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FAMU Rattlers Secure Thrilling 24-23 Victory Over Norfolk State in 2024 MEAC/SWAC Challenge

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The 2024 MEAC/SWAC Challenge was nothing short of electrifying, with the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Rattlers narrowly edging out Norfolk State in a 24-23 victory. This win in Atlanta not only kicks off FAMU’s season with a bang but also cements their status as a force to be reckoned with in HBCU football.

A Historic Achievement in Atlanta

FAMU’s victory in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge is a historic one. The Rattlers became the first team to close one season with a Celebration Bowl victory and begin the next with a win in the Challenge. The 24-23 win over Norfolk State marks their second consecutive victory in Atlanta, and it’s clear that the Rattlers are setting the tone for what could be another championship-worthy season.

A Game of Two Halves

The game was a tale of two halves. FAMU found themselves trailing 14-10 at halftime, with Norfolk State’s running game causing significant problems. The Spartans racked up 191 rushing yards in the first half, putting the Rattlers on their heels. But FAMU’s defense made crucial adjustments during the break, allowing only 36 rushing yards in the second half. This defensive turnaround was the key to the Rattlers’ comeback.

Offensive Spark Ignited

With the defense stepping up, FAMU’s offense found its rhythm. Quarterback Daniel Richardson, making his first start for the Rattlers, connected with wide receiver Jamari Gassett for two pivotal second-half touchdowns. Gassett’s playmaking ability and Richardson’s poise under pressure proved to be the difference in the game, as FAMU edged ahead of Norfolk State.

This victory also marks a successful debut for new FAMU head coach James Colzie III. Securing his first win in such a high-stakes game bodes well for the season ahead, as Colzie looks to build on the legacy of success at FAMU.

SWAC’s Momentum Continues

With FAMU’s win, the SWAC conference continues to gain ground in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge series, reducing the MEAC’s overall lead to 11-7. The SWAC has now won the last three games in this series, underscoring the growing competitiveness and talent within the conference.

Interestingly, FAMU’s win is their second in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, but their first as a member of the SWAC. Their previous victory came in 2013 when they were still part of the MEAC, adding another layer of intrigue to this storied rivalry.

Looking Ahead: Future MEAC/SWAC Challenges

The excitement from this year’s MEAC/SWAC Challenge sets the stage for what promises to be thrilling matchups in the years to come. The 2025 game will see North Carolina Central take on Southern, followed by Alabama A&M facing Howard in 2026, and South Carolina State going head-to-head with Alabama State in 2027. Each of these games will continue the tradition of showcasing the best in HBCU football, with pride and bragging rights on the line.

Final Thoughts

FAMU’s 24-23 victory over Norfolk State in the 2024 MEAC/SWAC Challenge was a testament to resilience, strategy, and sheer willpower. The Rattlers’ ability to make crucial adjustments and execute in the clutch highlights why they are one of the premier programs in HBCU football. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on FAMU to see if they can carry this momentum forward and once again find themselves in the Celebration Bowl at season’s end.

Go Rattlers! 🐍

We are dedicated to celebrating the rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring legacy of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Our mission is to provide a platform that honors the invaluable contributions of HBCUs to higher education, social justice, and community empowerment. Through insightful articles, engaging narratives, and meaningful dialogue, we strive to amplify the voices, experiences, and achievements within the HBCU community. By fostering awareness, appreciation, and support for HBCUs, we aspire to inspire current and future generations to pursue excellence, equity, and inclusivity in education and beyond.

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Lincoln University Hosts the Lincoln University Invite as Teams Tune Up for CIAA Championships

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Lincoln University brought out the best in regional talent today as it hosted the Lincoln University Invite, a dynamic track and field meet featuring teams from Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York. As the CIAA Track and Field Championships approach, the Lions used this opportunity to stay sharp and continue tuning up against solid competition.

Schools in attendance included Medgar Evers College (NYC), Wilmington University (DE), Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Neumann University, Rosemont College, and several unattached athletes representing local clubs and training groups.

From fast finishes on the track to big marks in the field, the competition was full of highlights and high-level performances. Lincoln’s athletes held their own, showing focus, fire, and form as they prepare to take on the CIAA’s best.

The Lincoln University Invite wasn’t just a meet—it was a mission. And the Lions are clearly on theirs.​

Full Results: Athletic.net

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2025 HBCU football homecoming and classic in the FCS

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In HBCU football, “classic” matchups have long been cornerstone events, drawing large crowds and showcasing deep-rooted rivalries. Homecoming games, however, often bring even more excitement—serving as grand reunions for alumni and communities. Both classics and homecomings carry historical significance, often featuring longtime rivals and packed stadiums filled with pride and pageantry.

For the 2025 season, several classic games and homecomings will spotlight at least one FCS-level HBCU team. Along with these, we’re highlighting key matchups like the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and the Celebration Bowl.

