ATLANTA, Ga. — Three different Eagles found the end zone on the ground Saturday night as North Carolina Central University opened the 2025 season with a commanding 31-14 win over Southern University in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kick-Off at Center Parc Stadium.

With the victory, the Eagles (1-0) captured their second straight win in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, while the MEAC improved to 12-7 all-time in the season-opening classic. HBCU Original was down on the field capturing every angle of the action, the fans, and the culture that made Atlanta the center of the HBCU football world.

First Half Fireworks

NCCU struck first, marching 80 yards on the opening drive and chewing nearly half the quarter before Arthur Rodgers, Jr. punched in a one-yard touchdown. Quarterback Walker Harris sparked the drive with an 18-yard scamper that set up the score.

Southern answered quickly when Cam’Ron McCoy broke free for a 69-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 7-7 with just over six minutes left in the opening quarter.

After a 31-yard field goal from Kaleb Robison gave NCCU a 10-7 edge, Southern landed a big blow late in the half. Trey Holly sprinted 80 yards untouched to put the Jaguars ahead 14-10. But the lead was short-lived.

On the very next drive, Chris Mosley delivered a lightning strike of his own — a 49-yard touchdown run in just nine seconds. With Robison’s extra point, NCCU carried a 17-14 lead into halftime.

Eagles Take Control

The second half belonged to the Eagles. A quick three-and-out forced by the defense led to excellent field position, and Harris capitalized with his first touchdown pass of 2025 — a three-yard strike to Kyle Morgan, extending the lead to 24-14.

Later in the third quarter, Aleni Mageo powered in from six yards out, giving NCCU a 31-14 cushion. From there, the defense clamped down, holding Southern scoreless for the final 31:57 of the contest.

Stats That Tell the Story

• Total Offense: NCCU 414 yards (231 rushing, 183 passing)

• Chris Mosley: Career night with 174 rushing yards and a touchdown

• Walker Harris: 19 completions, 183 yards, 1 passing TD, plus 18 yards rushing

• Eagle Defense: Led by Thomas Johnson with 7 tackles, 2 TFLs, a QB hurry, a forced fumble, and a recovery

What’s Next

North Carolina Central returns home for its 2025 home opener on Saturday, Aug. 30, hosting New Hampshire at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. on ESPN+.

ATLANTA, Ga. – North Carolina Central University football kicks off its 2025 campaign on Saturday, August 30, in the 20th annual Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kick-Off, squaring off against Southern University at Center Parc Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. with national coverage on ABC.

The Match-Up
This will mark only the second-ever meeting between NCCU and Southern. The Eagles claimed the first contest back on Sept. 23, 2006, when they forced five interceptions en route to a 27-20 road win in Baton Rouge while competing as a Division II program.

Eagles vs. the SWAC
Since rejoining the MEAC in 2010, NCCU holds a 4-3 record against SWAC opponents. Head coach Trei Oliver has fared even better, going 4-1 against the conference, including last year’s Orange Blossom Classic victory over Alabama State. In 2025, the Eagles face two SWAC foes: Southern this weekend and Florida A&M on Oct. 11.

Strong Starts
NCCU owns a 47-51-1 all-time record in season openers but is 4-1 under Oliver, with four straight opening wins. That streak includes last year’s 31-24 triumph over Alabama State. For the third time in four years, the Eagles open on a neutral field.

Back in the Challenge
The Eagles are making their third appearance in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge. They defeated Alcorn State 24-14 in 2021 and fell to Prairie View A&M in 2018, entering Saturday with a 1-1 Challenge record. Overall, the MEAC leads the series 11-7.

Atlanta Success
Atlanta has been a winning stage for NCCU. The Eagles claimed the 2022 Cricket Celebration Bowl in overtime against No. 5 Jackson State and previously beat Alcorn State in the 2021 Challenge, both at Center Parc Stadium.

