Category: Black College Football

Bethune-Cookman trounced 73-6 by Central Florida in season opener

Brandon King

ORLANDO, Fla. — UCF opened the 2026 season with a historic display of dominance Thursday night, overwhelming Bethune-Cookman 73-6 in one of the most lopsided results in the Knights’ recent history. The defeat marked a difficult season debut for the Wildcats, who struggled to match UCF’s pace on either side of the ball. UCF quickly amassed a 21-0 lead in the first quarter, setting the tone with an explosive start and maintaining control throughout the game. The Knight built a 38-0 lead at the break and despite the second half…

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Claudin Cherelus Makes Carolina Panthers’ 53-Man Roster, Keeps Alcorn State on the NFL Map

Brandon King

Former Alcorn State linebacker Claudin Cherelus has officially made the Carolina Panthers’ 53-man active roster, giving the SWAC another representative on an NFL roster heading into the 2026 season. Cherelus’ journey to this point is a testament to perseverance. After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Cherelus signed with the New York Jets before being released during final roster cuts. Carolina claimed him off waivers shortly afterward, giving the Alcorn State product an opportunity to continue his NFL career. Now, three years later, Cherelus has established himself in Carolina.…

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Kentucky State Makes Major Jump to No. 2 in Latest HBCU Division II Football Coaches Poll

Brandon King

Image via Kentucky State Athletics Kentucky State is making a major move up the national HBCU Division II football rankings. The Thorobreds, fresh off a dominant 41-14 over Central State, climbed four spots to No. 2 in the latest HBCU Division II Football Coaches Poll powered by BOXTOROW, signaling that national coaches are taking notice of Kentucky State’s early-season performance. Even more impressive, Kentucky State received first-place votes in the latest poll. The jump puts the Thorobreds firmly among the top teams in HBCU Division II football and gives the…

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From Morgan State to the Patriots: Erick Hunter’s HBCU Journey Continues

Brandon King

After spending his entire college career at Morgan State, Hunter has officially earned another opportunity at the NFL level. The linebacker signed with the New England Patriots and is now on the team’s 53-man roster after previously signing with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in May 2026. (Pats Pulpit⁠) But Hunter’s NFL opportunity didn’t come out of nowhere. A dominant career at Morgan State Hunter arrived at Morgan State in 2021 and developed into one of the most productive defensive players in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).…

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Tennessee State’s Brenton Paul named OVC Rookie of the Week

Brandon King

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee State freshman running back Brenton Paul is already making his mark in Nashville. Paul was named the Ohio Valley Conference Football Rookie of the Week on Monday following an impressive collegiate debut against Jackson State in the John Merritt Classic at FirstBank Stadium.  The true freshman accounted for 55 all-purpose yards, rushing nine times for 38 yards while adding two receptions for 17 yards. He also scored his first collegiate touchdown on a nine-yard run late in the first quarter.  Paul’s impact went beyond the stat…

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BREAKING: CIAA Strikes New Media Rights Deal With Urban Edge Network

Brandon King

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is expanding its media footprint. The conference has announced a strategic media rights partnership with Urban Edge Network (UEN) and Van Wagner that will bring select CIAA football, basketball and championship events to UEN’s digital platforms. The partnership represents another major step in the CIAA’s effort to increase national exposure for its institutions, student-athletes and championship events while maintaining flexibility with other media partners. According to Sports Illustrated’s HBCU Legends, the initial agreement includes four regular-season football games, three regular-season basketball games and select…

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South Carolina State Climbs to No. 22 in AFCA FCS Coaches Poll After 87-0 Week Zero Rout

Brandon King

image via South Carolina State Athletics South Carolina State Is Making Noise South Carolina State has wasted no time making a statement in the 2026 college football season. After an emphatic 87-0 shutout victory in Week Zero, the Bulldogs have moved up to No. 22 in the latest AFCA FCS Coaches Poll. The jump puts South Carolina State firmly among the nation’s ranked FCS programs and gives the Bulldogs plenty of momentum heading into the rest of the season. An 87-0 Statement South Carolina State’s opening-week performance was about as…

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2026 MEAC/SWAC Challenge Draws 1.2 Million Viewers, Becomes Second-Most-Watched in Event History

Brandon King

The 2026 MEAC/SWAC Challenge continues to show the growing national audience for HBCU football. Howard University’s thrilling matchup against Alabama A&M averaged 1.2 million viewers on ABC, with the broadcast peaking at 1.7 million viewers. The impressive audience represents a 10% year-over-year increase and makes the 2026 MEAC/SWAC Challenge the second-most-watched kickoff game in the event’s history. Howard ultimately delivered on the national stage, defeating Alabama A&M 31-24 in a dramatic finish at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta. The matchup marked the opening of the 2026 HBCU football season and…

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Alabama State QB Andrew Body Lands NIL Partnership With Raising Cane’s

Brandon King

image via Andrew Body\IG Alabama State quarterback Andrew Body is adding another major brand to his growing NIL portfolio. The standout Hornets quarterback has landed an NIL partnership with Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, according to a post shared by Body and highlighted by Light on Sports. The partnership gives Body another opportunity to connect his growing profile on the football field with a nationally recognized brand. Body enters the 2026 season as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in HBCU football. The Alabama State signal-caller was named the 2025 SWAC…

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JaCobian Morgan Joins Austin Peay Football Staff as Offensive Quality Control Coach

Brandon King

Former Jackson State quarterback JaCobian Morgan is beginning the next chapter of his football career, joining the Austin Peay Governors football staff as an offensive quality control coach. Austin Peay’s official football staff directory lists Morgan as part of the program’s offensive staff, working in a quality-control role under head coach Jeff Faris. Morgan’s move into coaching comes after his playing career at Jackson State, where he was part of the Tigers’ quarterback room. During the 2023 season, Morgan completed 83 passes for 842 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also…

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