Tag: HBCU Sports

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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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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Morgan State adds proven scorer in transfers portal

Brandon King

Morgan State basketball has secured a commitment from guard Trey Pettigrew. Last season Pettigrew led Johnson C. Smith , and was third in the CIAA, with 17.3 points per game. He was second in the conference , connecting on 37.6% on his attempts from downtown.  The redshirt junior scored in double figures in all but 3 of the 24 games he appeared in last season, with a high of 27 coming against Livingstone on February 7.  Prior to his season at Coppin, Pettrigrew was three-star prospect out out Kenwood Academy…

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Albany State announces athletic realignment

Staff

Courtesy of Albany State Athletics ALBANY, Ga. – Albany State University Athletics has announced a strategic realignment of its sport sponsorship structure, following approval from the University System of Georgia. The realignment includes the discontinuation of the women’s soccer program and the addition of men’s and women’s indoor track and field, effective for the 2026–27 academic year. Following a comprehensive review of Albany State’s athletics offerings, the realignment was developed with consideration given to conference membership, resource optimization, and long-term sustainability. The changes are designed to strengthen the department’s structure and…

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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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