Sports
David Wright III: A Tampa-Bred Star Shines in the SIAC Spotlight
David Wright III, Clark Atlanta University’s electrifying quarterback, has achieved what few can boast—winning back-to-back SIAC Overall Player of the Year awards. His standout 2024 season, where he passed for 2,915 yards (ranking fifth nationally in Division II) and threw 28 touchdowns, has solidified his status as one of the most exciting players in college football. Wright’s incredible journey from Tampa Bay Tech High School to Clark Atlanta is a testament to his resilience, work ethic, and talent.
As a quarterback who transcends expectations, Wright, who began his college career at Allen University, transferred to Clark Atlanta with a vision: to elevate his game and lead his team to prominence. This year, he completed 62% of his passes and continued to develop into a dual-threat weapon. Known for his ability to extend plays, his pocket instincts, and a cannon of an arm, Wright is the definition of a playmaker. Scouts rave about his accuracy, mobility, and ability to hit his receivers in stride, particularly on mid-range throws, earning him the nickname “Midrange Maestro.” His Tampa roots shared with Ronnie West, Clark Atlanta’s star receiver, have helped forge an unstoppable connection on the field. The Tampa duo has become a dynamic pairing, transforming the Panthers’ aerial attack into one of the most lethal in the conference.
Wright’s success stands out in a season filled with remarkable SIAC performances. Albany State quarterback Isaiah Knowles captured Offensive Player of the Year honors after throwing for 2,555 yards and a league-high 32 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Lashon Young of Miles College earned Defensive Player of the Year, leading all of Division II with seven interceptions, showcasing the caliber of defensive talent in the SIAC.
Albany State’s freshman running back Tiant Wyche and Allen University’s newcomer Jamir Dismukes also made waves, with Wyche excelling as a dual-threat rusher and returner and Dismukes adding six touchdowns to Allen’s offensive efforts. Rounding out the awards, Miles head coach Sam Shade was named Coach of the Year for leading the Golden Bears to an 8-0 conference record.
As the NFL Draft looms, Wright III’s football journey is a compelling narrative of grit, growth, and undeniable talent. Wright’s on-field dominance has drawn comparisons to Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. Scouts praise Wright’s ability to operate under pressure, lightning-quick release, and knack for threading tight windows. While some critics cite his frame as a limitation, Wright has consistently proven that size is no barrier to success. His leadership and poise have made him a late-round steal prospect, with NFL teams undoubtedly taking notice.
With back-to-back SIAC Player of the Year awards, Wright is ready to carry the HBCU on his back as he could hoist the stature again. With standout performances like Wright’s, the conference continues to demonstrate that it can produce elite athletes ready for the national stage. His success at Clark Atlanta is part of a more significant trend of HBCUs reclaiming their place in the national spotlight. From producing NFL talents like Tariq Cohen and Shaquille Leonard to showcasing high-level competition in events like the Celebration Bowl, HBCUs are earning widespread respect. Players like Wright represent their schools and highlight the quality of coaching, competition, and development within HBCU programs. The growing visibility of HBCU athletes is also supported by initiatives such as the NFL’s HBCU Combine and partnerships with major media networks. These platforms ensure players like Wright can showcase their skills to NFL scouts, reinforcing that HBCUs remain a vital pipeline of football talent.
With stars like Wright leading the charge, the legacy of HBCU football is entering a new golden era—where its athletes make history and inspire future generations to carry the torch forward.
