Sports
FAMU Rattlers Secure Thrilling 24-23 Victory Over Norfolk State in 2024 MEAC/SWAC Challenge
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! 🐍
Saturday, September 13, 2025 – 01:00 PM
Get ready for an electrifying showdown as the HBCU NY Football Classic returns to MetLife Stadium on Saturday, September 13, 2025!
This premier HBCU football event in the Northeast promises heart-pounding action as Morehouse College takes on Howard University. Two of the nation’s most storied programs will clash on the gridiron, each vying for victory and bragging rights in front of thousands of passionate fans.
Fans can expect a full day of excitement, from pre-game festivities and marching band performances to halftime entertainment that celebrates HBCU culture and tradition. The rivalry is fierce, the stakes are high, and the energy in the stadium is bound to be unforgettable.
Don’t miss your chance to witness history in the making at the HBCU NY Football Classic – where tradition, pride, and football excellence collide!
HBCU ORIGINAL
Dillard’s Davison, Wilberforce’s Howard, and Wiley’s Russell Claim Week 1 HBCUAC Cross Country Honors
NEW ORLEANS – September 2, 2025 – The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) announced its Week 1 cross country weekly awards, recognizing standout performances from August 25-31.
Women’s Honors:
Dillard University freshman Karlise Davison made a sensational debut, earning both Runner of the Week and Freshman of the Week honors. Davison broke the Dillard four-kilometer school record, cementing herself as a rising star in the HBCUAC women’s cross country scene. Her record-setting performance has set high expectations for the season ahead.
Men’s Honors:
On the men’s side, Wilberforce University freshman Skyaqui Howard was named Runner and Freshman of the Week after leading the Bulldogs at the Wilberforce Invitational. In his first collegiate meet, Howard clocked 17:56.7, finishing seventh among 23 competitors from NCAA Division II and NCCAA programs.
Wiley University’s John Russell, a transfer from Ranger College, claimed Newcomer of the Week following his performance at Texas Christian University’s John MacKenzie Invitational. Competing against NCAA Division I athletes from TCU, Texas A&M, and Tarleton State, Russell completed the five-kilometer course in 19:38, showcasing his readiness to contribute at the HBCUAC level.
Additional men’s weekly nominees included Quante Ferguson (Talladega), Javoun Goldsby (Wiley), Earl Hurd Jr. (Wiley), Phillip Isaac (Dillard), and K’Mon Washington (Dillard), highlighting the depth of talent across the conference.
The HBCUAC continues to spotlight emerging athletes and exceptional performances in cross country, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Benedict College football team has secured the No. 9 spot in this week’s HBCU Division II Football Coaches Poll, powered by BOXTOROW.
The Tigers climbed into the rankings after opening their season with a 10-0 shutout victory over Fayetteville State on Saturday. They earned 36 points in voting from the panel of 18 Division II HBCU head coaches.
Virginia Union holds steady at No. 1 in the poll, with Benedict standing as one of six SIAC programs featured in the top 10.
Benedict will have a bye this week before returning to action on Sept. 13, when they travel to face Central State.
Now in its fourth year, the HBCU Division II Coaches Poll is administered by BOXTOROW and determined solely by votes from Division II HBCU head coaches.
2025 HBCU D2 Football Coaches Poll – Week 1
(Records through August 31, 2025)
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Virginia Union (15) – 1-0 – 175 pts – Preseason: 1
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Johnson C. Smith (1) – 1-0 – 153 pts – Preseason: 2
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Albany State (2) – 1-0 – 146 pts – Preseason: 3
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Virginia State – 1-0 – 129 pts – Preseason: 5
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Tuskegee – 1-0 – 99 pts – Preseason: 6
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Clark Atlanta – 0-1 – 86 pts – Preseason: 4
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Edward Waters – 1-0 – 42 pts – NR
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Winston-Salem State – 0-1 – 38 pts – Preseason: 7
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Benedict – 1-0 – 36 pts – NR
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Fort Valley State – 0-1 – 35 pts – Preseason: 9
Others receiving votes: Kentucky State (1-0) 21, Miles (0-1) 9, West Virginia State (0-1) 6, Allen (0-1) 5, Livingstone (0-1) 5, Savannah State (0-1) 4.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul, long recognized for his support of HBCUs, is once again spotlighting Black college athletics with the Chris Paul HBCU Classic. In partnership with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, this year’s Classic will be held in Atlanta at the Gateway Center, running from December 18–19.
