emerging field. This move positions the university as a leader in cannabis education and workforce development, opening doors for students interested in the industry’s science, business, and legal aspects.

Overview of ASU’s Cannabis Education Programs

ASU’s initiative includes the following five online certificate programs:

1. Cannabis Healthcare and Medicine: This program offers an in-depth exploration of cannabis as medicine, designed for healthcare and retail professionals who aspire to deliver accurate information and valuable guidance.
2. Cannabis Agriculture and Horticulture: This course provides both novice and experienced growers with the accurate information needed to effectively engage in cannabis production, management, and cultivation.
3. The Business of Cannabis: This program helps students understand the challenges and opportunities presented by the cannabis business as they progress from seed to sale.
4. Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management: This course provides the information and insights needed to become an in-demand cannabis compliance professional.
5. Cannabis Product Development and Design: This program allows students to dive deep into the science of cannabis extraction, learn how to craft exceptional products, and develop strategies to build a cannabis brand that sells.

Each program is delivered entirely online, allowing for flexible learning schedules. The courses are designed to cater to a wide range of individuals, from healthcare providers and cultivators to entrepreneurs and compliance professionals. This initiative not only positions ASU at the forefront of cannabis education but also reflects a broader trend of integrating cannabis studies into higher education curricula, particularly among HBCUs.

Industry Demand and Economic Empowerment

The cannabis industry is experiencing rapid growth, with projections indicating continued expansion in the coming years. ASU President Dr. Quinton T. Ross highlighted the increasing demand for a trained workforce in cannabis, noting that the industry grows by 20% annually. He stated, “Individuals who may be growers or cultivators, and those individuals who may be dispensers… will be looking for a trained workforce.”

By offering these specialized programs, ASU aims to equip its students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in this evolving industry. This initiative also serves as a pathway to economic empowerment, particularly for communities historically marginalized in the cannabis sector. By providing access to quality education and training, ASU is ensuring that its graduates are well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities within the legal cannabis market.

Alabama State University’s introduction of cannabis education programs marks a significant milestone for HBCUs and the broader landscape of higher education. By embracing this rapidly growing industry, ASU is preparing its students for high-demand careers and challenging historical barriers to entry in the cannabis market. As one of the first HBCUs to offer such programs, ASU sets a precedent that could inspire other historically Black institutions to explore similar educational opportunities, fostering greater diversity and inclusion within the cannabis industry.

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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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VERO BEACH, Fla. | Alabama State (a Montgomery, AL HBCU) received contributions from every part of their lineup, as all nine starters reached base safely, helping the Hornets to a 10-2 win over MIssouri at the Andre Dawson Classic on Saturday.

Sophomore Jafet Martinez (2-0) started on the mound and picked up the win for Alabama State (3-4). The right-hander went six innings, giving up one run on four hits, allowing one walk and striking out five. Senior Will Smith also made an impact on the mound for the Hornets, throwing three innings, giving up one run on one hit, with one walk and four strikeouts.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Hornets got on the board immediately, starting their scoring with one run in the top of the first inning. Sophomore Juan Cruz put Alabama State on the board with a two-out solo home run off senior Ian Lohse.

The Tigers then tied the ballgame at one before the Hornets came back to reclaim their advantage in the fifth inning. Alabama State got back-to-back run-scoring doubles from junior Kelvin Agosto and junior Kameron Douglas to pick up a couple of runs, which brought the score to 3-1 in favor of the Hornets.

Alabama State held Missouri without a run before building their lead to 4-1 the following inning. The Hornets scored once on an RBI single off the bat of sophomore Jorge Bello.

Alabama State held the Tigers scoreless before their offense got things rolling the next inning. The Hornets scored four runs in the inning, highlighted by a two-run double off the bat of senior Kyler McIntosh, bringing the score to 8-1 in favor of Alabama State.

The Hornets held Missouri without a run before building on their lead to 10-1 the following inning. Alabama State brought home a pair, with one run driven in by McIntosh’s single. Missouri put one run on the scoreboard before the game was over, but the Hornets still coasted to the 10-2 win.

Alabama State will take on HBCU rival Jackson State on Sunday at the Andre Dawson Classic, that game will be stream lived on MLB.com.

HBCU BASEBALL GAME NOTES
» Alabama State got three-hit games from both Agosto and senior Mikel Pryor.
» Martinez struck out five Tigers hitters.
» The Hornets power output was led by Cruz, who had two extra base hits in the ballgame.
» Every Alabama State starter reached base safely in the win.
» Alabama State’s highest scoring inning was the seventh, when it pushed four runs across.
» ASU grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top half of the first and didn’t surrender that lead for the remainder of the game.
» Martinez put together six innings of one-run ball for the Hornets.
» Seven Hornets had multiple hits in the ballgame.
» The Hornets had a total of 17 hits.
» The Hornets out-hit the Tigers at a 17-5 clip.
» Alabama State went 8-for-16 (.500) with runners in scoring position at the Andre Dawson Classic.
» ASU pitchers faced 35 Missouri hitters in the game, allowing nine ground balls and eight fly balls while striking out nine.
» Cruz led the Hornets at the plate, going 2-for-5 with a double, a home run and an RBI.
» Missouri was led offensively by freshman Trey Lawrence, who went 1-for-3 with an RBI.
» Freshman Brady Kehlenbrink led the Tigers pitching staff, throwing one shutout inning.

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From the tip-off, the game was a battle of wills. Southern University, the SWAC’s top team, showcased its usual dominance early, but Alabama State refused to back down. The Hornets held a slim 39-36 lead at halftime, led by Amarr Knox’s electrifying 26-point performance. Southern fought back behind Cam Amboree’s 17 points off the bench, but Alabama State’s resilience proved decisive in the final moments.

With seconds left, Southern’s late three-pointer cut the deficit to one, but Alabama State held firm at the free-throw line, sealing the win and shaking up the HBCU basketball landscape. Antonio “TJ” Madlock added 18 points and eight rebounds for the Hornets, while CJ Hines chipped in 19 points, including clutch three-pointers that kept Alabama State ahead.

The loss was a rare setback for Southern (10-1 SWAC, 15-9 overall), which remains atop the standings but now faces growing pressure from Bethune-Cookman (8-3), Jackson State (7-3), and a trio of 7-4 teams—Florida A&M, Texas Southern, and Alcorn State. Alabama State (6-5) remains in the mix, now just a game back from the pack.

HBCU basketball fans are in for an exciting finish as the SWAC’s top teams jockey for position down the stretch. With Alabama State proving that even the conference’s best can fall, the battle for SWAC supremacy is far from over.

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Alabama State’s 2024-2025 signing class is a well-balanced group with a strong emphasis on improving both sides of the line of scrimmage while also reinforcing key skill positions. The Hornets placed a priority on in-state talent, particularly from Alabama, while also dipping into Florida, Georgia, and other states for depth and experience.

On the defensive side, the SWAC HBCU made a concerted effort to strengthen its front seven, adding defensive linemen such as Christian Williams (Tallahassee, FL), Chris Boner (Selma, AL), Patrick Smith Jr. (Birmingham, AL), and Dezmon Thomas (Enterprise, AL). Linebacker depth was also a focus, with notable additions including Ricky Nichols (Mobile, AL), Azariel Todd (Webb, AL), and Jalil Lenore (Chicago, IL). The secondary received reinforcements with multiple defensive backs from Florida (Terrence Johnson Jr., Zamari Hall) and Georgia (Deontre Morris, Alan Wright).

Offensively, the Hornets secured key pieces at quarterback with Braylen Ragland (Memphis, TN) and Te’Sean Smoot (Springfield, OH). The offensive line gained size and versatility with the addition of Marvin Lee Jr. (Huntsville, AL) and Austin Candler (Jacksonville, FL). The running back group was bolstered by in-state products Devin Brown (Hurtsboro, AL), Karl Ligon (Prattville, AL), and Aydden Moody (Birmingham, AL).

Alabama State also tapped into the transfer portal, securing experienced talent from the SEC as well as other SWAC and FCS schools — even from the Division II ranks. This mix of young high school prospects and experienced college transfers gives the Hornets a well-rounded class capable of immediate impact and long-term development.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala.- On the afternoon of February 1st, 2025, Huntingdon College played host to HBCU Alabama State University in the first intercollegiate Women’s Flag Football game within the state of Alabama.

Led by head coach Angela Rowe, the Hawks controlled the field on both sides of the ball, passing for 304 yards and forcing 4 turnovers in a dominant 42-0 victory over the Division I HBCU Alabama State Hornets.

Deferring to the second half, the Hawks started strong, forcing a turnover on downs. Huntingdon’s offense took the field on the ensuing possession and wasted no time finding their rhythm. Freshman quarterback Mary Wade Latham completed a strike down the middle of the field to Megan Connor on the Hawks’ first play before finding wide receiver Kelis Russell 22 yards downfield for the first touchdown in program history.

