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.
BOWIE, MD — The energy was electric at Bowie State University as fans, students, alumni, and future Bulldogs gathered for an unforgettable day of football, fellowship, and Bulldog pride. On April 19, 2025, BSU hosted its annual Spring Football Game, a much-anticipated tradition that not only offered a sneak peek into the team’s upcoming season but also doubled as an Alumni Game and Junior Day.
This year’s event went beyond just football. It was a celebration of community and culture — a powerful reminder of why HBCU traditions run deep. From tailgates to touchdowns, the spirit of the Bulldog Nation was on full display.
Alumni Came Home
BSU alumni showed up and showed out, reconnecting with former teammates, sharing stories of their time on campus, and cheering on the next generation of Bulldogs. Their presence added a legacy-filled atmosphere, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to return and support the program that helped shape their lives.
Future Bulldogs on Deck
The Junior Day initiative welcomed prospective student-athletes and their families, giving them a first-hand look at Bowie State’s facilities, coaching staff, academic offerings, and unmatched school spirit. The event made a lasting impression, with many attendees already envisioning themselves in black and gold.
The Game Itself
The Spring Game featured competitive energy as offense and defense battled it out in front of a packed stadium. New talent emerged, and returning stars reminded everyone why BSU remains a powerhouse in HBCU football. Coaches used the opportunity to evaluate team chemistry, try out new formations, and get a sense of what the 2025 season could bring.
HBCU Original Coverage
HBCU Original was on the scene, capturing every moment — from exclusive interviews with players and coaches, to crowd reactions and sideline energy. Our team spoke to standout athletes, passionate fans, and even a few alumni legends who stopped by to share their insights.
🎥 Catch the full video on our YouTube channel: HBCU Original
🎤 “This was more than a game,” one attendee shared. “It was a family reunion.”
What’s Next for the Bulldogs?
As the team wraps up spring training, excitement is already building for the fall season. The coaching staff is optimistic, players are hungry, and the Bulldog Nation is ready to rally behind its team.
Stay tuned for more updates, exclusive footage, and full game-day coverage — only on HBCU Original.
👏 Meet the Coaching Staff Leading the Charge
Bowie State’s success on and off the field is powered by a dedicated coaching staff working to build champions:
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Kyle Jackson – Head Coach & Inside Linebackers
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Avery Williams – Associate Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator
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Matt Goggans – Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks
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Quinn Brown – Offensive Line Coach
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Rod White, Jr. – Safeties / Pass Game Coordinator
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Douglas McNeil III – Wide Receivers Coach
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Anthony Bagley – Assistant Quarterbacks Coach
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Mike Andrews – Special Teams Coordinator
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Adam Gillis, Jr. – Running Backs Coach
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Lorenzo Harrison – Assistant Linebackers Coach
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Chris Pressley – Tight Ends Coach
Their leadership, vision, and passion are evident in every play, every drill, and every student-athlete they mentor.
Sports
Lincoln University Hosts the Lincoln University Invite as Teams Tune Up for CIAA Championships
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
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.
| 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 |
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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Twitter: @TheSWAC
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Facebook: @TheSWAC
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Instagram: @TheSWAC
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Official Website: www.swac.org
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
Stay connected by following the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference on Facebook, Instagram and X @TheSIAC.
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