“As the support for HBCU basketball continues to grow, I’m excited to provide this year’s teams an opportunity to showcase their talent,” Paul said. “The HBCU Classic allows these players and their schools to receive well-deserved recognition on a national platform. I am grateful for the commitment from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and our partners in supporting the development of HBCU basketball.”
John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, echoed Paul’s excitement: “Chris Paul’s dedication to elevating HBCU student-athletes is inspiring. We are proud to stand alongside him and look forward to bringing eight programs and their fans together under one roof this December.”
The Classic will feature programs from the SWAC, MEAC, SIAC, CIAA, and Hampton University from the CAA, creating a unique showcase of HBCU basketball talent. Coaches from across the participating schools praised the opportunity:
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Hampton’s Ivan Thomas called it “a celebration of our culture, our history, and our future.”
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Jackson State’s Mo Williams noted, “It’s always great to highlight HBCU talent on a national stage.”
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Norfolk State’s Robert Jones emphasized, “We put our undefeated record on the line in this event.”
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Grambling State’s Patrick Crarey II said, “This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the tradition and talent of HBCU basketball.”
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Coaches from Fayetteville State, Lincoln (PA), Morehouse, and Clark Atlanta all expressed gratitude to Paul for creating a platform that goes beyond basketball.
Game Schedule
Thursday, December 18
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11:00 AM – Clark Atlanta vs. Lincoln (PA)
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1:30 PM – Fayetteville State vs. Morehouse
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5:00 PM – Jackson State vs. Hampton
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7:30 PM – Grambling State vs. Norfolk State
Friday, December 19
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11:00 AM – Lincoln (PA) vs. Morehouse
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1:30 PM – Clark Atlanta vs. Fayetteville State
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5:00 PM – Hampton vs. Grambling State
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7:30 PM – Jackson State vs. Norfolk State
The event not only celebrates basketball but also showcases the culture, pride, and excellence of HBCUs on a national stage.
The post “Chris Paul brings HBCU Classic to Atlanta” appeared first on ClutchPoints.
Campus
Delaware State Hornets vs Delaware Blue Hens | DeSean Jackson’s Coaching Debut & FBS Era Begins
NEWARK, Del. – All eyes will be on Delaware Stadium Thursday night as Delaware State University, one of the MEAC’s proud HBCUs, takes the field against in-state rival Delaware in the season opener. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., with the Hornets aiming to make a statement against a Blue Hens program stepping onto the FBS stage for the first time.
The Hornets enter a new era under head coach DeSean Jackson, the three-time NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver making his college coaching debut. Jackson, who brings star power and energy to Dover, has also brought in big names to his staff, including former NFL running back Clinton Portis as RB coach.
On offense, Delaware State will look to transfer talent to spark a turnaround. Kaiden Bennett (Sacramento State) leads the quarterback competition, joined by Maryland transfer Jayden Sauray and veteran Marqui Adams. The Hornets’ challenge is steep—they’ve won just two games in the past two seasons—but with new leadership and fresh fire, this opener represents a chance to reset the program’s direction.
Meanwhile, Delaware’s Blue Hens have the spotlight as they begin life in Conference USA and at the FBS level. Head coach Ryan Carty has an impressive track record, going 22-1 in home openers as both a player and coach. The Hens return experience on both sides of the ball, including QB Nick Minicucci, WR Ja’Carree Kelly, and defensive standouts Jack Hall, Gavin Moul, and Hasson Manning Jr.
But make no mistake—the story Thursday night is bigger than a debut. It’s about Delaware State stepping onto the state’s biggest stage with new leadership, looking to shock their rival and show what HBCU football can do against an FBS opponent. For the Hornets, a win wouldn’t just be an upset—it would be a program-changing moment.
Fans can secure tickets at BlueHens.com/fbtickets to witness history unfold in Newark.
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