Following two Hornet rushes, Tierra Russell jumped a route, recording the program’s first interception, and took it 49 yards down the field, setting the Hawks up with a first and goal on the other end. It took Huntingdon just two plays to find the endzone again, with Latham completing her second touchdown pass of the quarter, this time to Naimah Rahmaan from 6 yards out, upping the Hawks lead to 12-0 entering the second quarter.

After forcing yet another turnover on downs as the second quarter began, Alabama State University intercepted Latham, nearly taking it the distance of the field to provide the Hornet offense with a first and goal of their own. With their backs against the wall, the Hawks stood strong, with Russell recording her second interception of the half to flip possession back to the Hawks. Huntingdon’s offense would be forced to punt on the following possession, but another turnover on downs for Alabama State held the Hawks lead at 12-0 entering the halftime break.

Starting the second half with possession of the ball, the Hawks wasted no time finding the endzone again, this time on a 59-yard catch and run from Hiryaunna Mays. A successful two-point conversion brought Huntingdon’s advantage to 20-0. Mays followed up with a 23 yard punt return on the following possession to put Huntingdon’s offense back in positive field position for another drive.

For her fourth touchdown throw of the afternoon, Latham connected with Naimah Rahmaan for the second time, this time from 8 yards out, to bring the score to 28-0 midway through the third quarter.

Following another turnover on downs for the HBCU Hornets, quarterback Emily Stricklin led the Hawks on a drive that resulted in yet another touchdown for Rahmaan, raising the lead to 36-0 entering the fourth and final quarter.

Alabama State’s opening possession of the fourth quarter would come to an abrupt end once again, with Ashley Sajous recording the Hawks’ third interception of the afternoon. Stricklin took advantage of the opportunity, finding De’Aysia Williams from 8 yards out to push the lead to 42-0.

As the game drew near, Huntingdon continued to dominate defensively, with Azariah Greer’s interception putting a stamp on the Hawks’ emphatic Women’s Flag Football victory.

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The running back who started his career at Alabama State was named the game’s MVP after rushing for 97 yards and two touchdowns on Thursday night.

It was the first action Croskey-Merritt had seen in months as his senior season at Arizona was cut short by eligibility issues. His true freshman season was 2019, in which he played four games for the HBCU. But due to an apparent number mix up it appeared as though he played in eight games. 

“It’s been great. Just to be able to showcase scouts all week that I can do whatever they ask me to do at the next level,” Merritt told the DLLS Sports after the game. “I’m just thankful to even be right here right now. It’s all God.”

Croskey-Merritt had 13 carries for 106 yards and a game-clinching 36-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter in his lone game for Arizona last season after spending the 2023 season at New Mexico. His performance at the all-star game was huge for his confidence. 

“It taught me you can compete with the best of them. It taught me how to be a pro,” he said. “Just being around pro coaches, getting coached by them. It was a great experience I’m just excited to be able to have all that in my belt when I go to the next level.”

As a former HBCU player who transitioned to G5 and only got to play one game at the Power Five level, the East-West Shrine Game was a big opportunity for Jacory Crosby-Merritt to show NFL scouts what he can do. 

“You gon’ get a dawg,” he said. “You gonna get a competitor who wants to win every week — who is a hard worker, who is a good person, and I’ll just fit great wherever I go.”

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DETROIT, Mich. – The Motor City Cruise, NBA G League affiliate of the Detroit Pistons, announced today that HBCU alum China Jude has been named the organization’s President of Business Operations. Jude will be responsible for leading the club’s business lines, expanding revenue opportunities and driving engagement with partners, sponsors, ticketholders and fans. She will report directly to Detroit Pistons President of Business Operations Melanie Harris. 

Jude most recently served as an organizational strategist with USA Volleyball where she partnered with the senior leadership team to provide strategic consultation and worked to enhance initiatives and drive fan and membership engagement and growth across 40 regions.  

Harris lauded Jude’s leadership experiences and her passion for sports in driving organizational success and employee development. 

“We are pleased to welcome China to the organization knowing her sports business experience and leadership will galvanize our Cruise business operations team and catalyze growth both on and off the court,” said Harris.  “Together, we see great opportunity to engage our community with the exciting and accessible product.”

Jude said she is “excited to work with the talented team of professionals at the Detroit Pistons and help build the Motor City Cruise brand within the community.”

“Detroit is a fantastic sports city and I look forward to identifying new ways in which the Motor City Cruise can build its fanbase and carve its own niche in the broader sports landscape,” said Jude.  “I look forward to advancing the club’s success and contributing to the larger picture in which this team supports the Detroit Pistons.”

Jude has more than 20 years of professional and collegiate sports experience including leadership roles with the Denver Broncos, Chadron State College, University of Wyoming and Queens College (NY). 

Prior to USA Volleyball, Jude spent three seasons with the Broncos (2021-23) as the club’s inaugural vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion. Jude worked closely with football, business and community leadership on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy as well as working directly with the human resources and community development departments to focus on recruitment, hiring processes, overall workplace environment and external outreach.

Jude’s extensive collegiate athletic administration experience includes roles as the Director of Athletics at Chadron State College (NE) in 2024, Queens College (NY) from 2011-18, and HBCU Cheyney University (PA) from 2007-11. She also served as Senior Associate Athletics Director for Administration and Senior Women Administrator (SWA) at the University of Wyoming (2018-21). Her additional Senior Woman Administrator roles include time at Coppin State University (MD), and the University of the District Columbia.

An All-Conference volleyball player at HBCU Alabama State, Jude served as Head Volleyball Coach at the University of the District of Columbia and the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

A native of Waukegan, Ill., China Jude received her bachelors in Broadcast Journalism at Alabama State University, Masters in Sports Science (M.S.S.) at the United States Sports Academy and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) at Northcentral University.  Jude also served in the U.S. Naval Reserves, earning an honorable discharge. 

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Ryan Lewis Sr. is a seasoned football coach with a diverse background in defensive strategies and player development.  In this role, Lewis has been instrumental in enhancing the defensive capabilities of the Hornets, focusing on linebacker performance and overall defensive tactics. His defense ranked no. 1 in the SWAC in scoring defense, total defense, rushing defense, first down defense, touchdowns allowed, interceptions, forced fumbles and sacks and was one of the most feared in all of HBCU football.

Before joining the HBCU, Lewis was at his alma mater Bethune-Cookman, where he served as the Special Teams Coordinator/Linebackers coach after serving as Associate Head Coach at Edward Waters College, where he was defensive coordinator and linebackers. He served prior at Bethune-Cookman as the Defensive Quality Control Coach and assisted with the linebackers.

As a player at BCU, Lewis was recognized as MEAC Preseason Player of The Year and one of the Top 10 linebackers by The Sports Network, and named a Preseason Second Team FCS All-American in 2011. He finished his senior season with 42 tackles, including 10.5 for loss and a team-high tying four interceptions and five deflections. He also forced three fumbles on the campaign.

As he prepares to join Trent Dilfer’s staff at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Lewis brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of defensive success. His appointment is anticipated to strengthen UAB’s defensive unit, leveraging his expertise to develop robust defensive strategies and mentor players to reach their full potential.

Lewis’s career reflects a dedication to the sport and a consistent ability to elevate the performance of the defensive units under his guidance. His upcoming role at UAB represents a significant opportunity to contribute to the Blazers’ football program and collaborate with a coaching staff led by Trent Dilfer. 

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

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

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

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

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Led by a dominant defensive showing along with career days by Kareem Key and Robert McMinn on offense, Alabama State University knocked off the Golden Tigers 34-6 in the 100th Turkey Day Classic on Thursday afternoon.

Alabama State held the Tuskegee air attack to 93 passing yards and 138 yards on the ground while extending its string of quarters without allowing a touchdown to nine straight.

Keye completed 12-of-18 passes with a career-high 331 yards and four touchdowns while Robert McMinn caught four passes for a career-high 152 yards and two touchdowns on offense in the Turkey Day Classic.

The victory improved Alabama State’s record to 7-5 securing a third straight winning season under Head Coach Eddie Robinson Jr., The last time Alabama State had three straight winning seasons came under Head Coach Reggie Barlow. Barlow led the Hornets to five straight winning seasons from 2010-2015. 

A.J. Gates led all Hornets rushers with 45 yards in the contest, picking up 15 yards per carry. Gates also added 57 receiving yards. Jalen Jones also added 36 yards on the ground, averaging 18 yards per carry, as well as 87 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Amon Scarbrough showed out for the Alabama State defense, totaling five tackles and one interception. Tre Phillips added one interception and Treqwan Thomas had four tackles, 1.0 TFL, and one sack in the win.

The Hornets forced two turnovers in Thursday’s contest, with Alabama State turning those takeaways into three points. The Alabama State offense did a good job prolonging drives, converting on 44.4 percent of third-down attempts.

