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:

• Build sustainable NIL programs through alumni networks, Black-owned businesses, and innovative branding.

• Leverage cultural capital and media platforms (like HBCU Original and The CW’s HBCU sports broadcasts) to highlight athlete stories.

• Lobby for fair treatment in how roster limits and NIL audits are applied, ensuring they aren’t unfairly penalized for structural disparities.

• 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.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Two Eagles legends turned HBCU head coaches are coming back to the city that made them icons — but this time, they’re calling the shots from the sidelines.

On Thursday, October 30, Lincoln Financial Field will host a historic showdown as Michael Vick’s Norfolk State Spartans face off against DeSean Jackson’s Delaware State Hornets. The former NFL teammates — known for electrifying fans during their time with the Philadelphia Eagles — now lead two of the most respected HBCU football programs. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, June 17 at 10 AM at Ticketmaster.com.

“For years, Vick and Jackson gave Philly highlight after highlight,” said Frank Gumienny, COO of the Eagles. “Now, they’re creating a legacy off the field, shaping young lives and elevating HBCU culture. We’re honored to host this game at Lincoln Financial Field.”

Both Vick and Jackson are stepping into their inaugural seasons as college head coaches. Jackson, who famously walked off with the “Miracle at the Meadowlands” in 2010, now brings that same spark to Delaware State. “Being at Delaware State is about transformation — for me and for the students,” said Jackson. “This game is more than football. It’s a cultural moment for HBCUs and a life-changing opportunity for our scholar-athletes.”

Vick, who earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2010, echoed the sentiment. “The Linc holds unforgettable memories for me,” he said. “To return as a head coach is surreal, and to do it alongside my brother DeSean is even more special. This is about showcasing what our HBCUs are building.”

More than just a game, the event will include programming focused on career readiness, work-based learning, and networking opportunities — all designed to empower students both on and off the field.

“This isn’t just a game, it’s a platform,” said Dr. Tony Allen, President of Delaware State, and Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, President of Norfolk State, in a joint statement. “We’re shining a light on the excellence and return on investment HBCUs deliver every day.”

Dr. Melody Webb, Athletic Director at Norfolk State, added, “This is a statement moment for HBCU football. Our players, coaches, and institutions deserve to be seen on a national stage, and this game gives us just that.”

Presented by the Philadelphia Eagles, this matchup represents the power of HBCU pride, legacy, and future — all under the lights at one of the NFL’s most iconic venues.

Source: Adapted from original coverage by PhiladelphiaEagles.com

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:

• Ackera Nugent (Jamaica) took the 100m hurdles in 12.44.

• Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone placed fifth in the 100m hurdles at 12.70, just off her personal best of 12.65.

• Marco Arop (Canada) won the men’s 800m in 1:43.38, holding off American Josh Hoey (1:44.41).

• Kenny Bednarek claimed the men’s 200m in 19.95, staying undefeated on the Grand Slam circuit.

• Alison dos Santos (Brazil) remained perfect in the men’s 400m hurdles, clocking 48.11.

• Matthew Hudson-Smith (UK) captured the men’s 400m in 44.51.

• Marileidy Paulino (Dominican Republic) won the women’s 400m in a world-leading 49.12.

• Agnes Jebet Ngetich (Kenya) ran 3:58.04 to win the women’s 1500m.

For full meet results, visit:
👉 Grand Slam Track Official Results