HBCU ORIGINAL
Department of Defense Awards $50 Million in Research Equipment Grants to HBCUs and Minority-Serving Institutions
The Department of Defense today announced awards totaling $50.1 million to 98 university researchers at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving institutions (MIs) for the acquisition of research and scientific equipment. The grants, which range up to $800,000 individually, will support 21 HBCUs and 49 MIs, including one tribal college, across 26 states and the District of Columbia.
This year’s awards continue the DoD HBCU/MI Research and Education Program’s support of transformative research in critical defense technology areas. “Investing in the research and development capacity of our academic partners remains a top priority for the Department of Defense,” said Mrs. Evelyn Kent, director of the DoD HBCU/MI Program and Outreach. “Equipping universities with relevant instrumentation and other equipment is imperative for advancing novel research aligned with defense science and technology priorities while fostering innovation at the institutions. These awards help enrich the curricula offered to scholars pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics degrees and support the training of the next-generation workforce.”
Using a merit-based competition administered by the Army Research Office under policy and guidance from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the department selected the 98 winners from 152 proposals requesting $82 million in total funding. Proposals were evaluated by the Army Research Office, the Office of Naval Research, and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. The list of awardees is available here.
DoD has a longstanding relationship with HBCUs and MIs, which it regards as strategic, if under-utilized, assets for advancing fundamental science and building the nation’s STEM talent pool — critical foundations for maintaining the United States’ technology advantage against pacing global competitors.
About USD(R&E)
The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)) is the Chief Technology Officer of the Department of Defense. The USD(R&E) champions research, science, technology, engineering, and innovation to maintain the U.S. military’s technological advantage. Learn more at www.cto.mil or visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/ousdre.
HBCU ORIGINAL
Bowie State Bulldogs 28, Lincoln University (PA) Lions 17 Lincoln, PA — Frank “Tick” Coleman Field
Location: Lincoln University, PA
Date: November 8, 2025
Game Summary:
Bowie State closed their 2025 season with a strong 28–17 road victory over Lincoln University (PA). After falling behind 14–0 early, the Bulldogs stormed back behind quarterback Savion Witherspoon, who accounted for three touchdowns — two passing and one rushing.
Lincoln opened the scoring with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Rhyel Miles-Eubanks to Omarion Dupree, followed by a 1-yard TD run from Dexter Baptism to make it 14-0.
Bowie State responded before halftime when Witherspoon hit Xavier Belton on a 26-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-7. In the second half, Witherspoon tied the game with a 4-yard rushing TD and later connected with Raymon Lewis for a 51-yard strike to give Bowie its first lead. Micah Robinson sealed the win with a 7-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
📊 Team Stats
| Category | Bowie State | Lincoln (PA) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 312 | 389 |
| Passing Yards | 215 | 246 |
| Rushing Yards | 97 | 143 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 30:48 | 29:12 |
⭐ Top Performers
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Savion Witherspoon (BSU): 15/21, 215 YDS, 2 TD; 36 YDS rushing, 1 TD
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Xavier Belton (BSU): 26-yard TD reception
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Raymon Lewis (BSU): 51-yard TD reception
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Micah Robinson (BSU): 42 YDS rushing, 1 TD
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Samuel Graham (BSU): 13 tackles
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Rhyel Miles-Eubanks (LIN): 22/36, 246 YDS, 1 TD
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Omarion Dupree (LIN): 6 REC, 72 YDS, 1 TD
Final Record:
Bowie State finishes the 2025 season 3–7 overall (2–6 conference).
Lincoln (PA) closes out their campaign 0–10.

HBCU ORIGINAL
DELAWARE STATE SURVIVES MORGAN STATE COMEBACK
Final Score:
Delaware State Hornets 14 – Morgan State Bears 12
📍 Hughes Stadium, Baltimore, MD
🗓️ Friday, November 7, 2025
📺 ESPNU
In a tough MEAC battle under the Baltimore lights, Delaware State University held off a late surge from Morgan State to escape with a 14-12 victory.
Running back James Jones was the difference-maker, racking up 115 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries, including a 68-yard dash in the first quarter that set the tone early.
The Hornets’ second score came in dramatic fashion — Jones fumbled at the goal line, but A. Francis recovered in the end zone for a Delaware State touchdown, giving them a 14-3 lead at the half.
Morgan State battled back with a pair of field goals from A. Amaya and a 67-yard touchdown run by Randall Nauden, but a failed two-point conversion left them short in the final minutes.
Defensively, Delaware State’s Jianni Woodson-Brooks led with 8 tackles, and Quincy Robinson added a clutch sack to help seal the win.
With the victory, Delaware State improves to 7-3 overall and 3-0 in MEAC play, staying firmly in the hunt for the conference title. Morgan State falls to 3-7 (0-3 MEAC) after a strong but incomplete comeback.
🔥 HBCU Original was on the ground capturing every moment — from the sideline intensity to the fan energy. Stay locked in for exclusive highlights, interviews, and all-access coverage from this MEAC rivalry matchup!

