Category: HBCU Sports

Tennessee State Is Back — But Now Comes the Hard Part

Brandon King

Tennessee State Tigers men’s basketball is back. Conference champions. NCAA Tournament team. A program resurrected after decades in the wilderness. For years, Tennessee State basketball lived on the margins—far removed from the national conversation since the 1994–95 season. That changed this year. Not just because the Tigers won, but because they mattered again. Picked to finish fourth in the preseason OVC poll, Tennessee State exceeded every expectation. The Tigers captured both the regular season and conference tournament championships, finishing 23–9 overall and 15–5 in league play—a program high for conference…

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Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Week 12 Women’s Major Division Top 5

Brandon King

The Week 12 edition of Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Women’s Major Division Top 5 mirrors the previous poll, as no teams entered or exited the rankings. Stability defines this week’s list, with each program maintaining its position heading into postseason play. No. 5 — Edward Waters Lady Tigers (23-6, 21-3 SIAC) Edward Waters holds firm at No. 5 after a historic campaign. The Lady Tigers wrapped up the regular season at 23-4 overall and 21-3 in SIAC play—both program benchmarks since transitioning to the NCAA level. Their…

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What’s Next for Tennessee State After Its March Madness Return?

Brandon King

Tennessee State’s season ended with a tough loss, but the bigger picture tells a far more important story: the Tigers are back in the business of winning basketball. Now comes the hard part — staying there. The gap between Tennessee State and a program like Iowa State was clear. Size, depth, and physicality all tilted heavily in favor of the Cyclones, underscoring just how much work remains for the Tigers to become not just a tournament team, but a competitive one. Addressing the Frontcourt If Tennessee State is serious about…

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Nolan Smith Named BOXTOROW HBCU Coach of the Year

Brandon King

In a season defined by dominance and historic milestones, Nolan Smith has been named the BOXTOROW HBCU Coach of the Year after a remarkable debut campaign at Tennessee State Tigers men’s basketball. Taking over the program for the first time, Smith orchestrated one of the most impressive turnarounds in recent HBCU basketball history. He led the Tigers to both the Ohio Valley Conference regular season and tournament championships — a feat the program had not accomplished since 1994. Tennessee State finished 15-5 in conference play, marking the highest OVC win…

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Tennessee State’s Historic Run Ends in Blowout Loss to Iowa State

Brandon King

Tennessee State’s long-awaited return to the NCAA Tournament proved to be a harsh reality check. Back in the Big Dance for the first time in 32 years, the Tigers were overwhelmed by Iowa State in a 108-74 loss that brought their historic season to a close. From the outset, the Cyclones imposed their will with size, strength, and relentless pressure on both ends of the floor. Iowa State dominated the glass 43-29 and stifled Tennessee State from beyond the arc, holding the Tigers to just 23.8% (5-of-21) from three-point range.…

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Prairie View, Southern Crash the Party as Tennessee State Holds No. 1 in Week 11 HBCU Top 5

Brandon King

March basketball brought chaos—and opportunity—to the HBCU landscape. Conference tournament play reshaped Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Men’s Major Division Top 5 in Week 11, as Prairie View A&M and Southern surged into the rankings behind deep SWAC Tournament runs. While new contenders emerged, the top of the mountain remained unchanged, with Tennessee State continuing its reign as the nation’s top HBCU program heading into the NCAA Tournament. 5. Southern Jaguars (17–17, 11–7) The Jaguars re-enter the rankings after being unranked a week ago, thanks to a strong…

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Howard Rises to No. 1 as Shakeups Define Week 11 HBCU Women’s Major Division Rankings

Brandon King

Movement was the name of the game in Week 11 of Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Women’s Major Division Top 5, as a new team entered the rankings and nearly every returning program shifted positions from the previous week. 5. Alabama State Hornets (17-15, 12-6) The Hornets are the only team in the Top 5 that did not change position this week. Alabama State made an impressive run through the SWAC Tournament, advancing to the championship game before falling to defending champion Southern, 73-56. 4. Southern Jaguars (19-13,…

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Mid-Major Shakeup: Week 11 Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Rankings See Major Movement Without New Additions

Brandon King

Though there were no new additions to the rankings, there was significant movement in Week 11 of Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Men’s Mid-Major Top 5, with four of the five teams shifting positions from the previous week. No. 5 – Tuskegee Golden Tigers (22-8, 19-5) The Golden Tigers of Tuskegee University fall one spot to No. 5 in this week’s rankings. Tuskegee advanced to the SIAC Tournament championship game but was defeated 66-56 by Morehouse, bringing their season to a close. No. 4 – Morehouse Maroon Tigers…

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Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Week 11 Women’s Mid-Major Division Top 5 ranking

Brandon King

Week 11 of Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Women’s Mid-Major Top 5 rankings brought stability, as no new teams entered the poll and each program held firm in its previous position. Despite postseason setbacks across the board, all five squads maintained their standing to close out the rankings. ⸻ No. 5 – Edward Waters Lady Tigers (23-6, 21-3) The Lady Tigers of Edward Waters University remain at No. 5 after a dominant run through the SIAC, finishing 21-3 and atop the Eastern Division. However, their postseason took an…

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Fayetteville State announces coming indoor track program

Staff

image via Fayetteville State Track Courtesy of Fayetteville State Athletics Fayetteville State University (FSU) announced today that it will add men’s indoor and outdoor track & field as sponsored varsity programs beginning with the 2026–27 academic year. The launch advances the Broncos’ strategic vision to compete for CIAA and NCAA Division II success across the endurance and speed-power spectrum, building on the recent momentum in men’s cross country under Head Coach Dr. Inez Turner. Associate Head Coach Frank Hyland, a key architect in the Broncos’ distance development and culture, will lead the…

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