Category: HBCU Sports

Former Tennessee State Basketball Coach Ron Abernathy Dies at 75, Leaving Lasting Legacy Across HBCU Basketball

Brandon King

The Tennessee State basketball family is mourning the loss of former men’s basketball head coach Ron Abernathy, who has passed away at the age of 75. Abernathy, whose coaching career spanned more than five decades, led the Tennessee State Tigers men’s basketball from 1991 to 1995 before continuing his successful coaching journey at Lane College, where he became the winningest coach in the program’s history. Most recently, he served as the head coach at Humboldt High School, retiring earlier this year after 12 seasons.   Before his time at Tennessee…

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Alabama A&M Women’s Basketball Unveils 11-Player Recruiting Class Led by 9 Transfers and 2 High School Standouts

Brandon King

The rebuild isn’t subtle in Huntsville — it’s aggressive, intentional, and built for immediate impact. Alabama A&M University women’s basketball officially unveiled an 11-player recruiting class this week, headlined by nine Division I and collegiate transfers and two high school signees, as head coach Dawn Thornton continues reshaping the program into a SWAC contender. “This signing class is special. We added young women who fit our culture, our style of play and our vision for the future. They are competitors, they are winners and they are not afraid of expectations,”…

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Claflin University Set to Acquire Former Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School Campus

Brandon King

Claflin University is taking a major step toward its future growth with plans to acquire the former Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School campus, a move that will provide the university with valuable facilities while saving an estimated $2.5 million in demolition costs. The acquisition aligns with Claflin’s long-term master plan and gives the university access to additional land, buildings, and athletic facilities that can be repurposed to support future academic, residential, athletic, and community initiatives. Rather than seeing the property torn down, Claflin will be able to preserve and reimagine the campus…

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Kendrick Perkins Joins Jackson State as Men’s Basketball GM

Brandon King

A major name in basketball and sports media is headed to the HBCU ranks. Former NBA champion and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins has agreed to become the men’s basketball General Manager at Jackson State University, adding another high-profile figure to the Tigers’ athletic department. Perkins, a 14-year NBA veteran who won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008, said the opportunity is about more than basketball. “I’m thankful for this opportunity to impact young lives and pour back into my community.” In addition to serving as men’s…

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MEAC Expands Championship Lineup with Women’s Flag Football and Women’s Golf

Staff

Image via the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference is continuing its commitment to growing opportunities for female student-athletes. Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, Women’s Flag Football and Women’s Golf will officially be added to the MEAC championship lineup, marking another significant step forward for the conference and its member institutions. The addition of both sports reflects the rapid growth of women’s athletics nationwide, particularly women’s flag football, which has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Meanwhile, women’s golf provides another competitive platform for…

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Toyota Joins Celebration Bowl and MEAC/SWAC Challenge as Official Band of the Year Partner

Staff

The pageantry and tradition of HBCU marching bands will receive an even bigger spotlight as Toyota has been announced as the new presenting partner of the Official Fan Page Band of the Year competition for both the Cricket Celebration Bowl and the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. The partnership further strengthens Toyota’s longstanding commitment to HBCUs, student-athletes, and the rich culture surrounding Black college football. Through its support of the Band of the Year competition, Toyota will help celebrate the talented musicians, dancers, and directors who play a vital role in making HBCU…

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Bethune-Cookman Secures Future of Baseball Program, Extends Johnny Hernandez Through 2030

Staff

The foundation of Bethune-Cookman baseball is staying firmly in place. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats baseball has agreed to a four-year contract extension with head coach Johnny Hernandez, keeping him with the Wildcats through the 2030 season. The extension is a significant vote of confidence from the university and reinforces its commitment to sustained success on the diamond. Hernandez has played a key role in maintaining Bethune-Cookman’s status as one of the most respected baseball programs in HBCU athletics, helping the Wildcats remain competitive within the SWAC and on the national stage. By…

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Ohio Valley Conference announces return to traditional football branding

Staff

Courtesy of Kyle Schwartz, Associate Commissioner for Strategic Communications, Ohio Valley Conference Building upon a legacy that spans nearly 80 years and includes national championship teams, All-Americans, National Players of the Year and NFL draft picks, the Ohio Valley Conference announced today that its football-playing members will once again compete under the OVC name and logo beginning with the 2026 season. The return to the OVC identity follows three successful years of partnership with the Big South Conference under the names Big South-OVC Football Association (2023, 2024) and OVC-Big South…

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Tennessee State Athletics Unveils 2026 Hall of Fame Class

Staff

Tennessee State University Athletics has officially announced its 2026 Hall of Fame Class, adding another distinguished group of Tigers and Tigerbelles to one of the most prestigious honors in the university’s athletic history. The Tennessee State Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes former student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and contributors whose accomplishments have helped build TSU’s reputation as one of the premier athletic programs in HBCU sports. From national champions and Olympians to professional standouts and program builders, Hall of Fame inductees represent the very best of Tennessee State’s proud tradition. The 2026…

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Norfolk State’s Thomas Ealey Invited to USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Training Camp

Brandon King

Another major honor has come the way of Norfolk State standout Thomas Ealey, who has been invited to participate in the 2026 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Training Camp. The invitation places Ealey among the nation’s 56 top draft-eligible and draft-ineligible collegiate players competing for an opportunity to represent Team USA on the international stage.   “We are incredibly proud of Thomas and this well-deserved honor. Thomas is a special player and deserving of this honor. This is an exciting opportunity for him to showcase his skillset on the national…

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