#HBCUOriginal #MEACFootball #DelState #MorganState #HBCUPride #CollegeFootball #DSU #MSU #HBCUSports #WeCoverTheCulture
HBCU ORIGINAL
Coppin State Shows Fight in Season Opener Against Maryland at CFG Bank Arena
BALTIMORE, MD — The Coppin State Eagles opened their 2025–26 men’s basketball season under the bright lights of CFG Bank Arena, taking on the University of Maryland Terrapins in a much-anticipated in-state showdown. Though the Eagles ultimately fell 83–61, the night was a showcase of heart, hustle, and promise for a young Coppin squad looking to make noise this season.
From the opening tip, Coppin came ready to compete. The Eagles matched Maryland’s energy early, trading baskets and pushing the pace behind Khali Horton, who led the way with 19 points, showing his ability to create shots and finish through contact. Coppin’s defensive intensity in the first half forced Maryland to work for every possession, keeping the game within reach before the Terps’ depth and size began to show.
By halftime, Maryland had built a 47–32 lead, powered by the hot shooting of Pharrel Payne and Darius Adams, who combined for 37 points. Still, Coppin refused to fold. Coming out of the break, the Eagles went on a 7-2 run sparked by Nhyier Bethea and Justin Winston, cutting the deficit and re-energizing the Baltimore crowd.
Throughout the second half, Coppin State continued to battle, showing flashes of what’s to come this season — active hands on defense, strong rebounding effort, and improved offensive movement. Head Coach Larry Stewart praised his team’s resilience, noting that early-season tests like this help build character and chemistry.
“We’re learning who we are,” Stewart said. “Playing a team like Maryland gives us the opportunity to see where we can grow, and I loved the effort our guys brought tonight.”
Maryland’s depth and shooting proved too much in the final stretch, but Coppin’s intensity and fight never wavered. Despite the scoreline, the Eagles’ energy on both ends of the floor stood out — a clear sign that this team plans to compete every night.
For fans and supporters, the game was more than just a season opener; it was a celebration of Maryland basketball and the continued rise of Coppin State’s program, representing Baltimore and the HBCU community with pride.
The Eagles return to action later this week, ready to build on the lessons learned from their season debut. With a roster filled with new faces and a commitment to growth, Coppin State’s future looks bright.
Final Score: Maryland 83, Coppin State 61
Top Performer: Khali Horton – 19 points
Next Up: Coppin State continues non-conference play before returning home to the PEC Center for their home opener.

HBCU ORIGINAL
Elizabeth City State Stuns Bowie State 28–27 in Homecoming Heartbreaker
BOWIE, Md. — On a crisp Homecoming Saturday at Bulldog Stadium, Bowie State seemed in full control — until the Elizabeth City State Vikings engineered one of the most dramatic comebacks of the CIAA season.
Trailing 27–7 midway through the third quarter, ECSU stormed back with 21 unanswered points, capped by a 19-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Navian Hilliard to Terrance Holland with 1:51 left, to edge the Bulldogs 28–27 in front of a stunned Bowie State crowd.
The loss overshadowed a career day from Bowie State quarterback Savion Witherspoon, who racked up 81 rushing yards, three touchdowns on the ground, and 139 yards passing, and a highlight defensive play by Tommie McKoy III, whose 97-yard interception return gave the Bulldogs a 20-point cushion late in the third quarter.
But the Vikings refused to fold.
Moments after McKoy’s pick-six, ECSU’s defense flipped the script. On 1st-and-10 from the Viking 13, Manuel Montout read Witherspoon perfectly and came away with a red-zone interception — a momentum-turning moment that swung the energy to the visiting sideline.
Hilliard quickly made the Bulldogs pay. Aided by consecutive penalties, the Vikings’ offense capitalized on a short field, as running back Traquan Johnson punched in a 2-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to 27–14 with 3:00 remaining in the third quarter.
From there, ECSU’s defense tightened up. After forcing Bowie State to turn it over on downs, Hilliard connected with Joe Griffin for a 33-yard touchdown, slicing the score to 27–21 early in the fourth.
Then came the play that silenced the Homecoming crowd. On the ensuing kickoff, ECSU’s Shamar Sutton recovered a Bowie State fumble at the Bulldogs’ 29-yard line. Johnson again shouldered the load, setting up Hilliard’s 19-yard dart to Holland for the go-ahead score. Wyatt Jackson’s extra point gave ECSU its first lead, 28–27, with less than two minutes left.
Bowie State’s final drive reached midfield, but the Vikings’ defense held firm — sealing a statement road victory and spoiling the Bulldogs’ Homecoming celebration.
Top Performers
Bowie State (2–7, 1–6 CIAA)
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Savion Witherspoon: 81 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs, 139 passing yards
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Maximus Jones: 86 rushing yards on 22 carries
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Tommie McKoy III: 97-yard interception return TD
Elizabeth City State (3–6, 3–3 CIAA)
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Navian Hilliard: 198 passing yards, 2 TDs
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Traquan Johnson: 2 total TDs (1 rushing, 1 receiving)
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Manuel Montout: Red-zone interception that sparked comeback
Up Next
Bowie State will close its season on the road at Lincoln University (Pa.) next Saturday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth City State returns home for Homecoming against Bluefield State, where a win would secure the Vikings’ best CIAA finish since 2013.