Alabama State’s defense held up against Tuskegee’s offense, giving up 231 total yards. The Hornets kept Tuskegee under 150 yards on both the ground and through the air, allowing 93 passing and 138 rushing yards. The Hornets defense disrupted the Tuskegee passing game on the way to pulling down two interceptions and breaking up four Golden Tigers passes in the Turkey Day Classic.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Alabama State took a 7-0 lead over Tuskegee after scoring the game’s first points on the opening drive of the game.The Hornets then extended their lead to 14-0 with another score.

Alabama State then added a touchdown with 5:45 left in the first quarter to make it a 21-0 lead.The Hornets continued to extend their lead after Tuskegee closed the gap to 21-6, scoring again to go on top 28-6.

Alabama State continued to build its advantage, scoring again with 4:30 left in the third quarter to go on top 31-6.The Hornets kept scoring, tacking on a field goal to extend their advantage to 34-6. Neither team scored again in the game.

TURKEY DAY CLASSIC GAME NOTES

• Alabama State outgained Tuskegee 478-231, including a 331-93 advantage through the air.
• The Hornets scored first with 13:07 remaining in the first quarter improving to 15-4 under Robinson when socring first.
• Alabama State’s defense closed the season with nine straight quarters without allowing a touchdown.
• Demarkus Cunningham led the Hornets with nine tackles.
• ASU’s offense finished the year with 2028 rushing. Alabama State’s last 2000-yard rushing season dates to 2019, when the Hornets rushed for 2,805 yards and 27 touchdowns. 
• The ASU offensie set a season-high for total yards with 478 yards. 
• The Hornets collected eight tackles for loss and added three sacks on defense.
• Keye completed 66.7% of his passes on the day, going 12-for-18 while averaging 18.4 yards per attempt.
• Raequan Beal led the Golden Tigers passing attack, completing nine of his 20 attempts for 86 yards with two interceptions.
• Johnny Morris led the Tuskegee rushing attack with 88 yards.

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“Acts of unsportsmanlike conduct have zero place in the sports of intercollegiate athletics and within the Southwestern Athletic Conference,” he said. “We will continue to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for all acts deemed unsportsmanlike and contrary to the high standard of good sportsmanship we expect.”

After a thorough investigation, the SWAC determined that both schools violated the league’s code of ethics and conduct. As a result, 16 players—seven from Jackson State and nine from Alabama State—have been suspended for their next scheduled game. These measures aim to address the behavior and deter future incidents.

In addition to the suspensions, both schools have been fined $25,000 each in accordance with league bylaws. The fines serve as a financial reminder of the conference’s dedication to maintaining discipline within its HBCU programs.

This marks the second consecutive week of football competition in the SWAC affected by unsportsmanlike incidents, a situation the conference is actively working to prevent. The SWAC’s actions send a clear message to all HBCU institutions within its jurisdiction: the conference values its reputation and the principles of fair play and respect.

With these steps, the SWAC reaffirms its mission to uphold the high standards of HBCU athletics and ensure that competition reflects the values of sportsmanship and excellence.

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BATON ROUGE, La. — TJ Madlock totaled 21 points and Amarr Knox added 20, but the Alabama State men’s basketball team fell to the LSU Tigers 74-61 on the road Sunday, after the Montgomery, AL HBCU had a lead over the SEC team at the half.

ASU collected 38 rebounds in Sunday’s game compared to LSU’s 33, led by 10 boards from Mario Andrews. The Hornets also cleaned up the offensive glass, turning 15 rebounds into 11 second-chance points.

The Hornets’ defense effectively took away the basketball in Sunday’s game, forcing 15 LSU turnovers. Those takeaways turned into nine points on the other end of the floor. Madlock’s two steals led the way individually for the HBCU against the SEC from Baton Rouge, LA.

Alabama State shot 20-of-60 for the game (33.3 percent), but 1-of-20 from distance (5.0%). The Hornets made 20-of-26 free throws (76.9%).

Alabama State won the rebounding battle, 38-33, and 15-6 on the offensive board. LSU did have a 25-9 advantage in points off turnovers as both teams turned the ball over 15 times.

How It Happened

After falling behind 25-22, Alabama State went on an 8-0 run with 3:59 left in the first half to take a 30-25 lead. The Hornets then added one point to that lead by the end of the period and entered halftime with a 32-26 advantage. Alabama State did most of its first-half damage in the paint, scoring 16 of its 32 points close to the basket.

LSU took a 35-34 lead before Alabama State went on a 9-0 run, finished off by Madlock’s three, to seize a 43-35 lead with 13:43 in the contest. LSU re-asserted control, outscoring the Hornets 39-18 the rest of the way to hand ASU the 74-61 loss. The Hornets got out on the break in the period, scoring nine fast break points.

Game Notes» Madlock, Knox, and CJ Hines combined to account for 89 percent of the Hornets’ points.
» ASU lost despite a 38-33 rebounding advantage.
» The HBCU hoops defense forced 15 turnovers against the SEC opponent.
» ASU cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 15 offensive boards in the game.

Alabama State Head Coach Tony Madlock

On his words to the team pregame…
“Just play hard, man, it’s what we’re about. Our team and our program is about being as tough as possible, being physical, just being grimy and we showed it for maybe about 30 minutes this afternoon so hopefully we can continue and put 40 minutes together.”

On a similar outcome as last year and how they will move forward…
“Well, it can go either way. Hopefully, it shows you that if you play the right way, that you can play with anybody in the country. But also, the part that wears a little bit is that you don’t win these games. You know, nothing good comes from losing games so hopefully you can learn from them. All the good things you say ok let’s try to keep doing, and the bad things let’s throw it out.”

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MOBILE, Ala. | Alabama State University put together a seven-play, 73-yard drive, culminating in a 19-yard rushing touchdown with 7:53 left in the ballgame to give the Hornets a 21-17 SWAC win over Alcorn State at the Port City Classic on Saturday at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

The Hornets improved to 5-3 on the year and 4-1 in SWAC play, while the Braves fell to 4-5 and 3-2.

Jahbari Kuykendall totaled 56 yards to lead the Hornets’ ground attack in the game, picking up 9.3 yards per carry along the way. Marcus Harris II also tacked on 34 yards and one touchdown on the ground, picking up 4.2 yards per carry.

Robert McMinn reeled in five catches for 51 yards. Eric Horn got in on the action in the passing game as well, hauling in two balls for 50 yards and one touchdown.

Keane Lewis paced the Alabama State defensive effort, totaling eight tackles, 1.0 TFL, one sack, and one interception. James Burgess added four tackles, 1.0 TFL, and one interception, and Rico Dozier had 19 tackles, 2.0 TFL, and two sacks in the win.

The Hornets won the turnover battle in Saturday’s game, forcing two turnovers while coughing the ball up one time, with Alabama State turning those takeaways into seven points.

Alabama State’s defense held up fairly well against the run, limiting Alcorn State to 181 yards on the ground. The Hornets harassed the Alcorn State passing attack all game long, racking up six sacks and adding two interceptions.

How It Happened

Alcorn State scored first at the Port City Classic to take a 10-7 lead, but Alabama State responded with 1:22 left in the third quarter to go ahead 14-10. Alcorn State responded to go ahead 17-14 before the Hornets got on the scoreboard again with a 19-yard touchdown run to jump back ahead 21-17. Neither team scored again in the game.

Game Notes

• Alabama State improved to 9-2 when scoring 20-plus points and 9-2 in Classic games under Eddie Robinson.
• Alabama State won the turnover battle 2-1 after picking off two passes.
• Alabama State had their highest scoring quarter in the fourth period when they put up seven points.
• Alabama State converted 3 of 13 third downs while Alcorn State was successful on 7 of 18.
• The Hornets had three players with more than eight tackles in the ballgame led by Dozier, who had 19.
• Alabama State went 1-for-1 on fourth down, converting on 100 percent of attempts.
• The Hornets took potential points off the board by forcing two turnovers on their own half of the field.
• The Hornets totaled 11 tackles for loss and added a season-high six sacks. 
• Kareem Keye completed 70% of his passes on the day, going 14-for-20 while averaging 7.2 yards per attempt.
• Tre Lawrence led the Braves passing attack, completing 14 of his 22 attempts for 164 yards with one interception.
• Anthony Williams led the Alcorn State rushing attack with 66 yards and one touchdown.

UP NEXT: Alabama State remains on the road to battle SWAC rival Grambling State on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Grambling, La.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Alabama State used a huge 204-yard showing on the ground, including 156 yards from Daquon Kincey, to pick up a 27-19 win against Alabama A&M at the Magic City Classic Saturday afternoon at Legion Field in one of the largest games in HBCU football with a recorded attendance of 69,125.

The Hornets improved to 4-3 on the year and 3-1 in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play, while the Bulldogs fell to 3-4 and 1-2. Kareem Keye led the ASU passing attack with 131 yards through the air, tossing two touchdowns without throwing an interception.

