Sports
Delaware State Defeats Howard in MEAC Volleyball Championship
Lady Hornets Claim Title in Thrilling Five-Set Match
DOVER, Del. (November 24, 2024) – The Delaware State University (DSU) volleyball team captured the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship in dramatic fashion Sunday night, defeating Howard University 3-2 (24-26, 25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 7-15) in front of an electric home crowd at Memorial Hall.
This hard-fought victory marked DSU’s second MEAC title in three seasons, showcasing their depth and determination against a resilient Howard squad.
Game Recap
The title match was an intense back-and-forth affair, with neither team willing to back down.
Set 1: The Lady Hornets edged out a 26-24 win after a nail-biting opener, setting the stage for the evening’s drama.
Set 2: Howard roared back with a 25-22 triumph, overcoming an early deficit with precise attacks and crucial defensive stops.
Set 3: Delaware State capitalized on Howard’s hitting errors to regain control, claiming the third frame 25-20.
Set 4: Refusing to quit, the Bison produced a blistering .405 hitting percentage in the fourth set, forcing a decisive fifth.
Set 5: DSU dominated the final frame, hitting a remarkable .450 as they sealed the championship with a 15-7 victory, sparking celebrations on their home court.
Game Leaders
Delaware State University (DSU):
- Kills: Valeria Otero (18), Gerren Tomlin (17), Aaliyah Mitchell (14)
- Aces: Morgan Allen (2), Valeria Otero (1), Naz Tuncay (1)
- Blocks: Aaliyah Mitchell (6), Alondra Maldonado (4), Hannah Sanders (4)
- Assists: Naz Tuncay (32), Paige Ahakuelo (31), Morgan Allen (4)
- Digs: Morgan Allen (22), Gerren Tomlin (20), Valeria Otero (12)
Howard University (HOW):
- Kills: Rya McKinnon (18), Cimone Woodard (16), Dami Awojobi (16)
- Aces: Halie McGinest (2), Leah Reeves (1)
- Blocks: Aziah Buckner (2), Amanda Ifeanyichukwu (2), Cimone Woodard (1)
- Assists: Leah Reeves (61), Claire Simpson (4)
- Digs: Claire Simpson (21), Dami Awojobi (14), Aziah Buckner (10)
Championship Highlights
DSU’s balanced attack proved decisive, with Valeria Otero and Gerren Tomlin leading the offensive charge while Morgan Allen anchored the defense with a match-high 22 digs. Freshman setter Naz Tuncay orchestrated the attack with 32 assists, complemented by Paige Ahakuelo’s 31.
Howard’s stars shined in defeat, with Rya McKinnon (18 kills) and Cimone Woodard (16 kills) delivering standout performances. Setter Leah Reeves had an incredible 61 assists, keeping the Bison’s offense running smoothly throughout the match.
Looking Ahead
Delaware State (17-13) will now turn their attention to the NCAA Tournament, where they aim to continue their momentum against the nation’s best teams. Meanwhile, Howard’s strong showing throughout the season solidifies their position as a perennial MEAC contender, promising more battles ahead.
Stay connected to HBCU Original for continued coverage of HBCU sports and MEAC Volleyball!
Sports
Coppin State Extends Winning Streak as Howard and Delaware State Make Moves in MEAC Volleyball
Jackson State Takes No. 1 as Morgan State Climbs in HBCU Football Poll
Jackson State moved into first place in the BOXTOROW HBCU FCS Coaches Poll following games played through October 3, 2026.
The unbeaten Tigers received 163 points, edging South Carolina State by three. Morgan State climbed from seventh to third after defeating Villanova, 38 to 35.
Alabama State and Alabama A&M completed the top five. Delaware State landed sixth, while Bethune-Cookman entered the rankings at eighth.
Alcorn State and Norfolk State tied for tenth, giving this week’s poll 11 teams.