Scouting Southern
The Jaguars, led by second-year head coach Terreance Graves, are the preseason pick to win the SWAC West. Southern finished 8-5 (7-1 SWAC) last year before falling in the conference title game. Five Jaguars earned Preseason All-SWAC honors, including Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Chelky Givens.

Coaching Ties
Oliver, assistant head coach Matt Leone, and offensive line coach Macander Dieudonne each spent time on Southern’s staff earlier in their careers. Oliver (2016–18) served as safeties coach and defensive coordinator, while Leone worked four seasons mentoring all-time passing leader Austin Howard and guiding high-powered Jaguar offenses. Dieudonne coached Southern’s tight ends in 2019.

Non-Conference Strength
The Eagles are 18-12 in non-conference play under Oliver, including a 15-4 record over the past two-plus seasons. Notable victories include wins over No. 25 Elon (2023), No. 25 New Hampshire (2022), and No. 5 Jackson State (2022). This year, NCCU will face opponents from the SWAC, CAA, Sun Belt, CIAA, and Southland, with Old Dominion representing the team’s lone FBS test.

Players to Watch
Three Eagles are on the Stats Perform HBCU Player of the Year Watchlist: QB Walker Harris, DB Malcolm Reed, and OL Trevon Humphrey. All three were selected Preseason First Team All-MEAC, with Reed also earning Stats Perform Preseason All-American recognition.

Offensive Line Continuity
The Eagles return starters at every offensive line position — a rarity in today’s FCS football. Anchored by Preseason All-MEAC selections Noah McKinney and Trevon Humphrey, the unit looks to provide stability for Harris and veteran tight end Luke Bracey.

For more information on NCCU athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.

By Tolly Carr – HBCU Gameday | Updated August 6, 2025

At just ten years old, Kendall Rae Johnson—Georgia’s youngest certified farmer—has earned a full scholarship to South Carolina State University (SC State), one of the nation’s leading HBCUs. The award honors her exceptional achievements in agriculture and reflects HBCUs’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of Black leaders.

A Campus Visit Turned Life-Changer

While touring 1890 land-grant HBCUs with her family, Kendall Rae visited SC State’s 300-acre Research & Demonstration Farm in Orangeburg, SC. There, she met SC State President Alexander Conyers, who surprised her with the 1890 Agriculture Innovation Scholarship—valued at $83,598—covering tuition, fees, and room and board.

President Conyers praised her dedication:

“We were blown away by Kendall Rae’s focus and maturity. She speaks with passion about crop cycles, soil health, and even longhorn cattle. Her future is bright.”

From Backyard Garden to Certified Farmer

Kendall Rae’s farming journey began at age 3 alongside her great-grandmother. By 6, she became Georgia’s youngest certified farmer. Now, she manages nearly an acre of land, growing strawberries, tomatoes, apples, okra, and more. Her accomplishments have drawn national attention, inspiring other young people to explore agriculture.

Leading Through Education and Advocacy

Kendall Rae founded Kendall Rae’s Green Heart, a nonprofit teaching children about farming, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. As a USDA National Urban Agriculture Youth Ambassador, she champions food justice and agricultural education. Her father, Quentin Johnson, credits her for transforming their family’s lifestyle:

“She pulled me into this. Now we’re all growing together—literally.”

Big Goals for the Future

Kendall Rae dreams of owning at least 100 acres of farmland and raising longhorn cattle. She’s particularly excited about SC State’s international agriculture programs, including goat research in The Gambia.

During her visit, she told staff with a smile:

“I’ll be back in 10 years to see all the new buildings.”

With SC State investing over $250 million in campus development, her timing may be perfect.

The HBCU Impact

This scholarship is a testament to the role HBCUs play in identifying and supporting young Black innovators long before college. President Conyers believes Kendall Rae will make an enduring mark:

“Kendall Rae Johnson is exactly the kind of student we want to support. She’s a future leader—here at SC State and beyond.”

