Category: Black College Football

Should Tennessee State follow Tennessee Tech’s Lead by Leaving the OVC and Seek Expansion Membership in a Different Conference? As a Member of the SWAC, what would a Tennessee State Football Schedule Reveal in 2026?

Brandon King

Since Eddie George, former NFL star and current head coach at Tennessee State University, made his comment about the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) being a “dying conference” in 2021, the OVC has indeed seen a notable shift in membership. As of 2023, the OVC has lost several schools, and his comment has proven to be somewhat prophetic in highlighting the conference’s struggles with realignment and stability. Here’s a breakdown of the schools that have left or are set to leave the OVC since that remark: 1. Tennessee Tech (2026) –…

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Tennessee State HBCU All-American enters transfer portal

Brandon King

Less than two weeks before Tennessee State kicks off the season against North Carolina A&T in the John Merritt Classic, TSU defensive back Camani Cobbs announced he was entering the transfer portal.  The redshirt sophomore made his decision public in a straight-to-the-point Twitter post that read in part, “Thank you Tennessee State University for allowing me to develop and build as a man on and off the field.” Last season the Southeast Missouri transfer appeared in 8 contests for the Tigers, recording 3 pass breakups, 7 total tackles, (6 solo),…

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Delaware State adds 4-star wideout

Brandon King

According to Pete Nakos of On3 Sports former Oregon wide receiver Ryan Pellum has committed to Delaware State.  Pellum was a 4-star rated prospect coming out of Millikan High School (Long Beach, CA). He was the no. 171 overall recruit in the 2024 class, the no.28 receiver in his class, and the no.12 overall player from California. As a senior, he hauled in 66 passes for 991 yards and 11 touchdowns and was invited to the Polynesian Bowl for his gridiron exploits. This came on the heels of a junior…

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Jackson State listed at no. 17 AFCA FCS Top 25 Rankings

Brandon King

Defending SWAC and HBCU National Champion Jackson State opens the 2025 season ranked 17th in the AFCA FCS Top 25 Rankings.  Last season JSU recorded a 12-2 overall record and a perfect 8-0 record within the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Jackson State received a total of 200 votes. Other HBCUs receiving votes included South Carolina State with 25, Tennessee State got 14 votes and North Carolina Central received 13 votes.  Jackson State opens up the defense of its championship on August 30 at home against Hampton.  AFCA FCS Preseason Top 25 {August…

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Tennessee State’s Camani Cobbs named to HBCU All-America Team 

Brandon King

Tennessee State redshirt sophomore defensive back Camani Cobbs was named to the BOXTOROW HBCU All-America Team. Last season the Southeast Missouri transfer appeared in 8 games for the Tigers, recording 7 total tackles, (6 solo), posting a season high 3 against Western Illinois on November 9, 2024, as well as 3 pass breakups.  This is the latest preseason honor for the Cobbs, as the McDonough, GA native was also named to the OVC-Big South Preseason Players to Watch List, one of six TSU players to receive such honors. 

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Jackson State partners with HOPE for Labor Day Classic

Staff

Courtesy of Jackson State Athletics  The Jackson State University Division of Athletics and the JSU Tiger Fund Athletic Foundation announced a partnership with HOPE for the 2025 football season with the 2025 HOPE Labor Day Classic on Aug. 30 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. “We are excited to partner with HOPE as the presenting sponsor of the Labor Day Classic,” Jackson State Vice President & Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson said. “This is an exciting time to be a Tiger as we welcome Hampton to start the season. I want to thank…

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Jackson State defensive back Shemar Hawkins named to Aeneas Williams Award watch list

Brandon King

The Preseason Watch List for the fouth annual Aeneas Williams Award was released by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. Presented by the Chicksaw Nation, the Aeneas Wiliams is presented to the best defensive back among Division I HBCU institutions, based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.  Amongst the 15 players named to the watchlist Jackson State defensive back Shemar Hawkins. Last season the Chicago, IL native appeared in 14 games ( 5 starts) and recorded 49 tackles (33 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2…

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Norfolk State’s Kevon King named to BOXTOROW HBCU Preseason All-America Team

Brandon King

Norfolk State running back Kevon King was named to the BOXTOROW HBCU Preseason All-America Team.  Last season was a breakout one for the Chesapeake, VA native, recording career highs in games played (11), rushing attempts (161), yards (944), and touchdowns. King was third in the conference in both rushing yards and touchdowns and was also named to the All-MEAC Second team for his gridiron exploits.  Since 2007, the BOXTOROW All-America teams have been selected, based on votes from national media that covers HBCU football.  The Spartans will kick off the…

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Jackson State lands seven on HBCU Preseason All-America Team presented by BOXTOROW

Staff

Courtesy of Jackson State Athletics Defending HBCU National Champion, Jackson State, had seven players named to eight positions on the 2025 HBCU college football Preseason All-America team presented by BOXTOROW on Tuesday. Florida A&M had the next most players with five, while North Carolina Central had four. JaCobian Morgan was named Preseason All-American as the quarterback after he finished last season with 2,051 yards through the air on 150-of-234 passing, finishing the season 10-1 as a starter, including 10 consecutive wins. He also threw 19 touchdown passes with just eight interceptions,…

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Jackson State 17th in Stats Perform FCS Preseason Top 25 Poll

Brandon King

The Jackson State Tigers sit at no.17 in the Stats Perform FCS Preseason Top 25 rankings. JSU went 12-2, including 8-0 within the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Jackson State ended the season on a 10-game winning streak, which included winning the SWAC Championship and the HBCU national championship in the Celebration Bowl.  The Tigers ended last season ranked 18th in the polls. Jackson State opens the season on August 30th against Hampton. The teams have not met since August 31, 2008, a 17-13 win fit the Pirates.  FCS Stats Perform Preseason…

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