BOXTOROW Week 5 HBCU FCS Coaches Poll
| Rank | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jackson State | 5–0 |
| 2 | South Carolina State | 5–1 |
| 3 | Morgan State | 4–1 |
| 4 | Alabama State | 3–2 |
| 5 | Alabama A&M | 4–2 |
| 6 | Delaware State | 3–3 |
| 7 | Grambling State | 3–2 |
| 8 | Bethune-Cookman | 3–2 |
| 9 | Prairie View A&M | 2–4 |
| T10 | Alcorn State | 3–3 |
| T10 | Norfolk State | 3–3 |
Rankings and records are from BOXTOROW’s Week 5 poll, reflecting games through October 3.
Johnson C. Smith Returns to No. 1 in HBCU Division II Football Poll
Johnson C. Smith reclaimed first place in the BOXTOROW HBCU Division II Coaches Poll after defeating Bluefield State, 51 to 0.
The Golden Bulls received eight first-place votes and 153 points. Edward Waters jumped from sixth to second after a 61 to 42 victory over Kentucky State, finishing just seven points behind Johnson C. Smith.
Virginia Union and Virginia State placed third and fourth. Kentucky State dropped to fifth, while Central State entered the rankings at ninth.
The movement creates a competitive picture as the season continues, with the top two teams separated by a narrow voting margin.
BOXTOROW Week 5 HBCU Division II Coaches Poll
| Rank | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnson C. Smith | 4–1 |
| 2 | Edward Waters | 5–1 |
| 3 | Virginia Union | 5–1 |
| 4 | Virginia State | 5–1 |
| 5 | Kentucky State | 4–2 |
| 6 | Benedict | 4–1 |
| 7 | Fayetteville State | 3–3 |
| 8 | Shaw | 4–2 |
| 9 | Central State | 3–3 |
| 10 | Albany State | 2–3 |
Rankings and records reflect games through October 3, 2026.
Howard gave its home crowd a reason to celebrate on October 1, defeating Delaware State in four sets at Burr Gymnasium. The Bison won 25 to 23, 25 to 20, 23 to 25 and 25 to 19 to secure their first home victory of the season.
Zenai Jethroe led Howard with 17 kills and a .500 hitting percentage, adding five blocks. Alexys James contributed nine kills and 16 assists, while Sydnei Jones finished with 26 assists.
Delaware State refused to go quietly. After dropping the opening two sets, the Hornets rallied to win the third and extend the match. Howard regained control in the fourth, scoring six of the final seven points to finish the job.
The result moved Howard to two wins and one loss in MEAC play at the conclusion of the match. For the Bison, the performance showed how strong finishing and contributions across the lineup can turn a competitive conference matchup into a home victory.
HBCU football is more than just a game. Homecoming represents tradition, family, alumni pride, campus culture, and generations of memories coming together. Every fall, thousands of fans return to their campuses to celebrate their schools while supporting student-athletes on the field.
The 2026 HBCU football season will once again feature a strong lineup of homecomings across the country, including conference matchups, rivalry games, and special campus celebrations.
Here is the complete 2026 HBCU FCS Homecoming schedule.
Saturday, September 19
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Homecoming
Opponent: Virginia University of Lynchburg
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
Saturday, October 3
Grambling State Tigers Homecoming
Opponent: Alcorn State Braves
Location: Grambling, Louisiana
Southern Jaguars Homecoming
Opponent: Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Saturday, October 10
Morgan State Bears Homecoming
Opponent: Robert Morris Colonials
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
North Carolina Central Eagles Homecoming
Opponent: William & Mary Tribe
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Alabama State Hornets Homecoming
Opponent: Florida A&M Rattlers
Location: Montgomery, Alabama
Delaware State Hornets Homecoming
Opponent: Franklin Pierce Ravens
Location: Dover, Delaware
Alcorn State Braves Homecoming
Opponent: Arkansas Baptist Buffaloes
Location: Lorman, Mississippi
Texas Southern Tigers Homecoming
Opponent: Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils
Location: Houston, Texas
Norfolk State Spartans Homecoming
Opponent: Virginia University of Lynchburg
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Saturday, October 17
Howard Bison Homecoming
Opponent: Morehouse Maroon Tigers
Location: Washington, D.C.
