Category: HBCU Sports

South Carolina State, Johnson C. Smith Headline Inaugural 2026 Preseason Black College Football Poll

Brandon King

Defending HBCU champions South Carolina State and Johnson C. Smith have been voted No. 1 in the inaugural 2026 Preseason Black College Football Poll, making history as the first programs to top the newly established national rankings. The poll, which is endorsed by the MEAC, SWAC, CIAA and SIAC, provides an official weekly ranking of HBCU football programs across NCAA Division I (FCS) and Division II. The rankings are determined by a panel of HBCU head coaches and media members and are designed to become the definitive benchmark for Black…

Read More

SWAC Announces 2026 Football Preseason Awards: Andrew Body, Kam Sallis Earn Top Honors

Brandon King

The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) has officially unveiled its 2026 Football Preseason Awards and All-SWAC teams, with Alabama State quarterback Andrew Body and Jackson State defensive back Kam Sallis earning the league’s top individual honors. Body was voted the 2026 SWAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year after leading one of the conference’s most dynamic offenses last season. The Hornets signal-caller also earned First Team All-SWAC honors at quarterback. In just eight games during the 2025 campaign, Body completed 113 of 160 passes (70.6%) for 1,770 yards, 20 touchdowns, and…

Read More

North Carolina Invests Nearly $45 Million in Winston-Salem State University to Expand Campus Growth, Scholarships and Student Success

Brandon King

Winston-Salem State University is entering a new era of growth after receiving a nearly $45 million investment from the State of North Carolina, providing critical funding for campus modernization, scholarship opportunities, workforce development and institutional support. The investment represents one of the largest recent commitments to the university and reinforces the importance of historically Black colleges and universities in shaping the future workforce and communities across the state. A Major Investment in the Future of the Rams The funding package includes nearly $40 million dedicated to capital improvements, allowing WSSU…

Read More

North Carolina A&T Mourns Baseball Legend Al Holland Sr. (’75), Former MLB All-Star and Aggie Hall of Famer

Brandon King

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The North Carolina A&T community is mourning the loss of one of the greatest players in program history. Former Aggie baseball standout Al Holland Sr. (’75) has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that spans collegiate excellence, Major League Baseball success, and decades of impact on the game. Holland starred at North Carolina A&T before launching an accomplished 10-year Major League career. A dominant left-handed pitcher, he became one of the most successful professional baseball players to emerge from the Aggies’ program. During his MLB career, Holland…

Read More

Isaiah Taylor Named 2026 Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year After Record-Breaking Season

Brandon King

Isaiah Taylor has added another accolade to an already remarkable season, earning 2026 Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year honors after delivering one of the most impressive campaigns in the program’s recent history. The award recognizes Taylor’s outstanding performances throughout the outdoor track and field season, during which he established himself as one of the premier athletes in the conference. His combination of speed, consistency, and determination helped him produce multiple standout performances while rewriting the record books. Taylor’s 2026 campaign was defined by record-breaking efforts and a relentless pursuit…

Read More

Albany State Celebrates Student-Athletes Named to SIAC All-Academic Team

Brandon King

Albany State University is celebrating academic excellence after several Golden Rams student-athletes were named to the SIAC All-Academic Team. The recognition highlights student-athletes who have demonstrated strong performance in the classroom while balancing the demands of collegiate competition across multiple sports. “This is what excellence looks like—dominant in the classroom and on the field, court, and track,” the program shared in a social media post. “Couldn’t be more proud of our student-athletes named to the SIAC All-Academic Team. Outstanding work!” The honor reflects Albany State’s continued commitment to developing well-rounded…

Read More

SWAC Announces 2026 Football Media Day Attendees

Brandon King

The Southwestern Athletic Conference has officially released the list of head coaches and student-athletes who will represent each program at the 2026 SWAC Football Media Day, set for July 15 in Birmingham, Alabama. The annual event serves as the unofficial kickoff to the SWAC football season, featuring preseason storylines, player availability, and the release of the predicted order of finish. Each of the 12 member institutions will be represented by its head coach along with two student-athletes. 🏈 2026 SWAC Football Media Day Attendees Alabama A&M Alabama State Alcorn State…

Read More

Tennessee State Lands Former McDonald’s All-American Arterio Morris

Brandon King

Tennessee State Tigers men’s basketball has officially signed former McDonald’s All-American and five-star recruit Arterio Morris, adding another high-profile talent to a roster that is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing teams in the HBCU and mid-major landscape.   Head coach Nolan Smith announced the signing , bringing in a guard who has competed at multiple levels of college basketball, including stints with the Texas Longhorns, South Plains College, and Bethune-Cookman.   Morris averaged 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game at Bethune-Cookman last season He scored…

Read More

ICYMI: Alabama A&M Names Former Southern Band Director Nathan B. Haymer as Marching Maroon & White Arranger

Brandon King

The Alabama A&M University Marching Maroon & White has announced the appointment of Nathan B. Haymer as the program’s new arranger, bringing one of the most recognizable names in HBCU band culture back into a prominent collegiate role. Haymer previously served as director of bands at Southern University, where he helped elevate the nationally acclaimed Human Jukebox before his tenure came to an abrupt end. In 2021, Haymer was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to federal program theft involving funds intended for Southern University’s band…

Read More

Aaron Nkrumah Lands NBA Opportunity, Signs Exhibit 10 Deal with Denver Nuggets

Brandon King

The NBA dream remains alive for Aaron Nkrumah, one of the most decorated players in Tennessee State basketball history. The former Tennessee State star signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Denver Nuggets, earning an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during training camp after going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft. An Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, non-guaranteed NBA deal that allows a player to compete in training camp. It can be converted into a two-way contract if the player impresses, making it an important pathway for…

Read More