HBCU ORIGINAL
Philadelphia: DeSean Jackson & Mike Vick Lead the Charge at the HBCU Football Classic
PHILADELPHIA, PA — HBCU Original was live on the scene as the 2025 HBCU Football Classic brought the energy of the HBCU gridiron straight to Lincoln Financial Field. The matchup featured two Philadelphia legends — DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick — returning home as head coaches, leading Delaware State University and Norfolk State University in an unforgettable clash under the lights.
The crowd came early, the bands were loud, and the city showed up in full force. From the maroon and gold of Delaware State to the green and gold of Norfolk State, HBCU pride filled every corner of the stadium. It was more than football — it was a celebration of culture, community, and homegrown greatness.
The Game: Delaware State 27, Norfolk State 20
The action on the field didn’t disappoint. Delaware State’s balanced attack and fourth-quarter resilience lifted them over Norfolk State with a 27–20 victory.
Norfolk State quarterback Otto Kuhns showed off his arm early, connecting with wide receiver J.J. Evans for a 13-yard touchdown in the second quarter. But Delaware State responded — grinding the clock and leaning on the legs of running back James Jones, who powered through defenders for a 76-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.
Jones finished the night with over 120 rushing yards, while Kuhns threw for 190 yards and two touchdowns for Norfolk State. Delaware State’s defense sealed the win, forcing a late turnover and holding off a final Spartan drive as time expired.
The victory pushed Delaware State to 6–3 overall (2–0 MEAC), while Norfolk State fell to 1–8 (0–2 MEAC) — but both teams walked off to roaring cheers from an HBCU-filled stadium that understood this moment was about more than records.
Philly Legends, HBCU Pride
For DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick, the game was more than a sideline duel — it was a full-circle moment. Both coaches, products of Philadelphia’s football culture and NFL greatness, used the platform to shine light on HBCU football and inspire the next generation.
“It’s about giving back, showing these players they belong on any field in America,” Jackson told local reporters postgame.
“The love we get from Philly and the HBCU community — that’s what this is all about,” added Vick.
Fans echoed that sentiment. Between drumlines, step shows, and chants from alumni, the day felt like a homecoming festival meets playoff atmosphere.
The Culture Lives Here
HBCU Original was there to capture it all — from the tailgate parties outside Lincoln Financial Field to the electric halftime performances that had the crowd on its feet. The event proved once again that HBCU sports bring a cultural heartbeat no other stage can match.
As the lights dimmed and fans poured out onto the streets of South Philly, one thing was clear:
This wasn’t just another football game — it was a movement of pride, purpose, and progress.
📸 Stay tuned for HBCU Original’s exclusive interviews, photo galleries, and behind-the-scenes coverage from the 2025 HBCU Football Classic in Philadelphia.
Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and hbcuoriginal.com for more highlights from across the HBCU Nation.

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HBCU ORIGINAL3 weeks ago🏐 Bowie State Sweeps Goldey-Beacom 3–0 in Wilmington Showdown
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HBCU ORIGINAL3 weeks ago🏈 Lincoln University (PA) Lions Fall 4-0 to Chestnut Hill, But Display Heart and Resilience
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HBCU ORIGINAL2 weeks agoPhiladelphia: DeSean Jackson & Mike Vick Lead the Charge at the HBCU Football Classic
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HBCU ORIGINAL4 days agoDELAWARE STATE SURVIVES MORGAN STATE COMEBACK
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HBCU ORIGINAL2 weeks agoElizabeth City State Stuns Bowie State 28–27 in Homecoming Heartbreaker
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HBCU ORIGINAL1 week agoCoppin State Shows Fight in Season Opener Against Maryland at CFG Bank Arena
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HBCU ORIGINAL2 days agoBowie State Bulldogs 28, Lincoln University (PA) Lions 17 Lincoln, PA — Frank “Tick” Coleman Field