Tennessee State Tigers Homecoming
Opponent: Morgan State Bears
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Alabama A&M Bulldogs Homecoming
Opponent: Grambling State Tigers
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Prairie View A&M Panthers Homecoming
Opponent: Alcorn State Braves
Location: Prairie View, Texas
Jackson State Tigers Homecoming
Opponent: Florida A&M Rattlers
Location: Jackson, Mississippi
Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions Homecoming
Opponent: Alabama State Hornets
Location: Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils Homecoming
Opponent: Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
Location: Itta Bena, Mississippi
Saturday, October 24
Hampton Pirates Homecoming
Opponent: Monmouth Hawks
Location: Hampton, Virginia
South Carolina State Bulldogs Homecoming
Opponent: Norfolk State Spartans
Location: Orangeburg, South Carolina
Florida A&M Rattlers Homecoming
Opponent: Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Saturday, October 31
North Carolina A&T Aggies Homecoming
Opponent: Elon Phoenix
Location: Greensboro, North Carolina
Section 1B: Division II HBCU Homecoming Games to Watch
The HBCU football tradition continues beyond the FCS level. CIAA and SIAC programs will also host major homecoming celebrations featuring historic rivalries and conference competition.
Saturday, October 10
Morehouse Maroon Tigers Homecoming
Opponent: Savannah State Tigers
Albany State Golden Rams Homecoming
Opponent: Lane Dragons
Virginia State Trojans Homecoming
Opponent: Livingstone Blue Bears
Saturday, October 17
Clark Atlanta Panthers Homecoming
Opponent: Allen Yellow Jackets
Savannah State Tigers Homecoming
Opponent: Fort Valley State Wildcats
Fayetteville State Broncos Homecoming
Opponent: Elizabeth City State Vikings
Saturday, October 24
Bowie State Bulldogs Homecoming
Opponent: Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls
Saturday, November 7
Winston-Salem State Rams Homecoming
Opponent: Fayetteville State Broncos
Tuskegee Golden Tigers Homecoming
Opponent: Miles Golden Bears
Saturday, August 29
MEAC/SWAC Challenge
Alabama A&M Bulldogs vs. Howard Bison
📍 Atlanta, Georgia
Birmingham Football Classic
Southern Jaguars vs. Alabama State Hornets
📍 Birmingham, Alabama
John Merritt Classic
Jackson State Tigers at Tennessee State Tigers
📍 Nashville, Tennessee
Nature State Kickoff Classic
Morehouse Maroon Tigers vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions
📍 Little Rock, Arkansas
Saturday, September 5
Louis Crews Classic
Miles Golden Bears at Alabama A&M Bulldogs
📍 Huntsville, Alabama
Pete Richardson Classic
Kentucky State Thorobreds at Southern Jaguars
📍 Baton Rouge, Louisiana
HOPE Labor Day Classic
Edward Waters Tigers at Jackson State Tigers
📍 Jackson, Mississippi
Labor Day Classic
Lane Dragons at Alabama State Hornets
📍 Montgomery, Alabama
Sunday, September 6
Labor Day Classic
Texas Southern Tigers at Prairie View A&M Panthers
📍 Prairie View, Texas
Orange Blossom Classic
Florida A&M Rattlers vs. South Carolina State Bulldogs
📍 Miami Gardens, Florida
Saturday, September 12
Aggie-Eagle Classic
North Carolina A&T Aggies at North Carolina Central Eagles
📍 Durham, North Carolina
The Legacy Series
Tennessee State Tigers at Alabama A&M Bulldogs
📍 Huntsville, Alabama
Southern Heritage Classic
Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions vs. Alcorn State Braves
📍 Memphis, Tennessee
Chicago Football Classic
Lincoln University (PA) Lions vs. Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils
📍 Chicago, Illinois
Saturday, September 19
Battle for Greater Baltimore
Morgan State Bears at Towson Tigers
📍 Towson, Maryland
Battle of the Bay
Hampton Pirates at Norfolk State Spartans
📍 Norfolk, Virginia
W.C. Gorden Classic
Tuskegee Golden Tigers at Jackson State Tigers
📍 Jackson, Mississippi
Saturday, September 26
State Fair Classic
Grambling State Tigers vs. Prairie View A&M Panthers
📍 Dallas, Texas
Boombox Classic
Southern Jaguars at Jackson State Tigers
📍 Jackson, Mississippi
Saturday, October 3
Battle of the Real HU
Truth and Service Classic
Hampton Pirates vs. Howard Bison
📍 Washington, D.C.