By DJ Beal

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Knothole Foundation is proud to present the 6th Annual Diversity in Baseball HBCU Showcase, bringing together more than 70 talented high school athletes for an opportunity to display their skills in front of college coaches—many representing Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

This two-day showcase will run Wednesday, August 13th, and Thursday, August 14th, starting each day at 8:00 AM at the Richard “Stick” Williams Dream Fields & Education Center. Players will participate in on-field instruction, live batting practice, offensive and defensive drills, and more. The second day will feature simulated games, giving athletes a chance to demonstrate their abilities in real-game situations.

In addition to on-field activities, participants will take part in the “Lunch & Learn” series, a special life skills program that includes panel discussions with coaches and other leaders offering guidance on both sports and life beyond the game.

High school baseball players interested in learning more about the event can visit knotholecarolinas.org for details.

A new era is dawning in Black college sports. The HBC4Us Association—a historic alliance between the SWAC, MEAC, SIAC, and CIAA—aims to protect, promote, and advance the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through a united voice.

This partnership brings together four influential leaders:

• Sonja O. Stills, Commissioner, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)

• Dr. Charles McClelland, Commissioner, Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)

• Jackie McWilliams Parker, Commissioner, Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)

• Dr. Anthony Holloman, Commissioner, Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)

A United Vision for HBCU Sports

MEAC Commissioner Sonja Stills described the move as long overdue.
“It’s a way to solidify our group. We’ve been working together since Commissioner Holloman came aboard, meeting monthly. Now, when people—especially Corporate America—approach us, they’ll know they’re dealing with one unified body of institutions.”

At the core of HBC4Us is a shared commitment to preserve HBCU culture, from the pageantry of game day to the traditions that define these schools. The group initially collaborated while advocating to Congress for HBCU athletics, seeking to secure resources and recognition in an evolving college sports environment.

“We want the best for our student-athletes,” Stills emphasized. “This is about keeping HBCU programs strong, relevant, and focused on their mission—graduating student-athletes.”

Tackling Challenges Head-On

Two pressing issues stand out: the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities. HBC4Us aims to work with corporate partners to create competitive incentives so that top athletes see HBCUs as their first choice—and their long-term home.

“We want to build a pot of resources for our student-athletes so they can stay, focus, and succeed,” Stills explained.

Building Beyond the Field

HBC4Us will introduce joint programming in:

• Leadership Development

• Mental Health Support

• Conflict Management

These initiatives focus on producing well-rounded athletes prepared for life beyond sports, with scholarships, internships, and mentorship opportunities to support both their athletic and personal growth.

Core Mission Areas of HBC4Us

1. Student-Athlete Leadership & Development – Mentorship, skill building, and holistic support.

2. Preservation of Cultural Heritage – Celebrating the history and traditions of HBCU athletics.

3. Competitive Excellence – Strengthening programs to succeed regionally and nationally.

4. Financial Sustainability & Partnerships – Securing sponsorships and funding for long-term growth.

5. Unified Advocacy – Representing HBCU interests in NCAA governance and public policy.

6. Holistic Welfare – Promoting mental health, academics, and career readiness.

A Friendly Rivalry Remains

While united off the field, the commissioners remain competitive on game day. Stills joked about her upcoming matchup against McClelland at the 2025 MEAC/SWAC Kickoff Challenge on Aug. 23 in Atlanta.
“I love me some Charles McClelland—but I want that hash mark on the MEAC side!”

The MEAC celebrates its 55th anniversary this season. Supporters can donate to the MEAC Foundation’s 55 for 55 Campaign at www.meacsports.com, with proceeds benefiting student-athlete programs across its member schools.

About HBC4Us

Formally established on July 30, 2025, during a leadership retreat at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, D.C., the HBC4Us Association represents the united front of HBCU athletics. It is committed to elevating the profile of these storied programs and ensuring their place in the future of collegiate sports.

“This is a new era of collaboration,” the commissioners said in a joint statement. “We are committed to honoring our legacy while creating opportunities that ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of HBCU athletics for generations to come.”