Jamarie Hostzclaw also tacked 52 yards on the ground, picking up 5.2 yards per carry. Asa Gregg hauled in four catches for 75 yards and one score.

Ta’Shaun Sims recorded one interception, Keane Lewis added four tackles and one interception, and Amon Scarbrough had eight tackles, 1.0 TFL, one interception, and one forced fumble in the win.

The Hornets won the turnover battle in the HBCU football Classic, forcing four turnovers while avoiding any giveaways, with ASU turning those takeaways into 17 points. ASU put together a powerful performance on the ground, totaling 204 rushing yards while averaging 5.1 yards per carry and out-rushing Alabama A&M by 143 yards.

Defensively, Alabama State did an excellent job restricting the AAMU rushing attack, holding the Bulldogs to 61 yards on the ground. The Hornets’ defense disrupted the AAMU passing game on the way to pulling down three interceptions and breaking up four Bulldogs’ passes.

How It Happened

Alabama State took a 7-0 lead over Alabama A&M after scoring the game’s first points with 10:11 remaining in the first quarter. Another Hornet score then expanded the lead to 10-0.

The Hornets continued to build its lead, scoring again with 2:50 left in the second quarter to go up 17-0. The Hornets kept building their advantage after AAMU closed the gap to 17-3, scoring again to go up 20-3.

Game Notes

» Kareem Keye was named the Offensive MVP.
» Ta’Shaun Simms was named the Defensive MVP.
» ASU won the turnover battle 4-0 after intercepting three passes and recovering one fumble at the Magic City Classic.
» The Hornets scored first with 10:11 left in the first quarter and never trailed the rest of the game on their way to victory.
» ASU converted 4 of 13 third downs while Alabama A&M was successful on 3 of 13.
» Scarbrough led the Hornets with eight tackles.
» The Hornets took potential points off the board by forcing three turnovers on their own half of the field.
» ASU won the time of possession battle 33:09 to 26:51.
» ASU got off to a fantastic start in the HBCU football contest, putting 17 unanswered points on the board before AAMU could respond.
» Keye completed 70% of his passes on the day, going 14-for-20 while averaging 6.6 yards per attempt.
» Xavier Lankford led the Bulldogs passing attack, completing 13 of his 26 attempts for 207 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions.
» Keenan Hambrick was Alabama A&M’s leading receiver with 139 yards and two touchdowns.

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Initially listed as “TBD” on the SWAC football ESPN schedule when it was released back in June, the conference released a statement on Oct. 14 announcing that the game will now air on ESPN U, making it a national TV game on one of ESPN’s broadcast networks, as opposed to airing on its streaming ESPN+ platform.

Regarded as the largest HBCU classic in the country, the Magic City Classic is played at Legion Field, which has a seating capacity of 71,000. The 2023 matchup had a recorded attendance of 69,210 and that’s not including the thousands of tailgaters that pack the lots outside of Legion Field all week long. With both teams still very much in the race to represent the East in the SWAC Championship Game it’s easy to see why this game has been elevated to an ESPN national broadcast position.

Alabama A&M will come into the 83rd Magic City Classic with a 3-3 overall record and a 1-1 record in the SWAC. Alabama State also enters at 3-3 overall but with a 2-1 conference record.

Alabama A&M renegotiated its contract in 2023 and came to an agreement with Alabama State and the City of Birmingham to keep the Magic City Classic at Legion Field for the next four years.

“These two deserving HBCUs will receive the highest guaranteed payout in the history of HBCU athletics,” said Perren King, Executive Director of the event, in a statement. “This guarantee is higher than some FBS bowl game payouts.?We would like to applaud both presidents for being extremely thoughtful in achieving the best outcome for their constituency.” 

Another marquee HBCU football matchup, Jackson State vs Florida A&M, was also moved to an ESPNU national broadcast for Oct. 19th. Both HBCU football matchups will have major implications on the SWAC championship and Celebration Bowl races and will play out in back-to-back weeks on national television.

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Alabama State, Alcorn State, Grambling State, Prairie View A&M, and Arkansas Pine Bluff — five HBCUs that are also members of the SWAC — will all get special edition releases of the sneaker made popular by Kobe Bryant more than 25 years ago.

The Crazy 8 Low is set to be released by Adidas just in time for HBCU homecoming. 

1. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Image 1): This sneaker features a bold combination of black and gold, representing the university’s colors. The school’s lion logo is displayed on the tongue, and red laces add a striking contrast.
2. Prairie View A&M University (Image 2): These sneakers are predominantly purple with black accents, accompanied by yellow-gold laces. The tongue has the university’s “PVAMU” logo, proudly highlighting the school’s heritage.
3. Grambling State University (Image 3): This pair is primarily black and gold, with a yellow base and accents, reflecting Grambling State’s colors. The “G” logo appears on the tongue, and the design overall has a sleek and vibrant look.
4. Alcorn State University (Image 4): Featuring purple and gold, this sneaker highlights Alcorn State’s school spirit. The logo on the tongue complements the color scheme, and the yellow laces stand out against the purple and gold backdrop.
5. Alabama State University (Image 5): A clean combination of white, black, and yellow dominates this design. The Alabama State logo on the tongue and the yellow details on the sole add depth to this fresh and sharp sneaker.

These sneakers are stylish tributes to the universities, reflecting the pride and culture of each HBCU through bold color choices and unique branding elements.

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On a designed quarterback run, Body was hit and came up awkwardly.  He would look as if he was in pain and unable to move what appeared at first to be his right hand. Kyle Mosley of HBCU Legends confirmed with the family that it was indeed his shoulder and he would be shutting down for the season.

Body has shown the ability to be an elite athlete.  He was highly touted from high school in Corpus Christi, TX, and had outstanding seasons at Texas Southern University before entering the transfer portal after an injury last season.

Splitting time at ASU with Jonah O’Brien under center, the Hornets who were picked by SWAC coaches and media persons to win the Eastern Division are left without the luxury of two quarterbacks.

Body had rushed for 134 yards in the game including two touchdowns for Alabama State.  He was the SWAC leader in rushing for the opening week of the season.  Now, it will be a healing process and evaluation of “What’s next” for Body and his family.

We spoke to those who cover HBCUs in other media sources to get their reaction to Andrew Body’s injury:

“It is an unfortunate prognosis. However, it is inherent in the game of football. This is why the academic side of the equation is so important.  As the dean of the College of Education and full professor at Texas Southern University, I have had the pleasure to view his growth and maturation in college, I wish the young man all of the best. He is a young man that is full of promise on and off the field; furthermore, he is magnetic to all that meet him.”

• Dr. Kenyatta Cavil, Inside the HBCU Sports Lab

“I’m empathetic to the journey and projection of Andrew’s career. He is an amazing talent, who has done things the right way and worked really hard to earn his individual and team successes. I wish him well in his recovery and look forward to watching him successfully return to the field.”

• Kelvin Rosier, O&G Strike Zone

“You’re heartbroken for the young man.  In a season where there is so much parity and not a dearth of household names especially at QB in HBCU Football, Andrew Body definitely held the potential of taking Alabama St to the next level.  Just looking at him try to will Bama St to a win with his legs was an eye opening precursor to what was on the horizon.”

• Charles Bishop, Inside the HBCU Sports Lab

“I hate that for the 2nd consecutive season, this young man suffered a season-ending injury in the 1st game of the season. The culture has been robbed of seeing how dynamic this young man can be for his team and teammates. And for the crowd that somehow blames Coach Robinson for “putting him in a position to get hurt,” is unfounded. Body’s gift is his ability to be a dual-threat QB. There is risk and reward to that. Unfortunately, Alabama St is going to have to deal with the risk.”

Bryan Fulford, Jericho Broadcasting Network

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According to the report, Body will need additional anchor to one of the muscles supporting the rotator cuff. This marks the second year in a row that his season has ended after just one game. 

Andrew Body made a significant impact during his time at Texas Southern University as a dual-threat quarterback. After joining the team in 2021, Body set the program’s single-season record for total offense, averaging 265.9 yards per game. He also ranked second in the SWAC and finished fourth all-time in single-season passing at Texas Southern, throwing for 2,017 yards. Known for his athleticism, he added 554 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 2022. His dynamic playmaking ability made him one of the top quarterbacks in the SWAC, earning him preseason accolades.

Body’s 2023 campaign was cut short due to a lingering shoulder injury, prompting him to take a medical redshirt. Following the season, Body entered the transfer portal. He was highly-sought after by many HBCU football programs, but ultimately committed to Alabama State University in 2024 to continue his career in the SWAC.  He will now look to recover and continue his career.

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Sunday’s game at Hard Rock Cafe Stadium in Miami Stadium had a listed attendance of 10,256 fans. 