Gulf Coast Challenge
Alabama A&M Bulldogs vs. Jackson State Tigers
📍 Mobile, Alabama
Saturday, October 31
Magic City Classic
Alabama A&M Bulldogs vs. Alabama State Hornets
📍 Birmingham, Alabama
Saturday, November 21
Florida Classic
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats vs. Florida A&M Rattlers
📍 Orlando, Florida
Capital City Classic
Jackson State Tigers at Alcorn State Braves
📍 Lorman, Mississippi
Thursday, November 26
Turkey Day Classic
Tuskegee Golden Tigers at Alabama State Hornets
📍 Montgomery, Alabama
Saturday, November 28
Bayou Classic
Grambling State Tigers vs. Southern Jaguars
📍 New Orleans, Louisiana
The Bayou Classic remains one of the most recognizable HBCU football events in the country, combining football, marching band traditions, alumni celebrations, and community events.
Championship Events
Saturday, December 5
SWAC Championship
SWAC East Champion vs. SWAC West Champion
📍 Campus Site
Saturday, December 12
Celebration Bowl
MEAC Champion vs. SWAC Champion
📍 Atlanta, Georgia
The Celebration Bowl will once again bring together the champions of the MEAC and SWAC in a nationally recognized postseason matchup celebrating HBCU football excellence.
Section 2B: Division II HBCU Classics to Watch
The HBCU football tradition continues throughout Division II with several major CIAA and SIAC events featuring historic programs.
Saturday, August 30
Red Tails Classic
Tuskegee Golden Tigers vs. West Alabama Tigers
📍 Montgomery, Alabama
Saturday, September 5
Port City Classic
Tuskegee Golden Tigers vs. Fort Valley State Wildcats
📍 Mobile, Alabama
Saturday, September 6
Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic
Albany State Golden Rams vs. Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls
📍 Canton, Ohio
Saturday, October 3
Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic
Morehouse Maroon Tigers vs. Tuskegee Golden Tigers
📍 Montgomery, Alabama
Sunday, November 8
Fountain City Classic
Fort Valley State Wildcats vs. Albany State Golden Rams
📍 Columbus, Georgia
Saturday, November 14
CIAA Championship
📍 Durham, North Carolina
SIAC Championship
📍 Location TBD
2026 Nonconference HBCU Matchups to Watch
Saturday, August 29
Morgan State Bears at North Carolina A&T Aggies
📍 Greensboro, North Carolina
The Bears and Aggies open the season with a matchup featuring two programs with strong HBCU football traditions.
North Carolina Central Eagles at Texas Southern Tigers
📍 Houston, Texas
A MEAC-SWAC matchup that brings together two programs looking to establish early momentum.
Howard Bison vs. Alabama A&M Bulldogs
📍 Atlanta, Georgia
This matchup also serves as the 2026 MEAC/SWAC Challenge, bringing together two conference champions with national attention on opening weekend.
Sunday, September 6
South Carolina State Bulldogs vs. Florida A&M Rattlers
📍 Miami Gardens, Florida
Two traditional HBCU football powers meet in a matchup featuring championship-level history and conference pride.
Saturday, September 19
Hampton Pirates at Norfolk State Spartans
Battle of the Bay
📍 Norfolk, Virginia
One of the most anticipated rivalries in HBCU football returns as Hampton and Norfolk State battle for regional bragging rights.