Here’s a full look at every HBCU classic and homecoming scheduled for 2025:

Date Homecoming Host Opponent Location
Oct. 4 Alabama State Bethune-Cookman Montgomery, AL
South Carolina State Savannah State Orangeburg, SC
Oct. 11 Alabama A&M Mississippi Valley State Hunstville, AL
Alcorn State Lincoln (CA) Lorman, MS
Arkansas-Pine Bluff Westgate University Pine Bluff, AR
Delaware State Southern Connecticut State Dover, DE
Grambling State Texas Southern Grambling, LA
Jackson State Alabama State Jackson, MS
Morgan State Virginia-Lynchburg Baltimore, MD
North Carolina A&T South Carolina State Greensboro, NC
Oct. 18 Florida A&M Alcorn State Tallahassee, FL
Mississippi Valley State Lincoln (CA) Itta Bena, MS
Southern Prairie View A&M Baton Rouge, LA
Tennessee State Howard Nashville, TN
Texas Southern Virginia-Lynchburg Houston, TX
Oct. 25 Bethune-Cookman Arkansas-Pine Bluff Daytona Beach, FL
Hampton Monmouth Hampton, VA
Howard Morgan State Washington, DC
Norfolk State South Carolina State Norfolk, VA
North Carolina Central Delaware State Durham, NC
Prairie View A&M Lincoln (CA) Prairie View, TX

Some notable DII homecoming games we’ll be tracking include:

  • Oct. 11 | Fayetteville State | Opponent: Livingstone
  • Oct. 18 | Morehouse | Opponent: Lane
  • Oct. 18 | Winston-Salem State | Opponent: Livingstone
  • Oct. 18 | Virginia Union | Opponent: Lincoln (PA)
  • Oct. 25 | Clark Atlanta | Opponent: Edward Waters
  • Oct. 25 | Virginia State | Opponent: Bluefield State
  • Oct. 25 | Lincoln (PA) | Opponent: Elizabeth City State
  • Oct. 25 | Savannah State | Opponent: Morehouse
  • Nov. 1 | Bowie State | Opponent: Elizabeth City State
  • Nov. 1 | Tuskegee | Opponent: Lane

Here are some notable classics featuring DII schools that we’ll be tracking:

  • Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic | Virginia Union vs. Miles | Aug. 31 | Location: Canton, OH
  • Red Tails Classic | Tuskegee vs. Winston-Salem State | Aug. 31 | Location: Montgomery, AL
  • Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic | Morehouse vs. Tuskegee | Oct. 4 |  Location: Columbus, GA
  • Fountain City Classic | Fort Valley State at Albany State | Nov. 8 | Location: Albany, GA
  • Chicago Football Classic | Teams and Date TBA
  • CIAA Championship | Nov. 15 | Location: Durham, NC

Regular season MEAC vs. SWAC contests

In addition to the MEAC-SWAC Challenge played in Week Zero, there are four regular season games where MEAC and SWAC teams will meet on the gridiron.

Every MEAC vs. SWAC regular season game
Date MEAC Team SWAC Team Location
Aug. 23 North Carolina Central Southern Atlanta, GA
Aug. 30 Howard Florida A&M Miami, FL
Sept. 13 South Carolina State Bethune-Cookman Orangeburg, SC
Oct. 11 North Carolina Central Florida A&M Tallahassee, FL
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Teeing Off for Greatness: 2025 SWAC Golf Championships Set for Birmingham Showdown

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The chase for championship glory returns to the greens as the 2025 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships are scheduled to unfold April 14-16 at the picturesque Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail – Oxmoor Valley.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Birmingham, The Ridge Course presents a dynamic challenge with its dramatic elevation shifts and lush tree-lined fairways. A nod to the area’s rich mining heritage, the par-5 3rd hole features a green fortified by a striking shelf of exposed shale rock—just one of many visual and technical highlights awaiting this year’s competitors.

The tournament format will span 54 holes of stroke play, with champions crowned based on total scores. If inclement weather disrupts play, 36 holes will serve as the official minimum for determining the title winners. Should the final round begin but not reach completion by all teams, results from the first two rounds (36 holes) will stand as final.

The action tees off at 7:30 a.m. CST on Monday, April 14.

On the women’s side, defending champions Alabama State aim to extend their dominance with back-to-back titles. In the men’s competition, Arkansas-Pine Bluff eyes a historic three-peat as they return with momentum and confidence.


About the SWAC

The Southwestern Athletic Conference is a proud leader among HBCU athletic conferences and boasts a legacy of excellence on and off the field. SWAC alumni continue to shine professionally across multiple sports leagues nationwide.

The conference hosts men’s championships in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, and Tennis. Women’s championships include Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, and Volleyball.


Stay Connected

Don’t miss a moment of the action—follow the SWAC for live updates, highlights, and championship coverage:

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Sports

SIAC Announces 2025 Men’s Volleyball All-Conference Honors

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ATLANTA — The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced its 2025 Men’s Volleyball All-SIAC teams and individual honorees on Tuesday, as voted by the conference’s head coaches and sports information directors.

