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 Stars Shine in Eugene at NCAA 2025
The 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships brought the best of the best to Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon—and HBCU athletes rose to the occasion. Here’s how they placed in the finals:
🥉 Jordan Pierre (University of Arkansas‑Pine Bluff)
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Event: Men’s 400 m
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Final Placement: 3rd Place – 45.75 seconds
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Achievement: First Team All‑America
💪 Jarrett Gentles (Coppin State University)
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Event: Men’s 400 m Hurdles
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Final Placement: 9th Overall
🥉 Marcia Sey (Howard University)
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Event: Women’s 100 m Hurdles
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Final Placement: 3rd Place – 12.93 seconds
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Achievement: First Team All‑America and highest NCAA finish in Howard’s track history
🏃♀️ Howard Women’s 4×100 m Relay
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Team Members: Kailei Collins, Marcia Sey, Tiffani‑Rae Pittman, Aiyana Gray‑Williams
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Final Placement: 6th Place – 43.23 seconds
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Achievement: First Team All‑America
📊 Quick Recap
| Athlete / Team | Event | Final Result | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Pierre (UAPB) | 400 m | 🥉 3rd Place | First Team All-America |
| Jarrett Gentles (Coppin State) | 400 m Hurdles | 9th Place | – |
| Marcia Sey (Howard) | 100 m Hurdles | 🥉 3rd Place – 12.93s | First Team All-America |
| Howard 4×100 Relay | 4×100 m | 6th Place – 43.23s | First Team All-America |
Published by HBCU Original | June 13, 2025
Under Armour is giving HBCU pride a fashionable step forward with its latest sneaker drop and campaign celebrating Black sisterhood, Greek life, and the vibrant legacy of Maryland’s historically Black colleges.
For the launch of its newest lifestyle sneaker, the UA Echo, Under Armour partnered with Baltimore native and award-winning photographer Devin Allen to shoot the “Sisterhood in Style” campaign. The powerful visuals were brought to life on the campuses of Bowie State University and Morgan State University, spotlighting women from the first Black Greek-letter sorority in bold, expressive styles.
More than a simple product release, “Sisterhood in Style” tells a deeper story—one of culture, community, and representation. The campaign highlights tradition and individuality, showing how today’s HBCU students are redefining style on their own terms.
“More than a product spotlight, Sisterhood in Style reflects UA’s broader commitment to innovation and community—empowering the next generation to show up boldly, break boundaries, and define their own style codes,” Under Armour shared in a press release.
The new UA Echo sneaker, designed in a striking pink and green colorway, is now available online for $150—a clear nod to the heritage of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
This campaign continues Under Armour’s connection to local education institutions. Last fall, the brand also gave back to Baltimore City College and Baltimore Polytechnic Institute by donating to their athletic programs and creating custom school merchandise.
With “Sisterhood in Style,” Under Armour isn’t just releasing a sneaker—it’s recognizing the beauty, strength, and cultural impact of Black women at HBCUs. And that’s a story worth walking in.
#HBCUOriginal #SisterhoodInStyle #BowieState #MorganState #UnderArmour #BlackExcellence #GreekLife
June 10, 2025 – Paris, France
In a gritty and emotional display of championship tennis, Coco Gauff roared back from a set down to defeat World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and claim her first French Open title and second Grand Slam crown, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4, on the iconic clay of Roland Garros.
At just 21 years old, the American superstar proved she’s no longer the future of women’s tennis — she is the now.
A Statement of Strength
Under the swirling winds of Court Philippe-Chatrier, Gauff showed maturity beyond her years. Despite losing a tight first set in a tiebreaker, she reset quickly. With powerful groundstrokes, relentless movement, and deep focus, Gauff flipped the match by taking control of rallies and forcing Sabalenka into 70+ unforced errors.
The second set saw Gauff dominate with a near-flawless display, while the third was all about heart and hustle. Down an early break, Gauff stormed back, breaking Sabalenka twice to seal the biggest win of her career on clay.
History Made
Gauff becomes the first American woman to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015, etching her name into tennis history on one of the sport’s most demanding stages. The moment she dropped her racket and fell to the clay was one of raw emotion — tears, joy, and vindication for years of hard work.
“It means everything,” Gauff said on court, overcome with emotion. “This is the dream. This is what we train for.”
Mind Over Matter
The mental game was just as crucial as the physical. Leading up to the match, Gauff focused on self-belief, visualization, and affirmations — including writing down “I will be French Open champion 2025” every day. That mindset helped her silence doubts and bring her best when it mattered most.
Her calm under pressure, especially against one of the game’s biggest hitters, showed how much she has evolved. Gone is the teenager who made headlines in 2019 — this is a full-grown competitor with championship grit.
Stars and Support
Gauff’s triumph wasn’t just felt in Paris. Back home, a wave of support poured in from athletes, celebrities, and fans who have followed her journey. Cameras caught her sharing a heartfelt embrace with her parents and even receiving congratulations from director Spike Lee in the stands.