Tennessee State Tigers at Florida A&M Rattlers
📍 Tallahassee, Florida
Two nationally recognized HBCU programs meet in a matchup featuring two proud football traditions.
Saturday, September 26
South Carolina State Bulldogs at Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
📍 Daytona Beach, Florida
A MEAC matchup featuring two programs with a history of competitive conference battles.
Saturday, October 3
Hampton Pirates vs. Howard Bison
Battle of the Real HU / Truth and Service Classic
📍 Washington, D.C.
A historic rivalry matchup between two universities that both proudly carry the Howard/Hampton “HU” identity.
Saturday, October 17
Morgan State Bears at Tennessee State Tigers
📍 Nashville, Tennessee
A late-season nonconference matchup bringing together two programs from different HBCU football traditions.
Regular Season MEAC vs. SWAC Matchups
The MEAC and SWAC will continue their historic conference rivalry during the 2026 season. Along with the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, four additional regular-season games will feature teams from both conferences.
Saturday, August 29
Howard Bison vs. Alabama A&M Bulldogs
📍 Atlanta, Georgia
Conference Matchup: MEAC vs. SWAC
Saturday, August 29
North Carolina Central Eagles vs. Texas Southern Tigers
📍 Houston, Texas
Conference Matchup: MEAC vs. SWAC
Sunday, September 6
South Carolina State Bulldogs vs. Florida A&M Rattlers
📍 Miami Gardens, Florida
Conference Matchup: MEAC vs. SWAC
Saturday, September 26
South Carolina State Bulldogs at Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
📍 Daytona Beach, Florida
Conference Matchup: MEAC vs. SWAC
2026 HBCU Football Season Storylines
The 2026 season will once again showcase what makes HBCU football special: historic rivalries, passionate alumni, legendary marching bands, community celebrations, and nationally recognized football events.
From Labor Day classics to October homecomings and championship weekend, HBCU football will provide fans with opportunities to celebrate the culture and tradition that have defined Black college football for generations.
HBCU Original will continue following the season with game coverage, schedules, highlights, photos, and stories from across the HBCU football landscape.
SEO TITLE:
2026 HBCU Football Homecomings and Classics Schedule: Complete List of Games, Dates, Rivalries and Locations
META DESCRIPTION:
The complete 2026 HBCU football schedule featuring homecomings, classics, MEAC vs. SWAC matchups, Division II events, Celebration Bowl, and championship games.
SOCIAL MEDIA CAPTION:
🏈🔥 HBCU FOOTBALL IS BACK!
The 2026 season is loaded with legendary classics, unforgettable homecomings, historic rivalries, and championship moments.
From the MEAC/SWAC Challenge to the Bayou Classic, Florida Classic, Magic City Classic, Celebration Bowl, and everything in between, HBCU football tradition will once again take center stage.
📍 Save this schedule
📲 Share with your HBCU family
🏈 Follow HBCU Original for coverage all season long
#HBCUOriginal #HBCUFootball #BlackCollegeFootball #HBCUPride
-
Campus2 months agoHoward Alumnus Chequan Lewis Takes the Helm as CEO of Crunch Fitness
-
Campus2 weeks agoWhy Major Artists Are Cancelling Concerts and Tours in 2026
-
Campus4 weeks agoAlbany State University Receives Tara VanDerveer Fund for the Advancement of Women in Coaching Grant
-
Campus1 month agoSIAC Mourns the Loss of Benedict Director of Athletics, Hall of Famer Willie Washington
-
Sports8 minutes agoJohnson C. Smith Returns to No. 1 in HBCU Division II Football Poll
-
Sports10 minutes agoHoward Holds Off Delaware State for First Home Volleyball Win
-
Sports8 minutes agoJackson State Takes No. 1 as Morgan State Climbs in HBCU Football Poll
-
Sports7 minutes agoCoppin State Extends Winning Streak as Howard and Delaware State Make Moves in MEAC Volleyball