HBCU ORIGINAL
🏈 Lincoln University (PA) Lions Fall 4-0 to Chestnut Hill, But Display Heart and Resilience
Final Score: Chestnut Hill 4, Lincoln (PA) 0
Scoring Summary:
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20:21 – Chelsea Ritter (CHC) PENALTY KICK GOAL
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33:29 – Abigail Collins (CHC), Assist: Shaina Klos
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68:11 – Abigail Collins (CHC)
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86:57 – Rebecca Dalton (CHC), Assist: Bryce Westervelt
Key Lincoln Stats:
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Shots on Goal: 1
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Saves: 10 (Lourraine De Luna)
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Corner Kicks: 0
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Fouls: 4
Game Recap:
Lincoln University (PA) faced a tough opponent in Chestnut Hill, but the Lions never gave up. Keeper Lourraine De Luna was phenomenal, racking up 10 saves to keep her team in the fight. Despite falling 4-0, Lincoln showed HBCU pride, resilience, and determination, pushing hard on every possession and displaying flashes of offensive potential.
Chestnut Hill dominated possession, but Lincoln’s defense and effort underlined the team’s commitment to growth and representing the HBCU community. The Lions continue to fight for their first win of the season, gaining valuable experience along the way.
HBCU Original was on the scene to capture every save, tackle, and moment of pride. 🎥🔥
The Hornets showed heart from start to finish, going toe-to-toe with Monmouth in a high-scoring contest that ended 49–38. Despite the loss, Delaware State displayed major offensive firepower and resilience on the road.
🏈 Game Highlights:
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Marquis Gillis was unstoppable on the ground, rushing for 132 yards and a touchdown, setting the tone early for the Hornets’ offense.
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Quarterback James Jones powered in a short rushing score, keeping the Hornets within striking distance.
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The Hornet defense battled to contain a hot Monmouth offense led by Derek Robertson, who threw for four touchdowns — but Delaware State never backed down.
🔥 What’s Next:
Delaware State looks to carry this momentum into MEAC play, building on its offensive rhythm and toughness heading into the next matchup.
#MEACFootball #DelState #HBCUFootball #HornetPride #HBCUOriginal
BALTIMORE, Md. (Oct. 1, 2025) – The Morgan State volleyball team welcomed North Carolina Central (NCCU) to Hill Field House on Friday, Oct. 3 for a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) matchup at 6 p.m. The game was Morgan State’s ‘Pink Out’ match, with fans encouraged to wear pink in support.
Morgan State came into the match at 4-8 overall, 1-1 MEAC, looking to rebound from a heartbreaking 3-2 loss at Howard. The Bears had fallen behind 2-0 before dropping the final three sets, including a narrow 15-12 defeat in the fifth.
Key performances vs. Howard:
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Daniela Ferreira: career-high 23 kills
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Isabelle Brown: 43 assists
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Hanna Nemeth: 13 digs
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Jada Williams: seven blocks
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Aubrey Wilson: five blocks
NCCU (4-10, 1-1 MEAC) entered the contest on a two-match losing streak, including a 3-0 road loss at Charleston Southern. Standouts included Summer Campbell (four kills), Tayah Little and Allyson Rouse (three kills each), Loren Johnson (12 digs), and Neira Joldic (eight assists).
Series History:
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NCCU leads the all-time series 7-4, winning seven of the last eight meetings.
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Last season, the teams split the series: Morgan State swept at home (10/4/24) and NCCU won in five sets on the road (11/1/24).
Match Result: October 3, 2025
Morgan State pulled off a thrilling five-set victory over NCCU, winning 3-2.
Set Scores: 18-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25-19, 15-11
Impact on the Teams:
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Morgan State: Record improves to 2-1 MEAC, 5-8 overall.
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NCCU: Falls to 1-2 MEAC, 4-11 overall.
The Bears showed resilience coming back from a 0-2 deficit to claim the win! 💪
Player Highlights & Milestones
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Jada Williams: Moved into 7th on Morgan State’s all-time blocks list with 247 career blocks.
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Aubrey Wilson: Reached 100 career blocks, currently 17th in program history.
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Isabelle Brown: Freshman setter named MEAC Setter of the Week, directing Morgan’s offense with 107 assists over three matches.
Looking Ahead
Morgan State will host South Carolina State in a MEAC match on Sunday, Oct. 5. First serve is at 1 p.m. at Hill Field House.
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.
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