Sports

HBCU Commissioners Sound Alarm: College Sports at Risk as Congress Pushes Dangerous Policy

Published

2 months ago

February 21, 2025

HBCU Athletics Under Attack? Leaders Warn Congress of Devastating Consequences

HBCU sports are at a breaking point—and Washington might be to blame. Just a few years after experiencing a resurgence, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are now facing policies that could cripple their athletic programs.

The commissioners of the four major HBCU conferences—MEAC, SWAC, SIAC, and CIAA—are calling on the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) to intervene before it’s too late. Their warning? The growing movement to classify college athletes as employees could financially devastate HBCUs, forcing massive cuts to scholarships and programs.

A Direct Threat to HBCU Sports

If athletes become paid employees, schools will be forced to add them to payrolls—making them and the institutions subject to heavy taxation. Unlike powerhouse programs in the Power 4, most HBCUs don’t generate millions from media deals. Instead, they rely on school funds and donors—many of whom are already pulling back due to corporations slashing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

“We’re watching the dismantling of HBCU athletics in real-time,” said Anthony Holloman, SIAC commissioner. “These schools won’t be able to keep up.”

Even with recent partnerships, like the SIAC, CIAA, and SWAC streaming deals with Allen Media Group’s HBCU Go, HBCUs are still financially outmatched. Power 4 programs rake in billions from broadcasting rights, while HBCUs struggle to secure similar opportunities.

NIL and the Transfer Portal: Widening the Gap

HBCUs are also being left behind in the new era of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. While Power 4 athletes sign multimillion-dollar contracts, HBCU athletes are overlooked, making recruitment and retention even harder.

The extended NCAA transfer portal has made matters worse, with top HBCU athletes being poached by larger programs with deeper pockets. “We’re being used as a stepping stone,” Holloman admitted.

Congressional Black Caucus Steps In

CBC Chairwoman Yvette Clarke has agreed to meet with HBCU commissioners this month. Their plea? Federal intervention to stop a patchwork of state laws that are creating chaos in college athletics and harming HBCU programs the most.

“To ensure that college sports broadly—and HBCU sports especially—can continue to thrive, it’s essential that Congress affirm that student-athletes are not employees,” the commissioners wrote in their letter.

HBCU Sports at a Crossroads

Not long ago, HBCU athletics were thriving. Deion Sanders’ tenure at Jackson State brought national attention, and post-George Floyd donations helped programs expand. Morgan State even revived men’s wrestling under Olympic champion Kenny Monday.

But now, all of that progress is in jeopardy.

If Congress moves forward without HBCU voices in the conversation, the very foundation of HBCU sports could crumble. The commissioners’ message is clear: If Washington doesn’t act now, it will be responsible for the downfall of Black college athletics.

The question is—will Congress listen?

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HBCU ORIGINAL

We are dedicated to celebrating the rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring legacy of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Our mission is to provide a platform that honors the invaluable contributions of HBCUs to higher education, social justice, and community empowerment. Through insightful articles, engaging narratives, and meaningful dialogue, we strive to amplify the voices, experiences, and achievements within the HBCU community. By fostering awareness, appreciation, and support for HBCUs, we aspire to inspire current and future generations to pursue excellence, equity, and inclusivity in education and beyond.

Sports

Lincoln University Hosts the Lincoln University Invite as Teams Tune Up for CIAA Championships

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2025

HBCU ORIGINAL

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

HBCU ORIGINAL

2025 HBCU football homecoming and classic in the FCS

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2025

HBCU ORIGINAL

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.

**Every MEAC vs. SWAC regular season game**
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

Sports

Teeing Off for Greatness: 2025 SWAC Golf Championships Set for Birmingham Showdown

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2025

HBCU ORIGINAL

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:

Twitter: @TheSWAC
Facebook: @TheSWAC
Instagram: @TheSWAC
Official Website: www.swac.org

Sports

SIAC Announces 2025 Men’s Volleyball All-Conference Honors

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2025

HBCU ORIGINAL

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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HBCU ORIGINAL

Coach DeSean Jackson Leads Delaware State University Spring Football Game 2025 | Clinton Portis Joins Staff

Published

6 days ago

April 13, 2025

HBCU ORIGINAL

Delaware State University’s 2025 Red & White Spring Football Game, held on April 12th at Alumni Stadium in Dover, DE, was a day of excitement, talent, and community spirit. Fans gathered under the leadership of Head Coach DeSean Jackson to see their Hornets in action for the first time in the spring season. With a mix of NFL experience, fresh strategies, and eager players, this year’s spring game was a major milestone for the DSU football program.

An Exciting Spring Game Showcase

The game kicked off with high energy, and it didn’t disappoint. The White Team, representing the offense, pulled off a 21-16 win over the Red Team, which was made up of the defense. The offense managed to score three touchdowns, showcasing strong plays and chemistry between the players. The defense, while not scoring as many touchdowns, earned valuable points through timely stops and takeaways, demonstrating their resilience and readiness for the upcoming season.

Fans got a glimpse of the impressive work done during the offseason as Coach Jackson’s offensive and defensive strategies were put to the test. Under his leadership, the offense ran smooth, powerful plays while the defense made crucial interceptions and shut-down tackles to keep the game competitive. With Clinton Portis now part of the coaching staff as the running backs coach, his expertise was evident as the running game showed flashes of brilliance.

The Coaches: A New Era for DSU Football

One of the most anticipated aspects of the event was the debut of new coaching staff, with DeSean Jackson taking over as Head Coach and Clinton Portis joining as the Running Backs Coach. Both Jackson and Portis, former NFL stars, have brought a new energy to the team, and it was evident during the spring game. Jackson’s leadership style is already having a significant impact on the team, with his passion for the game reflected in the players’ commitment and drive.

“Today is about laying the foundation for a championship-winning team. We are building not just athletes but leaders, and I’m proud of what I saw out there,” said Coach DeSean Jackson after the game.

Portis, who made his name as one of the most powerful running backs in the NFL, brings invaluable experience to the team. His approach to developing young talent was on full display, with the offensive line showing notable improvements in their running game, moving with more confidence and power than ever before.

Event Highlights

The event was more than just a football game—it was a celebration of DSU’s athletics and the Hornet community. Fans were treated to live music, food trucks, and family-friendly inflatables, creating an atmosphere of fun and excitement for all ages. It wasn’t just about football; it was a chance for the fans to connect with the team, meet the coaches, and feel the energy surrounding the 2025 season.

At the conclusion of the game, fans flooded the field to interact with the pl

ayers and coaches, getting autographs, taking photos, and solidif

ying the bond between the team and the Delaware State community.

Looking Ahead to 2025

With a winning combination of NFL-caliber coaching and rising talent on the field, the Delaware State University football team is ready for the upcoming season. The Red & White Spring Game was a clear indicator that under Coach DeSean Jackson’s leadership, the Hornets are ready to make a mark in the upcoming season, with strong performances across both sides of the ball.

The coaching staff, led by Jackson and Portis, has been working diligently to prepare the team for the challenges ahead. From developing a well-rounded offense to reinforcing a robust defense, Delaware State is positioning itself for success.

As the Hornets gear up for their 2025 campaign, fans can look forward to a season full of energy, hard-hitting football, and a renewed sense of pride. Delaware State football is on the rise, and the 2025 season is just the beginning.