Sports
The JUCO Comeback: Diego Pavia Defeats the NCAA, Joe Thomas Sr. the Poster Child for ‘I Still Got It!
In a surprising twist that’s shaking up college football, the NCAA has found itself in the middle of a significant eligibility shake-up — and it’s all thanks to a landmark legal case involving a player who probably hasn’t been on most fans’ radar. Enter Diego Pavia, whose legal battle with the NCAA over his JUCO eligibility is why former players across the country are suddenly dusting off their old cleats and asking, “If Diego can do it, why can’t I?”
Pavia, a former JUCO quarterback, defeated the NCAA in court, securing a monumental victory for players who’ve spent time in junior college but were previously told their eligibility was shot after too many years had passed. The court issued an injunction, effectively allowing Pavia to continue his college career despite being out of the game for several years. And while Pavia’s case was all about fairness for JUCO players, it had an unintended side effect — the rise of a new generation of “washed-up” former players coming out of retirement to reclaim their eligibility.
The Lawsuit That Changed Everything
In what is being called a “game-changer” by legal experts, Diego Pavia’s victory has opened the door for a wave of former JUCO players to declare, “Hey, I’ll get it suddenly!” Pavia filed a lawsuit after the NCAA refused to grant him eligibility, citing an obscure rule that prevented players who’d been out of college football for too long from getting their eligibility back. But the court didn’t see it that way. The ruling was clear: JUCO players deserve the same four years of eligibility, no matter how much time has passed.
Pavia’s victory sent shockwaves through the world of college sports, and suddenly, every former JUCO athlete with a few grey hairs and a dad bod began to rethink their retirement plans.
Joe Thomas Sr. Becomes the New Poster Child for “I Can Still Play!”
And here’s where things get genuinely hilarious. While Pavia’s case was about fairness, it’s Joe Thomas Sr. who became the unintentional poster child for this new wave of players. If you haven’t heard of Joe Thomas Sr., he’s about to be your new hero — and probably the last person you’d expect to inspire a generation of older, “washed-up” football players.
In his late 40s, Thomas made history as the oldest player to ever play in a Division I football game, suiting up as a running back for HBCU MEAC member South Carolina State University — the team that was the runner-up in the 2024 Black College Football Championship Celebration Bowl just a week ago in Atlanta, Georgia. At 47 years old, Thomas wasn’t exactly burning up the field, but with sheer determination and the legal win from Diego Pavia’s case, Joe Thomas Sr. proved that age is just a number and there’s always room for a little more football. He wasn’t sprinting down the field, but he was running. Slowly, yes — but running nonetheless.
And now, thanks to Pavia’s case, older athletes — some who haven’t played in years — are desperate to follow in Thomas’ footsteps.
A New Era of “Senior” JUCO Comebacks
Just imagine the scene: Bob “The Bulldozer” from the Class of 1997, who hasn’t touched a football since his last campus kegger, suddenly jumps on Facebook and posts a picture of his high school highlight reel, claiming, “Hey, Joe Thomas Sr. did it. I’m ready for my comeback.” You might even catch Terry “The Tornado” from 2002 hitting up coaches on LinkedIn to see if they need a “veteran” player with lots of wisdom and a few extra pounds.
All these “veteran” players now have Diego Pavia’s lawsuit to thank and Joe Thomas Sr.’s legendary comeback story. There’s a whole new crop of 40-something men who now think they can still make it, and they’ll be referencing Joe Thomas Sr. as the prime example of why age is just a number.
The NCAA’s Worst Nightmare: The Rise of the Senior League
The NCAA never could have predicted this: a flood of older players showing up at their doorsteps, paperwork in hand, demanding to be let back into college football. Thanks to Pavia and Thomas, the NCAA is now facing a new problem: how to handle an influx of athletes who have been out of the game for years, if not decades, but now want to take advantage of the rule change.
“Coach, I’m 45, but if you put me on the field, I’ll show you a thing or two,” might just be the following line you hear from the new batch of JUCO hopefuls. And college football programs? They’re about to be flooded with email inquiries from players who were once “too old” but now have a new lease on their football careers.
Thanks to Diego Pavia’s legal win, the NCAA’s new ruling, and the unexpected rise of Joe Thomas Sr. as the face of “I Still Got It,” we’re about to enter an extraordinary era of college football. A new wave of former JUCO players, who have long since hung up their helmets, are now determined to return to the field. Whether it’s Bob “The Bulldozer“ or Terry “The Tornado,“ expect to see a lot more grey-haired players showing up to recruit camps, proclaiming they’ve got “untapped potential“ — and that Joe Thomas Sr. paved the way for them to show it.
Who knows? The next Joe Thomas Sr. might be an ex-JUCO player sitting on a recliner right now, talking about how “he was the best running back in his prime“ — and now, with the new NCAA rule, that prime might extend a few more years.
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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