HBCU Sports Archives - Page 3 of 342

HBCU Football Is Back: 2026 Week Zero Schedule

August 25, 2026August 25, 2026 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…

Michael Vick names Week 0 starter

August 24, 2026 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…

Norfolk State’s Jaylen Williams and Ryan Nolan Named to 2026 Deacon Jones Player of the Year Watch List

August 24, 2026August 24, 2026 Brandon King

image via Norfolk State Athletics NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk State will enter the 2026 football season with two of its veteran linemen on the national radar. Redshirt seniors Jaylen Williams and Ryan Nolan have been named to the 2026 Deacon Jones Player of the Year Watch List, announced by the Black College Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 18. The award recognizes the most outstanding football player at a Historically Black College or University, with the eventual winner receiving the prestigious Deacon Jones Trophy. The Spartans are one of 24…

Tyrone Mitchell Named Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Xavier University of Louisiana

August 23, 2026August 23, 2026 Brandon King

NEW ORLEANS, La. — Xavier University of Louisiana has officially elevated Tyrone Mitchell to head coach of the Gold Rush men’s basketball program, rewarding a longtime member of the program who has helped build Xavier into one of the NAIA’s most consistent basketball programs. Mitchell enters the 2026-27 season as XULA’s head coach after 11 seasons on the program’s coaching staff. He joined Xavier in 2015 and steadily climbed the coaching ranks, earning promotions to associate head coach in 2018 and co-head coach in 2025 before being named the program’s…

Rod Broadway Named to 2027 MEAC Hall of Fame Class

August 21, 2026 Brandon King

Former North Carolina A&T football head coach Rod Broadway is officially headed to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame. The MEAC announced that Broadway will be part of its 2027 Hall of Fame class, giving one of the most accomplished coaches in North Carolina A&T history another well-deserved honor. Broadway became a major figure in HBCU football during his time on the sidelines in Greensboro, building the Aggies into one of the MEAC’s premier programs. During his tenure at North Carolina A&T, Broadway helped establish a championship culture that…

Michael Penix Jr.’s Brother Mekhi Penix Transfers to Mississippi Valley State

August 21, 2026August 21, 2026 Brandon King

Via: Mekhi Penix (@m.penix13/Instagram) Mississippi Valley State has added a recognizable name to its football program, landing wide receiver Mekhi Penix, the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound receiver announced his commitment to the Delta Devils on social media after spending the 2025 season at Independence Community College. He appeared in 8 games for Independence Community College in 2025. He recorded 17 receptions for 234 yards and 2 touchdowns in those eight appearances. Mekhi now heads to Itta Bena looking to continue his collegiate…

Dr. Paul A. Bryant Emerges as Potential Candidate for Jackson State Athletics Director Position

August 20, 2026August 20, 2026 Brandon King

Jackson State University may already have a familiar SWAC name in its sights as it begins its search for a new vice president and director of athletics. According to multiple sources, Alabama A&M Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Paul A. Bryant has been contacted by Jackson State University regarding its vacant athletics director position, with mutual interest reportedly existing between Bryant and the university. The position opened Wednesday after Ashley Robinson departed Jackson State to become the new vice president and director of athletics at Texas Southern University.…

Alyse Wells-Kilbert Selected as Interim Jackson State Athletics Director

August 20, 2026 Brandon King

JACKSON, Miss. — Jackson State University has selected Associate Vice President and Senior Woman Administrator Alyse Wells-Kilbert to serve as the university’s interim director of athletics. Wells-Kilbert was selected by JSU President Denise Jones Gregory. Her appointment remains pending approval by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) Board. Wells-Kilbert brings extensive experience within Jackson State Athletics and has served in leadership roles overseeing key areas of the department. Her selection places her at the center of the Tigers’ athletic operations as the university moves forward with its next chapter…

Nike Air Bakin SP “Varsity Red” Returning September 28 for $170

August 19, 2026August 19, 2026 Brandon King

One of Nike Basketball’s most recognizable silhouettes from the late 1990s is making its return this fall. The Nike Air Bakin SP “Varsity Red” is currently scheduled to release on September 28, 2026, with a retail price of $170. Originally introduced in 1997, the Air Bakin became synonymous with former NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway, whose explosive style of play helped cement the model’s place in basketball sneaker history. Known for its aggressive lines, bold color blocking, and distinctive molded upper, the Air Bakin stood out during an era filled with…

Making A Difference: Albany State Football Strengthens Community Ties by Adopting Nine Elementary Schools

August 18, 2026 Brandon King

Albany State Football is proving that its impact reaches far beyond the football field. The Golden Rams were recently featured by WALB News after announcing a new community initiative in which the program has adopted nine elementary schools within the Dougherty County School System. The effort aims to build meaningful relationships with local students through mentorship, encouragement, and community engagement. By connecting student-athletes with young learners, Albany State hopes to inspire academic excellence, leadership, and confidence while reinforcing the importance of education and community involvement. The initiative reflects the university’s…