That number was a far cry from the last three editions of the HBCU classic, which was reborn in 2021. Those three matchups featured Florida A&M taking on new SWAC rival Jackson State. The 2022 matchup, a 59-3 blowout in favor of Jackson State, had an attendance of 39,907. The 2023 OBC saw 24,967 fans as FAMU ended the three-game losing streak to Jackson State. 

In fact, Sunday’s number was the lowest reported by the OBC since 1946 when 9,000 fans saw Lincoln (PA) beat FAMU in Tampa, FL.

The Orange Blossom Classic, established in 1933, became a symbol of Black college football excellence. Originally hosted by Florida A&M University, the game was held continuously from 1947 to 1978 at Miami’s Orange Bowl Stadium. Under legendary coach Alonzo “Jake” Gaither, it served as a de facto Black college national championship, drawing crowds of up to 50,000 during its peak.

The game was shelved following the 1978 season until it was revived by Kendra Bullock-Major, who partnered with Dennys as the game’s title sponsor.

With the three-year deal between FAMU and Jackson State expiring and the series set to move back to a home-and-home format, the Orange Blossom Classic was forced to find new schools to keep the game alive. North Carolina Central and Alabama State, two HBCU football programs on the rise but with less historical fan bases, were booked for the 2024 game.

“We’re moving forward.  The Orange Blossom Classic is here to stay, and we’re excited about what the future holds”….” Bullock-Major told HBCU Legends back in 2023. “There will be schools they’re going to be pleased with.  Schools that we know travel well and have a good following.  I believe we’ll be good.”

have not been announced. Back in 2023, Bullock said she’s not opposed to having FAMU back in the game at some point. 

“There’s always a possibility. I don’t think the door is closed.  I think it all comes down to their administration and their initiatives and goals.”

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Alabama State, led by head coach Eddie Robinson Jr., is coming off a competitive season where they battled in the SWAC. This game against North Carolina Central, one season removed from a Celebration Bowl victory, is a crucial early test for the Hornets. Robinson embraces the challenge, knowing that a strong HBCU rival like NCCU will reveal much about his team.

“It’s always good when you start off the season playing a good team,” Robinson stated. “They’re picked to finish first in the MEAC, and that means they’re going to expose some of our weaknesses. They’ll show guys we thought could do it, and maybe they can’t. That’s what you want–so you get that out the way early.”

MEAC/SWAC Challenge energy

The MEAC/SWAC rivalry adds another layer to this matchup. The two conferences square off each year in the Celebration Bowl, making this early-season clash a significant litmus test for the caliber of both leagues. Robinson pointed to the recent success of the SWAC in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, noting that it was the third straight win for his conference.

“We know the conferences are always playing the Celebration Bowl at the end of the year,” Robinson said. “I think it’s going to be a SWAC versus MEAC deal. Trei Oliver is big on representing the MEAC, and of course, I’m huge on representing the SWAC.”

On the other side, North Carolina Central enters the Orange Blossom Classic with high expectations. Head coach Trei Oliver led the Eagles to a 10-2 record in 2023, but missed a shot at the HBCU National Championship after two key losses late in the season. Oliver doesn’t put too much focus on early season wins, no matter how big, he instead remains focused on the rigorous path ahead.

HBCU Championship depends on how you finish

“You’ve got to go undefeated in conference,” Oliver emphasized when discussing NCCU’s mindset. “We had a tough non-conference schedule, and we beat a lot of really good non-conference teams. Beat a top-25 ranked Elon team. We beat a rival at their place, North Carolina A&T. We were battle-tested.”

Oliver is confident that the returning talent on his squad, along with their experience in high-pressure games, will help them rise to the challenge. Though there may be doubters after any setback, Oliver believes that NCCU is still one of the top programs in the country.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to return a lot of guys,” Oliver said. “We’re still a good football program. I know we got some doubters out there now that we lost a game, but we’ll be back.”

As the Orange Blossom Classic approaches, both teams are poised to make a statement. For Alabama State, it’s a chance to prove themselves against one of the best in HBCU football. For North Carolina Central, it’s another opportunity to remind everyone that the Eagles are a championship program. All eyes will be on Miami Gardens to see which team seizes the moment and starts their season on the right foot.

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“Jonah has done a great job coming in with the right mindset and he’s here to compete to be a starter,” head coach Eddie Robinson told reporter Jerry Humphrey. “I told him I didn’t bring him in to be a backup and I want him to compete to get reps and be the best guy. Whether its him, Body or Zach Sims, however it works out we just want to win football games.”

Jonah O’Brien has had an adventurous career as a signal caller the last few years. He began his career at Eastern Illinois before transferring to Colorado State for two seasons. O’Brien then returned back to Eastern Illinois, for his redshirt sophomore year in 2022. He started the first eight games that season before suffering a season ending injury. At the time he was one of the top 25 passers in the country for completion percentage at 64 percent.

Both quarterbacks showing well in practice

Humphrey made the following observation during the first week of practice, “Both quarterbacks displayed great control over the offense and made some key throws during drills against the defense. At the moment, Body is the clear favorite to start Week 1. However, just like we saw last season, this will be a battle that will play out the entirety of the season,” Humphrey wrote.

Robinson has not been shy about playing multiple quarterbacks through the season. Last season Dematrius Davis and Damon Stewart both saw playing time throughout the season. In 2022 Davis split time with Myles Crawley, who is now the incumbent at Grambling and the preseason SWAC Player of the Year. Davis transferred from Alabama State in the off season.

Andrew Body last played a full season in 2022 while at Texas Southern. He completed 146 passes on 260 attempts, with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) has announced that HBCU President, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr., of Alabama State University has been selected as a member of the NCAA Division I Finance Committee. He also currently serves on the NCAA Division I Board of Directors and the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics. Ross will officially begin his term on Aug. 7, 2024.

The Division I Board of Directors Finance Committee assists the Division I Board of Directors in providing oversight and approval for the Division I annual budget and allocation of Division I revenue distribution to membership. 

“I look forward to serving the membership on the NCAA Division I Finance Committee,” said Dr. Ross. “This committee is a vital component of the overall NCAA financial structure and I’m extremely honored to serve the NCAA membership in this capacity.”  

Dr. Ross serves as the 15th President of Alabama State University, his beloved HBCU, with a transformative vision and unwavering commitment to servant leadership. Since assuming office in October 2017, Dr. Ross has spearheaded a remarkable turnaround for ASU, focusing on fiscal stability and debt reduction resulting in significant financial transformation for the institution.

Under his leadership, ASU has witnessed over a $20 million investment in comprehensive infrastructure enhancements, including security upgrades, and multiple modernization projects. Dr. Ross’s strategic initiatives have propelled ASU to unprecedented heights, exemplified by its reaffirmation by the SACSCOC through 2030.

Through innovative partnerships and a strategic roadmap titled FOCUS 2030, Dr. Ross has expanded access and opportunities for ASU’s diverse student body, resulting in remarkable academic achievements and fundraising milestones. His leadership has elevated ASU’s national standing, among the nations top Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Dr. Ross’s influence extends beyond campus borders, as evidenced by his appointments to state and national boards and councils, including the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities Board of Advisors , the HBCU Capital Financing Advisory Board, Thurgood Marshall College Fund Board of Directors, Chairman of the Southwestern Athletic Conference commission to name a few. He has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s 2023 Educator of the Year award.

A passionate advocate for education and diversity, Dr. Ross’s legacy is defined by his dedication to empowering young minds and fostering progress and inclusivity. With a distinguished career spanning over 29 years in education, he continues to make impactful contributions as an educator, administrator, and statesman.

Dr. Ross is a distinguished graduate of ASU and is actively involved in various civic and community organizations, including Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the 100 Black Men of America. Beyond his professional achievements, he cherishes his role as a devoted husband and father, embodying the values of excellence, integrity, and compassion.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Alabama State University Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics announced the hiring of Camise Patterson as the school’s eighth head coach on Friday, July 19, 2024. Alabama State University is a public HBCU in Montgomery, Alabama. Founded in 1867, during the Reconstruction era, it was one of about 180 “normal schools” established by state governments in the 19th century to train teachers for the rapidly growing public common schools.
 
“I am beyond excited to welcome Camise to the Bama State family,” Cable said. “What she did in a relatively short time at FAMU was remarkable. As we got to know Camise during this process, her core values, passion for the game, and the student-athlete experience directly aligned with what we want to accomplish at ASU. The future of Bama State softball is bright under her leadership.”
 
Patterson, who replaces Todd Bradley, who stepped away after five seasons for personal reasons, spent the last two seasons at the helm of SWAC East Division rival Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Fla.
 
“I am deeply honored and grateful to be the next Head Softball Coach at Alabama State University,” Patterson said. “Being able to continue coaching the sport I love is a true blessing from God. I want to extend my sincere thanks to Dr. Cable and the search committee for their confidence in my abilities and this incredible opportunity. I’m excited to build on the program’s past success and look forward to being part of the SWARM!”
 
The Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, native was named the 2024 SWAC Coach of the Year while guiding the Rattlers to the 2024 SWAC East Division. Pitcher Zoryana Hughes nabbed SWAC Pitcher of the Year honors while five players overall earned All-SWAC laurels.
 
Overall, FAMU had nine players earn All-SWAC honors and one Pitcher of the Year during her two years in Tallahassee. Six of her players have received invitations to the Minority Prospects HBCU All-Star Game. In June 2024, Patterson was named the weCOACH Coach of the Month.

 
Patterson has spent most of her career at Florida A&M, except for a brief stop at Bethune Cookman University (2020). During her career at FAMU, she was elevated from a volunteer to assistant coach in 2016 before taking over her current role with the Rattlers in 2022-23. Patterson served as an assistant at FAMU under the legendary Veronica Wiggins, the only HBCU coach to eclipse 700 wins and has the most wins across all of the university’s sports.
 
As the top assistant, Patterson oversaw the Rattlers’ hitters and outfielders and assisted with day-to-day team operations as Florida A&M won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championship in 2016 and 2017.
 
Patterson played Division I softball at Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C., where she led the Camels with 12 home runs and a .561 slugging percentage as a senior. She graduated from Campbell with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 2015.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. | HBCU baseball player Randy Flores of Alabama State University was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels Baseball Club in the eighth round of the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) Amateur draft on Monday, July 15, 2024. Flores was the first HBCU baseball player taken in the 2024 MLB Draft.

“I am extremely proud of the hard work Randy has put in to make the dream of playing professional baseball come true,” Alabama State University Head Baseball Coach Jose Vazquez said. “He has always represented ASU well and deserves this opportunity. The Angels are getting a future star.”

Flores, the 262nd overall pick, is the first Hornet player drafted since infielder Ray Hernandez was selected in the 29th round by the Atlanta Braves in 2018.

In 2024, Flores ranked in the top 10 in the SWAC in eight categories, leading the conference in hits (74), hits per game (1.42), and the toughest to strikeout (11.2). His 31 stolen bases rank third in the SWAC and 16th nationally, and his .60 stolen bases per game are fourth in the SWAC and 19th in the NCAA. Flores has four triples (4th SWAC) and is hitting .347 (16th SWAC), nine home runs (T4th SWAC), 53 runs scored (8thSWAC), and 42 RBI. 

The Brooklyn, N.Y., native played and started 114 games and was a two-time First-Team All-SWAC selection over his seasons with the Hornets. He batted .338, 159 hits, 119 runs scored, 25 doubles, seven triples, and 20 home runs. Flores drove in 98 runs, stole 68 bases, slugged .549, and had a .421 on-base percentage in his HBCU baseball career.

Alabama State Baseball in the Pros

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MONTGOMERY, ALA. | HBCU baseball skipper Jose Vazquez from Alabama State University managed the USA Collegiate National Team to a perfect 8-0 record during the then 2024 summer training camp in Cary, N.C. There were 8 HBCU baseball players on the Stars and Stripes rosters this year.

“What an experience with USA Baseball! I’m proud to have represented Alabama State University and all HBCU at the highest level this summer.” Vazquez said.

This was Vazquez’s second summer on the USA Collegiate National Team staff, serving as an assistant in 2023 before being elevated to manager for 2024.

The CNT also referred to as Stars captured two games over Stripes by the scores of 9-5 and 7-1 win to begin the schedule.

A five-game friendly series against Chinese Taipei as the CNT swept all five games in impressive fashion before closing the camp schedule with a win over Stripes.

Alabama State University senior hurler Luis Rodriguez tossed a scoreless inning with two strikeouts to help seal a win over the Stripes in the camp finale.

Catch Jose Vazquez interview on the MLB Network

FRIENDLY SERIES RECAPS VS. CHINESE TAIPEI

GAME 1
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Nolan Schubart (Oklahoma State) mashed a pair of homers and Derrick Smith (North Carolina State) locked down a tough save to give Team USA a 5-4 win in game one of the 21st USA vs. Chinese Taipei International Friendship Series on Saturday, June 29 at Segra Stadium.

GAME 2
CARY, N.C. – Team USA and Chinese Taipei were locked in a pitchers’ duel for the first few innings before Team USA broke through in the top of the fourth, and took a 3-2, rain-shortened victory on Sunday, June 30 at the National Training Complex.

GAME 3
CARY, N.C. – Team USA picked up a series-clinching victory over Chinese Taipei in commanding fashion, as the U.S. scored nine unanswered runs to win, 11-1, on Monday, July 1 at Coleman Field.

GAME 4
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Jamie Arnold (Florida State), Tyler Bremner (UC Santa Barbara), and Alton Davis II (Georgia) chilled the Chinese Taipei bats as they worked together to throw a combined no-hitter in a 9-0 victory for Team USA on Tuesday, July 2 at First National Bank Field in Greensboro, N.C.
It was the first no-hitter thrown by the Collegiate National Team since July 1, 2015, when the U.S. held Cuba hitless in a 2-0 win thrown by Tanner Houck, A.J. Puk, and Ryan Hendrix at the National Training Complex.

GAME 5
KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – Brooks Bryan (Troy) lifted a grand slam to put an exciting capper on the 21st USA vs. Chinese Taipei International Friendship Series sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation to help Team USA to a 6-0 win, and a five-game sweep, on Wednesday, July 3 at Atrium Health Park.

The USA Baseball Collegiate National Team has been in action for over 60 years and has won 13 gold medals in international competition. This summer, the Collegiate National Team played in a five-game series against Chinese Taipei in North Carolina.

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“I’m feeling great,” Stubbs said in a post-race interview. “I knew I had to come out and execute my race plan, and I’m happy I could do that. Now it’s time to focus on the next round and see what I can do.”

As Stubbs advances to the semifinals, he will be joined by other talented sprinters, including world-class athletes like Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek. The stage is set for an exciting showdown, with spots on the US Olympic team hanging in the balance.

Stubbs path to the Olympics: Top six each heat + next three fastest times to three semifinal heats, top two each semifinal, and next three fastest times advance to final. The top three in the finals on Saturday qualify for the US Olympic Team in Paris.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama State softball coach Todd Bradley has stepped down from his position to focus on his health.

“First off, I want to thank Dr. Ross, Dr. Cable, Hornet Nation, all the student-athletes, and the coaching staff I have enjoyed working alongside the last five years. My experience at Bama State has been the most rewarding of any stops along my journey,” Bradley said. “These types of decisions are never easy. With a lot of reflection, tears, and prayer this is the day I have decided to step away from the game to focus more time on my health and family. For those who may not know, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when I was 16, and over the past eight to nine years I have started to see & experience more complications because of the disease. Those of you who are closest to me know that I always want to give the best of myself regardless of the endeavor. Unfortunately, I am no longer convinced I can do that with 100 percent certainty. Thank you to my beautiful wife & sons, Erica, Tyler & Kyle, and my supportive family for always standing by my side and being with me during this transition. I am looking forward to spending more time with all of you. I am not saying goodbye, just see you later and I will be here as long as it takes to help the department during this transition.”

ASU Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Jason Cable said, “Coach Bradley’s unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to the softball program have shaped the lives of countless student-athletes. Under his guidance, our teams have not only achieved athletic excellence, but off the field, his teams have performed at a prominent level academically earning over a 3.3 GPA and led the department in community service hours. We are saddened to lose Coach Bradley but understand his decision to do what is best for his health and his family. On behalf of the entire Alabama State University community, we thank Coach Bradley from the bottom of our hearts. We wish him strength, health, and happiness in the next chapter of his life.”

Todd Bradley is proud of the program’s 90 percent graduation rate and community service hours the softball program has accomplished.

This past season Bradley won his 500^th career game on February 10 in a 5-2 win over Fort Wayne. He also picked up his 100^th career win as a Hornet in a 9-1 win over Alabama A&M on March 30.

During the 2024 season, the Hornets led the nation with 31 triples and, and .54 triples per game average. The Hornets also placed 4 athletes on the All-Conference team and knocked off two-time defending SWAC Champion Prairie View A&M twice at the SWAC Tournament.

In 2023, Bradley led Alabama State to the SWAC East Division crown and helped the Lady Hornets earn distinction in the conference by coaching the Player & Hitter of the Year, Kindall DeRamus, and Pitcher of the Year, Bailey Greenlee. The team also had five selections for all-conference and won the DI softball statistical champion with 3.4 stolen bases per game.

During the 2022 campaign, Todd Bradley helped guide Alabama State to a championship berth in the conference tournament while also coaching DeRamus to her first Player of the Year honor. The Lady Hornets finished that year with four players earning all-conference honors.

2021 ASU captured the SWAC Softball Championship with an 8-1 win over Alcorn State earning a birth in the NCAA Tournament participating in the Tuscaloosa Regional.

