Tag: HBCU Football

Norfolk State Blitzes Winston-Salem State 56-0 in Dominant Season Opener

Brandon King

Image via The Winston-Salem Journal Norfolk State opened the 2026 football season with a statement. The Spartans overwhelmed Winston-Salem State from start to finish Saturday night, cruising to a 56-0 victory in their season opener behind a dominant offensive performance and a suffocating defensive effort. The victory gave head coach Michael Vick an emphatic start to his second season at the helm and marked Norfolk State’s first shutout since 2019. The Spartans also recorded their first 50-point performance since 2021. Norfolk State wasted little time establishing control. Quarterback Deljay Bailey…

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Jackson State Survives Tennessee State 26-24 in Wild John A. Merritt Classic Finish

Brandon King

Jackson State opened the 2026 season with a thrilling 26-24 victory over Tennessee State on Saturday night, overcoming a fourth-quarter deficit and surviving a late field-goal attempt to secure the season-opening win. The Tigers wasted little time making an impact. On Jackson State’s opening drive, quarterback Jared Lockhart sold a play-action fake on 3rd-and-6, stepped up in the pocket and found a wide-open Jabari Jones for an 88-yard touchdown pass. The explosive play gave Jackson State an early 7-0 advantage. Tennessee State answered immediately. On the ensuing drive, quarterback Daylin…

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South Carolina State Blasts Savannah State 87-0 Behind Explosive First Half

Brandon King

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State opened the season with an emphatic 87-0 victory over Savannah State. The Bulldogs scored 21 points in the first quarter. Quarterback Keely Watson threw touchdown passes to Malaqhi Jones from 23 yards and Mason Pickett-Hicks from 9 yards, while Ronnie Robinson added a 30-yard touchdown run. SC State added 31 points in the second quarter to take a 52-0 halftime lead, emphatically slamming the door on the competitive portion of the evening’s festivities. Watson connected with Tyler Smith for his third touchdown pass, Zaivan…

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BREAKING: Four Jackson State Players Granted TRO, Eligible for 10 Days

Brandon King

Jackson State has received a major boost just two days before its 2026 season opener. Reid Pulliam, B.J. Washington, Kazarius Bowie and Tymon Wells have been granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA, making the four Tigers eligible to compete for the next 10 days. The ruling comes as the players continue their legal fight for an additional season of college football eligibility. The timing is significant. Jackson State opens the 2026 season on Saturday, Aug. 29, against Tennessee State, meaning all four players are now eligible to take…

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Delaware State Survives Stony Brook Rally After Wild Momentum Swings, Wins 41-34

Brandon King

DOVER, Del. — Delaware State survived a furious Stony Brook comeback Thursday night, turning a wild season opener into a 41-34 victory after the Hornets watched a 25-point lead disappear. The game featured multiple momentum swings, but Delaware State’s first major run put the Hornets firmly in control. After Stony Brook grabbed an early 6-0 advantage, Delaware State responded by scoring 24 unanswered points, turning the deficit into a 24-6 lead. The Hornets continued to pour it on and eventually pushed their advantage to 31-6, building what appeared to be…

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Nicholls Dominates Mississippi Valley State 44-10 in Season Opener

Brandon King

THIBODAUX, La. — Mississippi Valley State’s 2026 football season got off to a difficult start Thursday night as the Delta Devils were overwhelmed by Nicholls, falling 44-10 at Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium. Nicholls set the tone early and never looked back, racing to a 37-0 halftime advantage behind a dominant offensive performance and a defense that forced four turnovers in the first half. Nicholls quarterback Ean Rodrigue completed 16 of 25 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with Jordan Smith and Greg Donaldson on explosive…

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FAMU Releases Depth Chart for 2026 Opener Against Albany State

Brandon King

Florida A&M has officially released its two-deep depth chart for the 2026 season opener against Albany State, giving Rattler Nation its first look at the lineup head coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. will take into Saturday night’s matchup. The Rattlers open the 2026 campaign on Saturday, August 29, at 7 p.m. ET against Albany State at Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium. Leading the way at quarterback is Isaiah Knowles, who will make his FAMU debut against his former team. Knowles previously starred at Albany State, where he won…

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Albany State Names JD Davis Starting QB for Season Opener

Brandon King

Albany State has officially named Jeffrey “JD” Davis its starting quarterback for the 2026 season opener against Florida A&M. Davis won the quarterback competition following Albany State’s second preseason scrimmage and will make his Golden Rams debut Saturday night in Tallahassee. Head coach David Bowser said Davis separated himself from the competition with his poise and consistency when the pressure increased. “He showed the most poise and consistency during the last two scrimmages,” Bowser said. The announcement comes after a preseason battle that included multiple quarterbacks, with Davis competing against…

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HBCU Football Is Back: 2026 Week Zero Schedule

Brandon King

The wait is finally over as HBCU programs across the country take the field for Week Zero of the 2026 college football season. The opening slate features teams from the MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, SIAC and other HBCU conferences, with several intriguing matchups scheduled throughout the weekend. From conference showdowns to nonconference tests, Week Zero gives fans an early look at some of the teams looking to make a run in 2026. 🏈 HBCU Week Zero Schedule Thursday, Aug. 27 Friday, Aug. 28 Saturday, Aug. 29 Sunday, Aug. 30 All times…

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Michael Vick names Week 0 starter

Brandon King

Image via Billy Scheurman/ The Virginian-Pilot The Norfolk State Spartans have identified their starting quarterback for their season-opening matchup against Winston-Salem on Saturday evening.  On Monday’s MEAC Football Coaches Media Call, Spartans’ head coach Michael Vick let it be known that Deljay Bailey will be under center.  Although junior signal caller Reginal Johnson (Jr. – San Diego, CA) was one of the players who represented Norfolk State at MEAC Media Day, Coach Vick said it was an open competition at every position and there were no set starters.  “Unfortunately, right…

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