Sports
HBCU Commissioners Sound Alarm: College Sports at Risk as Congress Pushes Dangerous Policy
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?
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:
-
20:21 – Chelsea Ritter (CHC) PENALTY KICK GOAL
-
33:29 – Abigail Collins (CHC), Assist: Shaina Klos
-
68:11 – Abigail Collins (CHC)
-
86:57 – Rebecca Dalton (CHC), Assist: Bryce Westervelt
Key Lincoln Stats:
-
Shots on Goal: 1
-
Saves: 10 (Lourraine De Luna)
-
Corner Kicks: 0
-
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:
-
Marquis Gillis was unstoppable on the ground, rushing for 132 yards and a touchdown, setting the tone early for the Hornets’ offense.
-
Quarterback James Jones powered in a short rushing score, keeping the Hornets within striking distance.
-
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:
-
Daniela Ferreira: career-high 23 kills
-
Isabelle Brown: 43 assists
-
Hanna Nemeth: 13 digs
-
Jada Williams: seven blocks
-
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:
-
NCCU leads the all-time series 7-4, winning seven of the last eight meetings.
-
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:
-
Morgan State: Record improves to 2-1 MEAC, 5-8 overall.
-
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
-
Jada Williams: Moved into 7th on Morgan State’s all-time blocks list with 247 career blocks.
-
Aubrey Wilson: Reached 100 career blocks, currently 17th in program history.
-
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.
-
Campus3 weeks ago🏆 2026 U.S. News & World Report — Top HBCUs
-
HBCU ORIGINAL2 weeks agoDelaware State Falls Short vs. Monmouth, 49–38
-
Campus2 weeks agoForged in Faith, Renamed for Freedom: The Lincoln University Story
-
Sports2 weeks ago“Morgan State Comes Back to Defeat North Carolina Central University in Five-Set Thriller”
-
Events2 weeks agoSWAC Fines Florida A&M $10K, Suspends PA Announcer After Game Day Drama
-
Campus2 weeks ago“Navigating Identity at HBCUs: Where Culture Meets Academic Excellence”
-
Campus2 weeks agoTomorrow’s Leaders, Today’s Tech: How HBCUs are Shaping the Future
-
Campus1 week agoThe Capitol Battle of the Bands 2025