During his first season at the helm of the Lady Hornets, Bradley led the team to a 10-15 record overall and were scheduled to begin conference play when the season was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Alabama State was hitting .273 as a team, with four hitters over .300 including Alexis Sydnor at .449. The team was pitching at a 5.40 earned run average through 154.1 innings in the circle.

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TOLEDO, Ohio | Alabama State University, an HBCU in Montgomery, Alabama will see Assistant Men’s and Women’s Assistant Golf Coach Robert Clark inducted into the African American Sports Legends Hall of Fame at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 15th in Toledo, Ohio.

“I am so happy for Coach Clark and his family in the recognition of his life-long excellence in sports. Congratulations!”  Head Golf Coach Quincy Heard stated.

Clark has been with the Hornets and Lady Hornets HBCU golf program since 2011. The Lady Hornets have won the SWAC Conference Championship in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, and 2024 and the men have won SWAC Championships in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Clark’s golf career started in 1965, working up to being accepted as a Pro Golf Association of America apprentice in 1993, under the tutelage of PGA Professional Byron Wood. He was elected as a member of the PGA of America in 1993, becoming the first African American PGA Professional in the state of Oregon. Now he’s a member of the African American Sports Legends Hall of Fame.

After just one year of being a professional, Clark founded the Portland Youth Golf Association (PYGA); a PGA-recognized golf school.  This was a golf school aimed to give the children of Portland a chance to live out their golfing dreams.

PYGA teaches four principles:  Life Skills, Character Development, Academic Success, and GOLF. For the next 17 years, the volunteer instructors, teachers, and I serviced the youth of Portland. His professional peers in the Pacific Northwest Section PGA voted him the JUNIOR GOLF LEADER OF THE YEAR from 2000-2005.  He also mentored the second African American PGA Professional Oregon and current Alabama State Head Golf Coach, Quincy Heard.

Clark graduated from Central Catholic High School in Toledo, Ohio, and on to attend the University of Toledo for two years before transferring to HBCU Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, earning his B.S. degree in education degree.

During multiple careers, he taught 6th grade in Toledo for a couple of years, worked at A&P Food Corporation; the largest food chain in the world at the time, General Electric Corporation, Owens Corning Fiberglass, Ruben H. Donnelly Adverting Corporation, The Principal /Financial Group and Horace Mann Insurance Corporation.

Robert Clark started playing golf in 1965, and after four years passed, his scores were good enough that he felt to become a professional golfer.

Established in 2004, The African American Legacy Project of Northwest Ohio is a 501(c)3 organization that pledges to stimulate intellectual, socioeconomic, and participatory growth in communities wherein African Americans reside.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Where History is Made. It’s a phrase that embodies what Alabama State University was in the past and strives for in the future. Sophomore HBCU sprinter Jamarion Stubbs made history at the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships and placed seventh overall in the 200-meter dash and earned First Team All-American honors. Now he’s preparing for the 2024 US Olympic Team Trials.

“To be an All-American is a dream come true. I would like to thank Coach Beene, Coach Anderson, my teammates, and our athletic training staff for supporting and preparing me to achieve this honor,” Stubbs said.

The Las Vegas native turns his attention to the 2024 United States Olympic Team Trials, which is being held in Eugene, Oregon. Stubbs will compete in the 200-meter dash and have a chance to represent Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

As HBCU sprinter Jamarion Stubbs prepares for this monumental moment, he is thankful for the support he’s received.

“The support has been overwhelming and I’m beyond thankful,” Stubbs said. “As a kid, you always dreamed about being an Olympian and now I have a chance to achieve that. To get there though I need to continue my training routine and put myself in the best possible position to achieve my goals. Coach Beene and Coach Anderson have prepared me well and I’m excited to share this moment with them.”

For Alabama State University track coach Ritchie Beene, it’s the culmination of a vision.

“Jamarion competing in the trials is a testament to his hard work on the track and staying the course. Coach Anderson, his event coach, understands what performing at this level means to our brand,” Beene said. “Him competing in the trials was a part of my vision for the program. It’s now a reality.”

Olympic Trials Schedule (All times central) and will be broadcast on NBC, Peacock, and USA Network

Thursday, June 27
Round 1: 7:51 p.m. or 9:33 p.m.

Friday, June 28
Semifinals: 9:06 p.m. or 9:28 p.m.

Saturday, June 29
Finals: 8:49 p.m.

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COURTESY OF ALABAMA STATE ATHLETICS

EUGENE, Ore. — Sophomore sprinter Jamarion Stubbs placed seventh overall in the 200-meter dash with a time of 20.59. The Las Vegas native also earned First Team All-American honors for earning a top-eight finish.

“I would like to thank Coach Beene and Coach Anderson for believing in me and helping me prepare for this moment,” Stubbs said. “It’s an honor to be an All-American and to represent Alabama State University, the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and the HBCU community. I truly do appreciate the support and well-wishes.”

Bama State head coach Ritchie Beene is proud of Stubbs’ accomplishments and can’t wait to see what’s next for the All-American.

“This was a special year for Jamarion,” Beene said. “Coach Anderson has done an amazing job and now it’s time to turn our focus to the Olympic trials.”

Stubbs will return to Hayward Field in a couple of weeks and compete for an opportunity to represent the United States in the 200-meter dash.

COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF AR AT PINE BLUFF

EUGENE, Ore. — Caleb Snowden, a track star high jumper from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, delivered a standout performance and secured third place in the high jump event on Friday night at Hayward Field during the 2024 NCAA Outdoor National Championships. Snowden’s impressive leap of 2.23m (7-3 ¾) earned him a spot on the First-Team All-American list.
 
“I felt good competing against some of the best athletes in the country and holding my own,” said Snowden. “Being in this atmosphere and representing my school while the crowd cheered me on was terrific.”
 
Earlier this year, at the NCAA Indoor Championships, Snowden made history by becoming the first student-athlete in the program’s history to be named an All-American since joining the NCAA.
 
Additionally, Snowden is the first high jumper from a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to achieve a top-three position in both the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships in the same year. 

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CARY, N.C. | Jamal George, Alabama State University sophomore catcher and one of the top HBCU baseball players has received an invitation to the 2024 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Training Camp on June 25-June 29.
 
George is the second player from Montgomery, Alabama-based HBCU Alabama State University to get an invite to the USA Collegiate National Team Training Camp. He joins ASU Head Baseball Coach Jose Vazquez, who was named the manager for the 2024 USA Collegiate National Team last spring.
 
Jamal George was one of nine Hornets to hit above .300 batting average, hitting .310 with 10 doubles, nine home runs, 35 RBI, and 44 runs scored. George nabbed 10 stolen bases in 10 steal attempts while slugging .523 with a .404 on-base percentage.  In 2023, George was named the SWAC Freshman of the Year and Freshman All-American Honors.

The USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Training Camp will feature 56 of the premier non-draft-eligible college players for a two-game Stars vs. Stripes intrasquad series in North Carolina on June 26 and 27. USA Baseball will name the final Collegiate National Team for the International Friendship Series roster and a Summer League Tour roster, following Training Camp on June 29.
 
Both Training Camp games will be held at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C., on June 26 and 27. The first pitch of both games will be at 6:35 p.m. ET. The International Friendship Series roster will then take on Chinese Taipei in a five-game series, while the Summer League Tour roster will take on select teams from the Appalachian League and the Coastal Plain League in a four-game slate.
 
The schedule will culminate with a Fourth of July matchup between the two U.S. Collegiate National Team rosters on July 4 in Fayetteville, N.C.

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EUGENE, Ore. — Sophomore HBCU sprinter Jamarion Stubbs continues to etch his name in the Alabama State University record books. The Las Vegas native clocked in a time of 20.15 in the 200-meter dash to win the third heat and qualify for the finals on Friday at 9:37 p.m.

“I would like to thank Coach Beene and Coach Anderson for helping me get to this point,” Stubbs said. “Excited to represent Alabama State University and the HBCU community on Friday night.”

Alabama State University head coach Ritchie Beene is pleased with Stubbs’ success.

“I am excited for Jamarion,” added Beene. “He did a good job executing his race and we are looking forward to the finals on Friday.”

Jamarion Stubbs ran the fourth fastest time in the semifinals.

Cheickna Traore (Penn State) ran a 20.02, Tarsis Origot (Alabama) finished with a 20.09, and Robert Gregory (Florida) crossed the finish line with a 20.15 (20.143 to Stubbs 20.144).

Stubbs ran a 19.95 on the NCAA regional at Kentucky and is poised to medal.

Earlier in the evening Stubbs competed in the 100-meter dash. Stubbs crossed the finish line with a time of 10.31 and was fifth in the first heat, placing 17^th overall.

Stubbs finished ahead of four student-athletes from Power 5 programs.

NCAA Championships Final Round Schedule

The 2024 NCAA outdoor track and field championships will be broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPN.

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The game will be broadcast live on ESPN. This marks the second year in a row the game has been televised on the main network. 

