Category: HBCU Sports

Week 11 of Dr Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Final Major Division Top 5 Poll Rankings

Brandon King

After 11 weeks of exciting action on HBCU diamonds that featured exciting matchups and actress of stand out players and performances, we have reached the final poll rankings for 2026 and a champion will be crowned. 5. UAPB Golden Lions (24–34, 15–12) — 64 pts After being unranked the previous week , the Lions of Arkansas Pine Bluff clawed their way into the final poll rankings at No.5. The Lions did what many did not see coming, and that was take down no.1 seed Bethune-Cookman, who had been the best…

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Kentucky State Students File Lawsuit Against State Law Restructuring HBCU Mission

Brandon King

Tensions are rising in Frankfort as Kentucky State University students have filed a lawsuit challenging a controversial state law that would reshape the institution’s academic future. The lawsuit targets Senate Bill 185, a measure that pushes Kentucky State University into a polytechnic-focused model, narrowing its academic offerings toward STEM, workforce development, and technical education. The bill was fast tracked at the end of the Kentucky General Assembly’s legislative session and was sold as a way to rescue KSU, which happens to be Kentucky’s only public HBCU, from closure. For students,…

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I’Xana Winters Commits To Mississippi Valley State, Giving Devilettes A Dynamic Backcourt Addition

Brandon King

The roster rebuild continues for the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes, and the latest addition could end up being one of the more impactful under-the-radar pickups in the SWAC. I’Xana Winters, a 5-foot-7 guard transferring from Itawamba Community College, has officially committed to Mississippi Valley State women’s basketball, bringing experience, toughness, and backcourt versatility to the Delta Devils program. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Winters developed into a dependable contributor during her time at Itawamba CC, showcasing the ability to score, facilitate, and defend multiple guard positions. She appeared in 30…

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Final HBCU Mid-Major Softball Poll Rankings: Who Finished No. 1?

Brandon King

The final edition of Dr. Cavil’s 2025-26 HBCU Mid-Major Division Softball Poll is officially here, and several programs closed the season with impressive resumes. From dominant conference play to strong postseason pushes, these five teams separated themselves from the pack. Here’s the final countdown from No. 5 to No. 1. No. 5 — Savannah State Tigers (27-18, 15-9) Savannah State holds on to the No.5 spot in the final rankings. The Lady Tigers SIAC Tournament run ended with a 4-1 loss at the hands of Miles in the SIAC Championship…

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Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Major Division Softball Top 5

Brandon King

Dr. Cavil’s Final HBCU Softball Poll: Breaking Down the Top 5 Teams in the Nation The final edition of Dr. Cavil’s 2025-26 HBCU Major Division Softball Poll is here, and after a season filled with dominant conference runs, statement victories, and postseason pushes, the nation’s top programs have officially been ranked. Here is how the final rankings shook out. No. 5 — Texas Southern Tigers  (30-12 ,17-6) The Tigers end the season at No.5 in the poll rankings. Texas Southern’s season came to an end in the elimination round of the SWAC…

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Kendall Cook, Savannah State Volleyball Player, Dies at 19

Brandon King

The collegiate sports community is mourning the loss of Kendall Cook, a volleyball player at Clark Atlanta University, has reportedly passed away at the age of 19. Cook, a graduate of Frankfort High School in Kentucky, was remembered by educators and classmates as a “beautiful, talented soul” whose presence impacted both the classroom and the volleyball court.   According to reports from Kentucky media outlets, the Frankfort Independent Schools community confirmed Cook’s passing and announced grief counseling resources for students and faculty following the tragic news.   Cook had continued…

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Samiah Puckett transfers to South Carolina State University

Brandon King

The women’s basketball program at South Carolina State University has reportedly secured another addition via the transfer portal, as Samiah Puckett is set to join the Bulldogs ahead of the upcoming season. Puckett played her high school ball at Griffin High School ( Griffin, GA) where she scored more than 750 points, pulled in over 500 rebounds and blocked over 200 shots. She began her collegiate career at East Tennessee State University where she appeared in 26 contests as a freshman. Puckett then transferred to Alabama State, and after receiving…

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Tennessee State Adds International Guard Nandinkhusel Nyamjav to Backcourt Mix

Brandon King

Tennessee State continues to quietly build out its roster with an international flair, landing a commitment from Mongolian guard Nandinkhusel Nyamjav, a dynamic scorer who brings proven production and perimeter versatility to the Tigers’ backcourt. Nyamjav arrives in Nashville after a strong run at Florida Tech, where she appeared in 17 games, with 13 starts. Nyamjav averaged 11.6 points per contest, which was the third highest on the team. She dropped a season-high 28 points against USC Beaufort in November 19, 2025. The lead guard also spent two seasons with…

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Jackson State wins 2025-26 SWAC Commissioner’s Cup

Staff

Courtesy of the Southwestern Athletic Conference: The Jackson State Tigers claimed the top spot in the final 2025-26 SWAC Commissioner’s Cup standings with 152.0 total points, edging the Alabama State Hornets who finished second overall with 149.0 points.  The Dr. James Frank Commissioner’s Cup Awards annually recognizes the league institution that posts the strongest overall athletic performances across conference-sponsored sports throughout the academic year. Jackson State’s championship run was fueled by strong performances across both men’s and women’s sports. The Tigers finished second in the men’s standings with 69.0 points…

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Dr. Cavil’s HBCU Mid-Major Baseball Poll: Week 9 Top 5 Rankings

Brandon King

Week 9 of Dr.Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Mid Major Division Baseball Top 5 saw no new teams enter the fray, as every team is a holdover from the previous week. Here’s this week’s countdown from No. 5 to No. 1. 5. Savannah State Tigers ( 27-20 , 23-10) The Tigers of Savannah State remain at no.5 in the weekly rankings. SSU’s time in the SIAC Tournament was short lived as they fell 9-4 to top-seeded Spring Hill in their opening round matchup . Savannah State was outslugged 13-10…

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