Category: HBCU Sports

Former Jackson State Receiver D.D. Bowie Killed in Mississippi Shooting at 27

Brandon King

The Jackson State football community is mourning the loss of former wide receiver Idarrious “D.D.” Bowie, who was tragically killed in a shooting in Mississippi. He was 27 years old. According to reports, Bowie died following a shooting incident in Rankin County, Mississippi. Authorities responded to the scene and transported Bowie to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Law enforcement officials have since made multiple arrests in connection with the case as the investigation continues. Bowie was one of Mississippi’s most highly regarded football prospects coming…

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The John A. Merritt Classic moved to FirstBank Stadium

Staff

Courtesy of Courtesy of Tennessee State Athletics NASHVILLE — Tennessee State and Jackson State will renew one of HBCU football’s most storied rivalries at Vanderbilt University’s FirstBank Stadium when the teams meet in the 2026 John A. Merritt Classic, presented by the Tennessee Titans and ONE Community, on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 7:30 p.m. Tennessee State 2026 single-game tickets, including the John A. Merritt Classic, will go on sale Monday, June 15, at 9 a.m. CT. The game will be played at FirstBank Stadium due to NFL scheduling, which has the Tennessee Titans…

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Tennessee State Alum Shannon Harris Continues Elevating HBCU Coaching Legacy With DC Defenders

Brandon King

Image via the DC Defenders The impact of HBCUs on professional football extends far beyond the players on the field. Tennessee State University alumnus and DC Defenders head coach Shannon Harris is proving that point in a major way. Harris has guided the Defenders to the UFL Championship Game for the second consecutive season, further solidifying his reputation as one of professional football’s rising coaching stars. His success represents not only a personal achievement but also another significant milestone for Tennessee State and the HBCU football community. A former quarterback…

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HBCU Legacy Bowl Headed To Atlanta In 2027

Brandon King

The HBCU Legacy Bowl is set for a major move in 2027, as the premier postseason showcase for NFL draft-eligible HBCU talent heads to Atlanta, Georgia. Organizers announced that the 2027 HBCU Legacy Bowl will take place at Center Parc Stadium, bringing one of Black college football’s most important events to one of the nation’s most influential Black cultural and sports markets. In addition to the all-star game, the event will feature its annual Career Fair on February 26, 2027, followed by the HBCU Legacy Bowl on February 27, 2027.…

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Tennessee State Flips 3-Star Defensive Back Rymen Mosley From Rice

Brandon King

Tennessee State continues to make noise on the recruiting trail. The Tigers have secured a commitment from 2026 three-star defensive back Rymen Mosley, who announced his pledge to TSU after previously being committed to Rice Owls. Mosley, a standout from Cardinal Mooney High School, brings athleticism, versatility, and playmaking ability to Tennessee State’s secondary. Coming out of Cardinal Mooney ( Sarasota, FL) Mosley was scouted as a player that is “quick and instinctive” and plays “much bigger than his 5-10 frame.” “I feel like with me being undersized it’s a…

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Former Alabama State Players Ruled Permanently Ineligible in Gambling Scandal

Brandon King

The NCAA has permanently ruled four former Alabama State players ineligible after determining they accepted money from gamblers to influence the outcome of a game during the 2024-25 season. Among those sanctioned is Amarr Knox, the hero of Alabama State’s historic first NCAA Tournament victory, along with teammates Shawn Fulcher, Corey Hines, and Tony Madlock. According to the NCAA, the four players accepted a combined $2,000 from gamblers in an effort to manipulate the outcome of the Hornets’ December 5, 2024 matchup against Southern Miss. The NCAA’s investigation concluded that…

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Hall of Famer Crystal Robinson Named Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Langston University

Brandon King

A new era of women’s basketball is underway at Langston University as the university has officially named Crystal Robinson as the next head coach of its women’s basketball program.   Robinson brings an impressive basketball résumé to Langston. A former first-round WNBA Draft selection, Robinson enjoyed a standout professional career with the New York Liberty and Washington Mystics before transitioning into coaching. Throughout her coaching career, she has gained experience at the high school, junior college, NCAA Division I, and WNBA levels.   Langston Athletic Director Donnita Rogers expressed excitement…

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Tennessee State Coaches Issue Vote of No Confidence in Athletic Director Mikki Allen

Brandon King

A significant leadership dispute has emerged within Tennessee State University’s athletic department, as six head coaches have reportedly signed a vote of no confidence letter directed at Athletic Director Mikki Allen. As reported by The Tennessean, the he letter, submitted to Tennessee State President Dewayne Tucker, outlines a series of concerns regarding the direction of the athletic department and Allen’s leadership. According to reports, the coaches cited issues involving communication, transparency, decision-making, and the distribution of resources among athletic programs. The reported signatories include: The move represents a rare and…

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Former Alabama A&M Receiver Franck Pierre Commits To Alabama State

Brandon King

Alabama State has added another experienced playmaker to its receiving corps, as former Alabama A&M wide receiver Franck Pierre announced his commitment to the Hornets via social media. Pierre arrives in Montgomery after a productive season with the Bulldogs, where he recorded 33 receptions for 548 yards and five touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays gives Alabama State another weapon as the program looks to build on its recent success and compete for a SWAC championship in 2026. The move is particularly noteworthy because it…

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Albany State’s Luke Addison Earns ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division II All-South Region First Team Honors

Brandon King

Albany State senior Luke Addison has been recognized as one of the top players in the region, earning a spot on the 2026 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division II All-South Region First Team. The honor highlights Addison’s outstanding production and leadership throughout the season, as he played a key role in the success of the Golden Rams this year. Widely regarded as one of the premier players in the South Region, Addison’s consistency at the plate and impact on both sides of the game helped separate him from the competition. Addison put…

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