BOWIE, MD — The energy was electric at Bowie State University as fans, students, alumni, and future Bulldogs gathered for an unforgettable day of football, fellowship, and Bulldog pride. On April 19, 2025, BSU hosted its annual Spring Football Game, a much-anticipated tradition that not only offered a sneak peek into the team’s upcoming season but also doubled as an Alumni Game and Junior Day.

This year’s event went beyond just football. It was a celebration of community and culture — a powerful reminder of why HBCU traditions run deep. From tailgates to touchdowns, the spirit of the Bulldog Nation was on full display.

Alumni Came Home

BSU alumni showed up and showed out, reconnecting with former teammates, sharing stories of their time on campus, and cheering on the next generation of Bulldogs. Their presence added a legacy-filled atmosphere, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to return and support the program that helped shape their lives.

Future Bulldogs on Deck

The Junior Day initiative welcomed prospective student-athletes and their families, giving them a first-hand look at Bowie State’s facilities, coaching staff, academic offerings, and unmatched school spirit. The event made a lasting impression, with many attendees already envisioning themselves in black and gold.

The Game Itself

The Spring Game featured competitive energy as offense and defense battled it out in front of a packed stadium. New talent emerged, and returning stars reminded everyone why BSU remains a powerhouse in HBCU football. Coaches used the opportunity to evaluate team chemistry, try out new formations, and get a sense of what the 2025 season could bring.

HBCU Original Coverage

HBCU Original was on the scene, capturing every moment — from exclusive interviews with players and coaches, to crowd reactions and sideline energy. Our team spoke to standout athletes, passionate fans, and even a few alumni legends who stopped by to share their insights.

🎥 Catch the full video on our YouTube channel: HBCU Original
🎤 “This was more than a game,” one attendee shared. “It was a family reunion.”

What’s Next for the Bulldogs?

As the team wraps up spring training, excitement is already building for the fall season. The coaching staff is optimistic, players are hungry, and the Bulldog Nation is ready to rally behind its team.

Stay tuned for more updates, exclusive footage, and full game-day coverage — only on HBCU Original.

👏 Meet the Coaching Staff Leading the Charge

Bowie State’s success on and off the field is powered by a dedicated coaching staff working to build champions:

• Kyle Jackson – Head Coach & Inside Linebackers

• Avery Williams – Associate Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator

• Matt Goggans – Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks

• Quinn Brown – Offensive Line Coach

• Rod White, Jr. – Safeties / Pass Game Coordinator

• Douglas McNeil III – Wide Receivers Coach

• Anthony Bagley – Assistant Quarterbacks Coach

• Mike Andrews – Special Teams Coordinator

• Adam Gillis, Jr. – Running Backs Coach

• Lorenzo Harrison – Assistant Linebackers Coach

• Chris Pressley – Tight Ends Coach

Their leadership, vision, and passion are evident in every play, every drill, and every student-athlete they mentor.

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:

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.

Free Marketing Services Offered to Boost Business Growth and Alumni Giving

GAUTIER, Miss. – April 15, 2025 – HBCU$™, a new alumni giving and wealth-building network, is set to launch on May 1, 2025, with a bold mission: to help close the multi-billion-dollar public funding gap that has historically disadvantaged Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). By uplifting the entrepreneurs these institutions cultivate, HBCU$™ aims to turn business success into sustainable support for HBCUs.

Founded by Dorsey West, a proud graduate of Tennessee State University, HBCU$™ was inspired by a 2023 report from the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The analysis revealed that between 1987 and 2020, HBCU land-grant colleges were underfunded by an estimated $12.6 billion compared to their non-HBCU counterparts—with Tennessee State alone shorted by over $2.1 billion.

“HBCUs are facing severe challenges as budget cuts at both the federal and state levels continue,” said West. “I created HBCU$™ to harness the power of alumni support and private-sector entrepreneurship to help fill that gap.”

The HBCU$™ model is simple yet powerful: it offers free online marketing services to alumni and student-owned businesses. In return, participating businesses donate a portion of their increased revenue to the HBCU of their choice—creating a win-win cycle of economic growth and educational reinvestment.

By spotlighting these businesses through video podcast interviews, member profiles, and an online directory, HBCU$™ not only strengthens the economic impact of HBCU entrepreneurs but also fosters a culture of giving back.

Consumers can join the HBCU$™ community today by signing up for exclusive offers and early access at https://hbcus.biz.
HBCU alumni and student business owners interested in joining the platform can email promote@hbcus.biz to be featured—at no cost.

About HBCU$™
Founded by Tennessee State University alumnus Dorsey West, HBCU$™ is an alumni giving and wealth-building network designed to generate consistent financial support for HBCUs through the success of their entrepreneurs. The platform offers free promotion for HBCU alumni and student-owned businesses, which in turn pledge a portion of revenue gains back to their chosen HBCU. Learn more at https://hbcus.biz.

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.

Stay connected with DSU Athletics for more updates on the upcoming season and further opportunities to engage with the team!

#DSUFootball #CoachDeSeanJackson #ClintonPortis #HBCUFootball #DelawareStateUniversity #HornetPride #SpringGame2025 #HBCUOriginal #RedAndWhiteGame

DOVER, DE – Delaware State University is making a bold move to transform its athletic programs, requesting a $125 million investment over the next four years to overhaul and modernize its sports facilities. In addition to this capital funding, the university is also seeking $10 million to support general operational costs.

The ambitious $125 million plan is structured into three key phases: a $25 million indoor fieldhouse, $10 million in stadium and downtown facility improvements, and a $90 million convocation center.

Tony Tucker, Senior Associate Vice President of Athletics and Director of Athletics, emphasized the transformative nature of the proposal.

“We’re at the beginning stages of a full athletic transformation—the first of its kind for Delaware State University. And the timing couldn’t be more important,” said Tucker.

He noted that the university’s existing athletic infrastructure is outdated, limiting competitiveness and recruitment potential.

“Our newest athletic building is the wellness and recreation center, completed around 1908. The stadium dates back to the 1970s,” Tucker added.

University officials presented the proposal to the Bond Committee last week as part of ongoing discussions surrounding the fiscal year 2026 budget. Alongside the $125 million request for capital improvements, they are asking for $10 million in additional funding for operational support.

While the proposal has drawn support, lawmakers remain cautious amid tight budget considerations.

“I’m not sure that that money will be available this year,” said Senator Trey Paradee (D-District 17), “but we really do need to bring DSU’s facilities up another level.”

The university’s request comes during a period of remarkable institutional growth. Anas Ben Addi, DSU’s Vice President of Finance, pointed to a 25% increase in student enrollment over the last five years and a 41% expansion in campus footprint, thanks in part to the Wesley College acquisition and a growing presence in Wilmington.

“This growth reflects the need for greater investment,” said Ben Addi.

Tucker also noted a surge in momentum and national attention following the recent hiring of NFL star DeSean Jackson as the Hornets’ new head football coach.

“That hire energized the university, the state, and even brought national eyes to DSU,” Tucker said. “It’s the right time to capitalize on that attention.”

The state’s fiscal year 2026 budget is expected to be finalized by June. Until then, DSU officials remain hopeful that their transformational vision for athletics will be backed by the necessary funding.

Story reported by Tiffani Amber, WBOC News.