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.
PHILADELPHIA — Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Olympic bronze medalist and U.S. champion in the 100m, delivered one of her most impressive performances to date at the 2025 Grand Slam Track Philadelphia, winning the 200m in a personal-best 21.99 seconds. The time not only marked her first sub-22 but also set a new record at Franklin Field, beating Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas, who finished second in 22.10.
“Even though I’m primarily a 100m runner, the workouts that we do will prep me for the 200m,” said Jefferson-Wooden, who trains in Central Florida alongside Olympic 100m silver medalist Sha’Carri Richardson.
Jefferson-Wooden, who got married in March, plans to compete in both the 100m and 200m at the USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships, July 31–August 3. With this 200m win, she has positioned herself to potentially earn a spot on Team USA in a second sprint event.
HBCU Original was on the scene, bringing live coverage and behind-the-scenes access to fans supporting HBCU athletes and culture at elite track meets like this one.
Other Key Results:
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Ackera Nugent (Jamaica) took the 100m hurdles in 12.44.
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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone placed fifth in the 100m hurdles at 12.70, just off her personal best of 12.65.
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Marco Arop (Canada) won the men’s 800m in 1:43.38, holding off American Josh Hoey (1:44.41).
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Kenny Bednarek claimed the men’s 200m in 19.95, staying undefeated on the Grand Slam circuit.
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Alison dos Santos (Brazil) remained perfect in the men’s 400m hurdles, clocking 48.11.
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Matthew Hudson-Smith (UK) captured the men’s 400m in 44.51.
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Marileidy Paulino (Dominican Republic) won the women’s 400m in a world-leading 49.12.
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Agnes Jebet Ngetich (Kenya) ran 3:58.04 to win the women’s 1500m.
For full meet results, visit:
👉 Grand Slam Track Official Results
A basketball icon and pioneering voice for HBCUs, Dr. Dick Barnett passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 26, 2025, in Largo, Florida. He was 88.
Known for his signature phrase, “Fallback, Baby,” Barnett’s name resonated far beyond the court. To generations of sports fans at historically Black colleges and universities, those words symbolized confidence, excellence, and perseverance. His legacy—built on championships, education, and advocacy—continues to inspire.
A Titan at Tennessee A&I
Before making his mark in the NBA, Barnett dominated college basketball at Tennessee A&I (now Tennessee State University). Under legendary coach John McLendon, he led the Tigers to an unprecedented three consecutive NAIA national championships from 1957 to 1959—becoming the first college program at any level to achieve a three-peat.
A three-time All-American and two-time tournament MVP, Barnett’s scoring ability and fearless style made him a national standout. His No. 35 jersey remains the only one ever retired by Tennessee State, honoring his role in putting HBCU basketball on the national map.
NBA Champion and “Fallback” King
Barnett’s professional career began with the Syracuse Nationals and the Los Angeles Lakers, but it was with the New York Knicks where he found true stardom. Joining the team in 1965, he played a pivotal role in delivering the Knicks’ championship titles in 1970 and 1973.
In the iconic 1970 NBA Finals, while Willis Reed’s courageous Game 7 entrance made headlines, it was Barnett who delivered a clutch performance with 21 points and crucial defense against Jerry West. His high-arcing, unorthodox jump shot—complete with a signature “fallback” motion—became his trademark and a nightmare for defenders.
Scholar, Mentor, and Hall of Famer
Beyond basketball, Barnett was a passionate educator and role model. He earned a doctorate in education from Fordham University and later taught at St. John’s. His impact reached well beyond the court as he mentored countless students and used his story to motivate others to chase both academic and athletic greatness.
In 2024, Barnett’s remarkable career was immortalized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame—a crowning achievement for a man whose life transcended sports.
Dr. Dick Barnett’s journey showed the world that greatness can be achieved through purpose, perseverance, and pride in one’s roots. As HBCU fans and alumni mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life lived boldly.
Let’s not just remember him—let’s follow him. Fall back. Rise up.
Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is speaking out after Tougaloo College, a historically Black college in Mississippi, received threatening calls following her keynote address at the school’s recent commencement ceremony.
