image via MSN
Prairie View A&M head football coach Tremaine Jackson is demanding more respect for HBCU football after his assistant coaches were left off the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) coaching clinic speaker list.
Jackson, whose Panthers became the only college football program in Texas to compete for a national championship during the season, believes his staff earned the opportunity to share their knowledge with coaches across the state.
During his comments, Jackson didn’t hold back when addressing what he sees as a continued lack of recognition for HBCU programs.
“My issue with the THSCA coaches board that picks clinic speakers is you don’t respect our ball,” Jackson said. “And I’m sitting here and I’m getting about tired of that.”
Jackson pointed to Prairie View A&M’s success on the field and believes the perception of HBCU football — particularly Prairie View A&M — needs to change.
“You don’t respect our ball because we’re a historical Black college. You don’t respect our ball because you thought Prairie View was something that Prairie View A&M is not anymore.”
The Panthers head coach, who is from Texas, acknowledged the history and relationships that have influenced opportunities in the state’s football landscape but believes those days should be behind them.
“I know the good old boy network. I get it. That time is over with.”
Jackson emphasized that Prairie View A&M is no longer the program people may remember from the past.
“Prairie View and them plays real ball. We play real ball. We coach real ball. We recruit real football players.”
The biggest frustration for Jackson was that his assistant coaches — the people responsible for helping build the program — missed out on a chance to teach and connect with high school coaches.
“If you wanted to give coaches in the room some more good stuff to hold on to and take back to their team, then you should have invited our coaches.”
Jackson made it clear he isn’t looking for sympathy or explanations. He believes the results on the field should have already earned his staff that recognition.
“We’re not gonna sit here and act like it shouldn’t have happened. We should have been there. They should have been there. They earned it.”
The comments highlight a larger conversation surrounding HBCU football and whether programs that consistently produce talent and success are receiving the same opportunities, exposure, and respect as their counterparts at predominantly white institutions.
For Jackson, this isn’t just about one coaching clinic — it’s about changing the way HBCU football is viewed.
Prairie View A&M believes it belongs at the table. Jackson’s message: the Panthers have already earned their seat.