The Orange Blossom Classic made its return in 2021 with a matchup of Florida A&M against Jackson State. That series lasted for three years, with JSU winning the first two matchups before Florida A&M took the third. The winner of that game ended up being the SWAC champion in each of the three seasons.

This year’s matchup is a departure from the intra-SWAC East game it has been of late. 

North Carolina Central is coming off a 9-3 season in which it spent much of the year ranked in the FCS top 25 and received an automatic bid to the FCS playoffs despite not winning the MEAC title. Alabama State was 6-5 last season – its second under head coach Eddie Robinson Jr.

Both teams will come into the game with new quarterbacks. Walker Harris is a familiar face for North Carolina Central fans, having started several games over the last three seasons as a backup to record-setting quarterback Davius Richard. He will head into the season looking to keep the offense in the race for the MEAC title and get back to the Celebration Bowl this season.

Alabama State, meanwhile, will hand the reins of its offense over to Andrew Body. Body is a talented dual-threat quarterback who gave SWAC defenses fits for several seasons at Texas Southern before hitting the transfer portal. 

The two new starting quarterbacks will get a chance to battle it out in a major HBCU classic on Sept. 1. 

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Alabama State University Athletics Department claimed two of three Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) 2023-24 all-sports awards winning the James Frank Commissioner’s Cup and the Sadie Magee/Barbara Jacket Award for the second consecutive year. The Texas Southern University Athletics Department claimed the C.D. Henry Award to round out the list of institutional winners.

Alabama State University claimed the James Frank Commissioner’s Cup for the second straight year and for the eighth time in the last 10 years. Alabama State totaled 154.8 total points followed by Jackson State (141.8 points) and Prairie View A&M (138.5).

Alabama State University claimed the Sadie Magee/Barbara Jacket Award finishing with 92.8 points in the women’s final standings. Florida A&M (82.8 points) and Jackson State (79.3 points) finished in second and third place respectively.

Texas Southern won the C.D. Henry Award after accumulating 67.5 points in men’s sponsored sports. Jackson State (62.5 points) and Prairie View A&M (62.5 points) finished tied for second place overall.  

The all-sports awards are determined by program finishes in league-sponsored sports. Each respective sports program finish is awarded a point value and the member institutions with the highest point totals at the conclusion of the athletic season are named the all-sports awards winners.

A complete listing of final standings and individual program point totals for the three awards can be found below.

James Frank Commissioner’s Cup Award

1. Alabama State — 154.8
2. Jackson State — 141.8
3. Prairie View A&M — 138.5
4. Florida A&M — 131.3
5. Southern — 130.0
6. Texas Southern — 124.0
T-7. Alabama A&M— 105.0
T-7. Grambling State — 105.0
9. Arkansas-Pine Bluff — 103.0
10. Alcorn State — 88.0
11. Bethune-Cookman — 74.5
12. Mississippi Valley State —35.0

Magee/Jacket Award

1. Alabama State — 92.8
2. Florida A&M — 82.8
3. Jackson State — 79.3
T-4. Southern — 76.0
T-4. Prairie View A&M — 76.0
6. Alabama A&M — 65.5
7. Grambling State — 58.0
8. Texas Southern — 56.5
9. Arkansas-Pine Bluff — 52.5
10. Alcorn State — 41.5
11. Bethune-Cookman — 39.0
12. Mississippi Valley State — 18.0

C.D. Henry Award

1. Texas Southern— 67.5
T-2. Jackson State — 62.5
T-2. Prairie View A&M — 62.5
4. Alabama State — 62.0
5. Southern — 54.0
6. Arkansas-Pine Bluff — 50.5
7. Florida A&M — 48.5
8. Grambling State — 47.0
9. Alcorn State — 46.5
10. Alabama A&M — 39.5
11. Bethune-Cookman — 35.5
12. Mississippi Valley State — 17.0

About the Dr. James Frank Commissioner’s Cup Award
The Commissioner’s Cup, named for former league commissioner James Frank who led the SWAC from 1983 through 1998, is awarded to the university compiling the highest combined total of men’s and women’s all-sport points.

From 1983 until his retirement in 1998, Dr. Frank served as Commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). He returned to the position as Interim Commissioner in April 2001, where he served for 20 months. During his guidance, the conference evolved to rank among the elite in the nation.

Dr. James Frank was one of a few individuals who elevated through the collegiate ranks as a student-athlete, coach, educator, college president, and conference commissioner. During a long and distinguished career of over 50 years, Frank’s efforts and influential leadership touched the lives of countless people and resulted in positive changes in the many organizations he served.

About the Magee/Jacket Award
The Magee/Jacket Award is presented to the top women’s athletic program in the SWAC. It is named after former Jackson State women’s basketball coach Sadie Magee and former Prairie View A&M track and field coach Barbara Jacket.

Magee was the first women’s basketball coach at Jackson State, compiling four SWAC regular season titles and three-straight National Association of Women’s Sports National Championships from 1978-1980.

Jacket led the Prairie View A&M to eight cross country, nine indoor and five outdoors SWAC titles from 1965 to 1991. She was also the head coach of the 1992 U.S. Women’s Olympic Track team that brought home four gold medals, three silver medals and three bronze medals from Barcelona, Spain.

About the C.D. Henry Award
The Henry Award is presented to the top men’s athletic program in the SWAC. The award is named for C.D. Henry, former Grambling State chairman of the College of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department from 1958-74, as well as serving as the executive officer and secretary-statistician for the SWAC in 1968-73.

Henry became the first African American assistant commissioner of any conference office when he joined the Big Ten Conference in June of 1974.

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Davis was a Texas High School legend at Galena Park North Shore High School. He compiled 13,583 total yards of offense – 10,536 through the air and 3,047 on the ground – and 171 touchdowns over a four-year run that saw North Shore capture state titles in 2018 and 2019 and Davis post a 51-3 record as a starting quarterback.

Davis was ranked as the 24th best quarterback in the 2021 class and the 35th best prospect in Texas. He had offers from Florida State, Boston College, Baylor, Arkansas, Arizona State, Virginia Tech, LSU, Miami, Nebraska and pretty much every other Power Five program. But he chose Auburn, enrolling in Jan. 2021. 

After starting 54 games in high school, Dematrius Davis found himself in the unfamiliar position of riding the pine for Auburn in 2021. He was expected to challenge for the starting role this spring, but Auburn brought in two quarterbacks via the transfer portal and a new four-star. Davis, seeing the handwriting on the wall, decided it was time for a change.

He landed at Alabama State, where he spent the last two seasons. He played and started in nine games in their first year as a full-time starter after transferring from Auburn University. He was named the MVP of the MEAC-SWAC Challenge after completing 16 of 23 passes for 184 yards and one touchdown pass. 

Davis played in five games in 2023, completing 42 of 61 passes for 413 yards and three touchdowns. But the season ended with Davis on the bench, and he hit the transfer portal after the season. 

“Thank you ASU, for allowing a kid from Houston, TX to have his first taste of college football, become a better man and more educated,” Davis said in his statement. “Thank you to Coach Eddie Robinson and Coach James Williams [for] believing in me from start to finish. Thank you to the trainers that helped me when bruised up. With two years of eligibility left, I have decided to enter my name into the transfer portal.”

Now he’ll be taking his talents to San Antonio. 

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At the plate, the Hornets were paced by senior Ali LaPread, who went 1-for-3 on the day with a home run, a walk and an RBI. Senior Randy Flores put together a standout performance as well, going 1-for-5 with a home run and an RBI. Sophomore Jamal George also contributed for Alabama State, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Trailing 1-0, the Hornets first put runs on the board in the seventh inning. LaPread put Alabama State on the board with a leadoff home run off sophomore Zach Crotchfelt.

The score stayed at 1-1 until the very next inning, when the Hornets put runs on the scoreboard once again. Alabama State picked up a run on Flores’ leadoff home run off of Crotchfelt, which brought the score to 2-1 in favor of the Hornets.

Alabama State kept Auburn without a run before building their lead to 3-1 the following inning. Auburn put one run on the scoreboard before the game was over, but Alabama State still held on for the 3-2 win.

GAME NOTES
» Alabama State’s highest scoring inning was the ninth, when it pushed one run across.
» The Hornets out-hit the Tigers at an 8-5 clip.
» Alabama State pitchers limited Auburn to just 1-for-6 (.167) with runners in scoring position.
» Alabama State pitchers faced 38 Auburn hitters in the game, allowing five ground balls and 14 fly balls while striking out seven.
» LaPread led the Hornets at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI.
» Auburn was led offensively by freshman Cade Belyeu, who went 1-for-4 with a triple.
» Senior Christian Herberholz led the Tigers pitching staff, throwing five scoreless innings.

Alabama State begins a three-game SWAC series against Bethune-Cookman on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Wheeler -Watkins Baseball Complex..

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