FIRST TEAM
POSITION NAME SCHOOL CLASS HOMETOWN
Outside Hitter Isaiah Fedd Fort Valley State Junior Apopka, Fla.
Outside Hitter Jaedyn Harris Central State Sophomore Columbus, Ohio
Outside Hitter Richard Hendricks Edward Waters Junior Kingston, Jamaica
Middle Hitter Taviian Martin Fort Valley State Junior Orangeburg, S.C.
Middle Hitter Simon Falayi Central State Sophomore Columbus, Ohio
Libero Benjamin Latham Central State Junior Jacksonville, Fla.
Setter Oshane Farquharson Fort Valley State Senior Hollywood, Fla.

 

SECOND TEAM
POSITION NAME SCHOOL CLASS HOMETOWN
Outside Hitter Jaxon Hicks Fort Valley State Senior Beach Park, Ill.
Outside Hitter Alendy Sincoul LeMoyne-Owen Freshman Lake Worth, Fla.
Outside Hitter Zion Beckford Benedict Senior Nassau, Bahamas
Middle Hitter Hakan Godoy Benedict Sophomore Corozal, Belize
Middle Hitter Alain Tamo-Noche Central State Senior Pittsburgh, Pa.
Libero Cameron Long Benedict Junior Rock Hill, S.C.
Setter Kendersley Marcellin Benedict Junior Orlando, Fla.

Player of the Year: Isaiah Fedd, Fort Valley State
Libero of the Year: Benjamin Latham, Central State
Setter of the Year: Oshane Farquharson, Fort Valley State
Freshman of the Year: Alendy Sincoul, LeMoyne-Owen
Coach of the Year: Larry Wrather, Fort Valley State

Elite 16: Richard Hendricks, Edward Waters


FOLLOW THE SIAC
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Coach DeSean Jackson Leads Delaware State University Spring Football Game 2025 | Clinton Portis Joins Staff

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Delaware State University’s 2025 Red & White Spring Football Game, held on April 12th at Alumni Stadium in Dover, DE, was a day of excitement, talent, and community spirit. Fans gathered under the leadership of Head Coach DeSean Jackson to see their Hornets in action for the first time in the spring season. With a mix of NFL experience, fresh strategies, and eager players, this year’s spring game was a major milestone for the DSU football program.

An Exciting Spring Game Showcase

The game kicked off with high energy, and it didn’t disappoint. The White Team, representing the offense, pulled off a 21-16 win over the Red Team, which was made up of the defense. The offense managed to score three touchdowns, showcasing strong plays and chemistry between the players. The defense, while not scoring as many touchdowns, earned valuable points through timely stops and takeaways, demonstrating their resilience and readiness for the upcoming season.

Fans got a glimpse of the impressive work done during the offseason as Coach Jackson’s offensive and defensive strategies were put to the test. Under his leadership, the offense ran smooth, powerful plays while the defense made crucial interceptions and shut-down tackles to keep the game competitive. With Clinton Portis now part of the coaching staff as the running backs coach, his expertise was evident as the running game showed flashes of brilliance.

The Coaches: A New Era for DSU Football

One of the most anticipated aspects of the event was the debut of new coaching staff, with DeSean Jackson taking over as Head Coach and Clinton Portis joining as the Running Backs Coach. Both Jackson and Portis, former NFL stars, have brought a new energy to the team, and it was evident during the spring game. Jackson’s leadership style is already having a significant impact on the team, with his passion for the game reflected in the players’ commitment and drive.

“Today is about laying the foundation for a championship-winning team. We are building not just athletes but leaders, and I’m proud of what I saw out there,” said Coach DeSean Jackson after the game.

Portis, who made his name as one of the most powerful running backs in the NFL, brings invaluable experience to the team. His approach to developing young talent was on full display, with the offensive line showing notable improvements in their running game, moving with more confidence and power than ever before.

Event Highlights

The event was more than just a football game—it was a celebration of DSU’s athletics and the Hornet community. Fans were treated to live music, food trucks, and family-friendly inflatables, creating an atmosphere of fun and excitement for all ages. It wasn’t just about football; it was a chance for the fans to connect with the team, meet the coaches, and feel the energy surrounding the 2025 season.

At the conclusion of the game, fans flooded the field to interact with the pl

ayers and coaches, getting autographs, taking photos, and solidif

ying the bond between the team and the Delaware State community.

Looking Ahead to 2025

With a winning combination of NFL-caliber coaching and rising talent on the field, the Delaware State University football team is ready for the upcoming season. The Red & White Spring Game was a clear indicator that under Coach DeSean Jackson’s leadership, the Hornets are ready to make a mark in the upcoming season, with strong performances across both sides of the ball.

The coaching staff, led by Jackson and Portis, has been working diligently to prepare the team for the challenges ahead. From developing a well-rounded offense to reinforcing a robust defense, Delaware State is positioning itself for success.

As the Hornets gear up for their 2025 campaign, fans can look forward to a season full of energy, hard-hitting football, and a renewed sense of pride. Delaware State football is on the rise, and the 2025 season is just the beginning.


Stay connected with DSU Athletics for more updates on the upcoming season and further opportunities to engage with the team!

#DSUFootball #CoachDeSeanJackson #ClintonPortis #HBCUFootball #DelawareStateUniversity #HornetPride #SpringGame2025 #HBCUOriginal #RedAndWhiteGame

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