The viewership numbers told the story too — this was one of the most-watched women’s finals in recent memory, showing Gauff’s growing star power.
What’s Next? Wimbledon.
Now with two Grand Slam titles under her belt — the 2023 US Open and the 2025 French Open — all eyes turn to Wimbledon, where Gauff first broke onto the scene as a 15-year-old. She’s no longer the wide-eyed rookie. She’s a champion.
With momentum, confidence, and the tennis world on notice, Coco Gauff is entering a new era — one where she’s not chasing the top, she is the top.
June 10, 2025 | Eugene, Oregon
Florida A&M’s standout middle-distance runner, Kirk Dawkins, is headed to the big stage as he prepares to compete in the 800-meter semifinals at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships this Wednesday. The race will take place at 8:58 p.m. EST at the legendary Hayward Field, located on the campus of the University of Oregon.
Catch the action live on ESPN.
Dawkins earned his spot at nationals by running a personal-best time of 1:46.62 at the NCAA East Regional quarterfinals—an impressive mark that solidifies his status among the elite in collegiate track.
This season has been a breakout year for the FAMU junior. He claimed the SWAC Outdoor Championship title in the 800 meters with a time of 1:50.2 and followed that up with a strong 1:48.01 showing at the East Coast Relays. His steady improvement and commitment to excellence are paying off as he heads into the national spotlight.
All eyes will be on Dawkins Wednesday night as he looks to continue his historic season and represent Florida A&M on the national stage.
For over a century, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been more than institutions of higher learning—they’ve been beacons of opportunity, cultural pride, and athletic excellence, often doing more with far less than their Power Five counterparts. But now, in the wake of the historic NCAA settlement approved on June 6, 2025, a new era of college sports is taking shape. And for HBCUs, this moment presents a mixture of promise, peril, and the pressing need to reimagine their role in the evolving landscape of college athletics.
The Fork in the Road
At the heart of the NCAA settlement is the move toward direct revenue sharing with student-athletes, fundamentally changing how college athletes are compensated. Power Five schools—those with multimillion-dollar TV deals and donor pipelines—are preparing to spend upwards of $20 million annually on athlete compensation, either through direct NIL payments or expanded scholarships.
For HBCUs, many of which operate with significantly smaller budgets, the question is clear: Can they keep up, or will this widen the financial and competitive gap?
An Uneven Playing Field Gets Steeper
HBCUs have always had to be innovative. With fewer resources, they’ve relied on community support, passionate alumni, and strong cultural identities to build athletic programs that punch above their weight. However, the new system isn’t just about innovation—it’s about access to capital. When athletes begin to consider direct pay and robust NIL deals as part of their decision-making process, HBCUs risk being left out of the conversation unless they find new funding pathways.
It’s not a level playing field when Alabama can offer a $20M NIL pool, while a program like Mississippi Valley State struggles to maintain facilities or fund recruiting trips.
But There’s Power in Legacy
Still, HBCUs have something many larger schools don’t: authenticity and legacy. In recent years, there’s been a cultural shift with high-profile athletes like Travis Hunter choosing HBCUs, and celebrities such as Deion Sanders putting the spotlight on Black college football. This settlement may, ironically, drive more attention to schools that offer not just a paycheck, but a purpose.
If HBCUs can position themselves as places where athletes can build their brand, stand for something, and grow into complete individuals, they may still attract elite talent looking for more than money.
Strategic Moves Ahead
To remain competitive, HBCUs will need to:
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Build sustainable NIL programs through alumni networks, Black-owned businesses, and innovative branding.
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Leverage cultural capital and media platforms (like HBCU Original and The CW’s HBCU sports broadcasts) to highlight athlete stories.
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Lobby for fair treatment in how roster limits and NIL audits are applied, ensuring they aren’t unfairly penalized for structural disparities.
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Collaborate across conferences like MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, and SIAC to create a unified front and share best practices.
What’s at Stake
This is not just about money. It’s about equity, survival, and legacy. If HBCUs are forced to the sidelines in this new model, it would be a tragic loss not only for Black athletes but for college sports as a whole.
Yet if HBCUs can seize this moment—restructure smartly, fundraise boldly, and tell their stories louder than ever—they can help shape the future of college athletics from a position of strength, not scarcity.
This is the most transformative chapter in NCAA history.
HBCUs must write themselves into it.
Suggested Title for YouTube or Podcast:
“HBCUs at a Crossroads: What the NCAA Settlement Means for Black College Sports”
Suggested Tags:
NCAA settlement, HBCUs, NIL deals, college sports, athlete compensation, MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, SIAC, college football, Black colleges, Deion Sanders, NCAA transformation, NIL Go, Title IX, HBCU athletics
Suggested Description:
The NCAA just approved a historic $2.8 billion settlement, opening the door for schools to pay college athletes directly. But what does this mean for HBCUs? In this breakdown, we explore the opportunities, risks, and future of Black college sports in a new era of revenue sharing and NIL deals. Can HBCUs compete? Or will this widen the gap in college athletics even more? Let’s talk legacy, money, and the path forward.
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