Image via SCSU Athletics
Courtesy of South Carolina State Athletics
28
Winner SCS
17
DSU
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCS | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 28 |
| DSU | 3 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
DOVER, DE--The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) crowned its 2025 football champion on Saturday, as South Carolina State earned a 28–17 victory over Delaware State to secure its second consecutive conference title.
The Bulldogs the winners of seven straight completed the season with an undefeated 5–0 MEAC record and a 9–3 overall mark, continuing their strong level of play under Head Coach Chennis Berry, who has opened his tenure with an unblemished 10–0 record in conference competition.
The championship matchup between the Bulldogs and Hornets highlighted the competitive strength of MEAC football, with both programs demonstrating discipline, energy, and a commitment to excellence throughout the year, recognize by several notable non-conference victories in the FCS.
Quarterback William Atkins, IV finished throwing 14-of-24 for 249-yards and two (2) touchdowns for a long of 67-yards. Running back Josh Shaw had another solid day running with 16 carries for 99-yards, while Nigel Johnson finished with two catches for 74-yards and Jordan Smith four (4) catches for 53-yards and one (1) touchdown.
Graduate wide receiver Johnny Jones also had one (1) catch for 52-yards and a touchdown.
The defense was spearheaded by Malik Harpwith eight (8) tackles and one tackle for loss, while the secondary played lights out with three (3) interceptions on day from Jalen Levine (3 tackles) for 33-yards and a touchdown along with Jadin Ford (4 tackles) and Tyler Jones (4 tackles) each with one.
The special teams were led by Nico Cavanillas Alti with a perfect 4-of-4 for PAT’s along with five (5) kickoffs for 313-yards and one (1) touchback with an average of 62.6 yards per kick.
With the title secured, South Carolina State now turns its attention to the national stage. The Bulldogs will represent the MEAC in the Cricket Celebration Bowl on Sunday, December 13 in Atlanta, Georgia, where they will face the champion of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. EST and will be televised live on ABC.
The MEAC congratulates both programs on outstanding seasons and recognizes the hard work of the student-athletes, coaches, and support staffs who helped make 2025 a memorable year for MEAC football.
Team Statistics
| Game Stats | SCS | DSU |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 406 | 526 |
| Pass Yards | 249 | 87 |
| Rushing Yards | 157 | 439 |
| Penalty Yards | 5-32 | 7-70 |
| 1st Downs | 16 | 22 |
| 3rd Downs | 3-12 | 5-16 |
| 4th Downs | 0-1 | 0-4 |
| TOP | 28:40 | 31:20 |
| Scoring Play | Visiting Team Score | Home Team Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1ST QUARTER | |||
 09:29 – SCS – Levine,Jalen 33 yd interception (Alti,Nico Cavanillas kick) | 7 | 0 | |
 03:05 – DSU – Monnig,Thomas 42 yd field goal 8 plays, 45 yards, TOP 03:36 | 7 | 3 | |
| 2ND QUARTER | |||
| 01:10 – SCS – Smith,Jordan 10 yd pass from Atkins IV,William (Alti,Nico Cavanillas kick) 8 plays, 79 yards, TOP 03:47 | 14 | 3 | |
| 3RD QUARTER | |||
| 10:15 – DSU – Gillis,Marquis 68 yd run (Fisher-Butler,Patrick kick), 5 plays, 99 yards, TOP 02:29 | 14 | 10 | |
| 03:54 – SCS – Jones,Johnny 52 yd pass from Atkins IV,William (Alti,Nico Cavanillas kick) 2 plays, 60 yards, TOP 00:40 | 21 | 10 | |
| 4TH QUARTER | |||
| 10:56 – DSU – Jones,James 10 yd run (Fisher-Butler,Patrick kick), 5 plays, 51 yards, TOP 01:37 | 21 | 17 | |
| 05:11 – SCS – Stubblefield,Ryan 5 yd run (Alti,Nico Cavanillas kick), 11 plays, 75 yards, TOP 05:45 | 28 | 17 | |