According to a statement from Tougaloo College President Donzell Lee, the school is investigating “concerning calls” made after the May 2025 graduation ceremony. “We are not taking these occurrences lightly,” Lee wrote in a letter to the campus community. “Appropriate actions have been taken. Contact has been made with law enforcement authorities to ensure that safety protocols are in place, if needed.” He also urged students, staff, and faculty to report any suspicious behavior to campus authorities.
In response, Rep. Crockett condemned the threats and pointed to political motivations behind them. “No low is too low for MAGA,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Now explain to me why an institution would be receiving threats because of the commencement speech that I GAVE. This type of behavior is why I’m constantly having to be protected. Sadly, truth-telling in this country is a dangerous business—but college students don’t deserve this.”
Crockett, who received an honorary doctorate from fellow Congressmember and Tougaloo alum Rep. Bennie Thompson, was invited to speak about the legacy of civil rights at the university. In her speech, she highlighted the historic contributions of the Tougaloo Nine and iconic civil rights figures like Anne Moody and Memphis Norman. She also drew comparisons between the past and present struggles for justice, emphasizing that today’s students continue that fight by simply pursuing education in a polarized climate.
“To think that people have to be fearful of a sitting member of Congress speaking to graduates tells us that we still have a lot of work to do,” Crockett said during the speech. Still, she left the graduates with a message of encouragement: “Your moment is now. This country is relying on each and every one of you to walk into your purpose and to walk in greatness with your head held high. You absolutely belong.”
Tougaloo College, known for its role in the Civil Rights Movement, stands firm amid the controversy. “As always, your continuing safety is our primary concern,” President Lee said, reaffirming the school’s commitment to its students.
The incident highlights the ongoing tension surrounding race, politics, and free speech in America—even in spaces meant to celebrate achievement and legacy.
By HBCU Gameday Staff
One of the NFL’s most dominant forces off the edge just made his most meaningful move off the field—and it came straight from the heart.
Myles Garrett, the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, recently visited Hampton University not only as a football superstar but as a proud son returning to honor the legacy of family and education. Garrett’s connection to the Virginia-based HBCU runs deep: his mother, Audrey Garrett, was an All-American track athlete at Hampton and later built a successful career in education and law. Her journey began on this very campus.
To pay tribute to those roots, Garrett donated $25,000 to Hampton University. But for him, the gift was more than a monetary gesture—it was a reflection of legacy, gratitude, and a belief in the power of HBCU education to shape future leaders.
Garrett’s visit wasn’t just about writing a check. He also took part in a thought-provoking panel discussion alongside Brandon Martin, CEO of Johnson Energy Storage. Together, they encouraged students to pursue careers in STEM and explore passions beyond sports. Their message was clear: there is life beyond the game, and it’s filled with purpose and opportunity.
“Always continue to grow… Love what you do. Find what you are passionate about,” Garrett urged the students.
His words resonated—and so did his presence. A six-time Pro Bowler and former No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick out of Texas A&M, Garrett has made a name for himself chasing quarterbacks. But at Hampton, he reminded everyone that true success includes giving back, lifting others, and honoring those who paved the way.
For HBCU students and fans alike, Garrett’s visit was a powerful reminder: greatness isn’t just built on stats—it’s built on legacy, leadership, and heart.
Let’s hear it for the PENN RELAYS Men’s High Jump Champion, Ja’Mari Manson from Delaware State University! 🏆🐝
With a jaw-dropping leap of 2.15 meters (7 feet, 0.5 inches), Ja’Mari soared into the history books, bringing home the gold and making his Hornet Nation proud! 💪🏾💛❤️
🔥 And let’s give love to the other HBCU athletes who showed up and showed out at the Penn Relays:
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Theodore Skinner of North Carolina Central University, grabbing 2nd place with a 2.10m jump! 🦅
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Jonathan Raijon-Koger, also repping N.C. Central, clearing 2.05m and putting in that work on the runway!
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Andrew Betton from Coppin State University, holding it down with a solid 1.95m jump. 🦅
💯 These HBCU athletes proved once again—we don’t just participate, we DOMINATE.
Salute to all the HBCU talent that continues to elevate the game, break records, and carry legacy with every stride and every jump. 🎓🔥
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