HBCU ORIGINAL
Delaware State Football loses in season opener to Hawaii
Despite entering the game as a heavy underdog against Hawaii, Delaware State put up a valiant effort in their season opener, ultimately falling 35-14 in a hard-fought battle at Ching Complex in front of 10,279 fans.
The Hornets showed resilience in windy conditions that worsened in the third quarter. Hawaii’s run-and-shoot offense struggled to find its rhythm, and Delaware State capitalized, holding the Warriors scoreless in the second quarter. The game was tied at 14-all early in the second half, after an impressive drive by the Hornets capped off with a 6-yard touchdown run by Jaden Sutton, following a 42-yard reception by Ryan Lee that took advantage of a busted coverage.
Delaware State’s defense kept Hawaii in check for much of the game, allowing the Hornets to stay within striking distance. Quarterback Marqui Adams led the charge, completing 17 of 28 passes for 156 yards and rushing for 44 yards and a touchdown. His 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter brought the Hornets within reach, showcasing his ability to make plays under pressure.
The Hornets’ offensive spark late in the first half, highlighted by Adams’ elusive 10-yard run into the end zone, accounted for the majority of their 122 total yards in the first half. Despite a strong effort, Delaware State couldn’t find the end zone again after tying the game early in the second half.
Hawaii managed to pull away with two second-half touchdowns, but not without being tested by a determined Delaware State squad. The Warriors were forced to dig deep, with quarterback Brayden Schager’s two rushing touchdowns and two passing scores ultimately sealing the game. Schager’s 15-yard QB keeper midway through the third quarter broke the 14-all tie, and a 29-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth extended Hawaii’s lead.
Pofele Ashlock led Hawaii’s receivers with five catches for 81 yards, but the Hornets’ defense kept the game within reach until late in the fourth quarter. Delaware State’s effort against a heavily favored Hawaii team provided plenty of reasons for optimism as the season progresses. 
The SWAC delivered one of the biggest championship storylines of the season as Jackson State and Florida A&M claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
Jackson State shocked the conference by capturing the men’s championship, powered by explosive sprint performances and clutch relay execution. The Tigers built momentum throughout the meet and held off late pushes to secure a historic breakthrough title.
On the women’s side, Florida A&M continued its championship tradition, controlling the meet with consistent scoring across sprints, hurdles, and field events. The Rattlers’ depth once again proved decisive as they stayed ahead of a competitive field to claim another SWAC crown.
Two different stories — one breakthrough, one dynasty — defined the SWAC season.
The SIAC championships belonged to Morehouse and Tuskegee as both programs delivered complete team performances to claim the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
On the men’s side, Morehouse controlled the meet from start to finish, scoring consistently across sprints, distance, and field events to build separation early. The Maroon Tigers maintained their advantage through the final events, sealing another conference championship built on depth and execution.
On the women’s side, Tuskegee continued its dominance with a back-to-back SIAC championship performance. The Golden Tigers delivered strong scoring across sprints, relays, and field events, holding off the field once again to repeat as conference champions.
Together, Morehouse and Tuskegee set the standard in SIAC track & field heading into postseason competition.
The HBCUAC championship meet marked a new era as Voorhees and Dillard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles in defining early conference performances.
Voorhees secured the men’s championship through consistent scoring across sprints, middle distance, and field events, proving to be the most complete team in a tightly contested meet.
Dillard followed on the women’s side with a strong all-around effort, highlighted by relay execution and key individual performances that helped them control the championship race from start to finish.
The HBCUAC now begins its competitive identity with two early benchmark programs setting the standard.
HBCU ORIGINAL
OVC Outdoor Track & Field — Eastern Illinois & Southeast Missouri Take Control, Tennessee State Battles in the Mix
The Ohio Valley Conference delivered a high-level championship meet in Little Rock as Eastern Illinois and Southeast Missouri claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles, while Tennessee State fought to stay inside the top tier.
Eastern Illinois captured the men’s championship with a powerful overall team performance, using depth across sprints, distance, and field events to hold off a competitive field. Southeast Missouri stayed right behind the pace, finishing runner-up behind a balanced scoring attack that kept pressure on throughout the meet.
On the women’s side, Southeast Missouri dominated the field to secure the OVC crown, led by consistent scoring across multiple event groups and a strong closing push in the final sessions. Eastern Illinois again finished near the top, locking in runner-up status and showing its program-wide strength on both sides of competition.
Tennessee State was the key HBCU presence in the conference, finishing in the middle of the standings on both the men’s and women’s side. The Tigers showed flashes in sprints, hurdles, and relays, but lacked the depth needed to break into the championship tier against the OVC’s top programs.
The meet reinforced Southeast Missouri’s growing conference dominance while Eastern Illinois remains a consistent championship contender on both sides.
The MEAC once again ran through two familiar powers as Norfolk State and Howard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field championships in dominant fashion.
On the men’s side, Norfolk State continued its conference dynasty, securing its fifth straight MEAC outdoor title. The Spartans delivered across sprints, hurdles, and relays, using depth and execution in the final events to separate from the field and close out another championship run.
On the women’s side, Howard extended its own reign of dominance, stacking points across distance races, field events, and relays to secure another MEAC crown. The Bison’s balance and consistency across all disciplines once again proved too much for the rest of the conference.
MEAC dominance remains firmly in the hands of Norfolk State and Howard heading into postseason competition.
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