HBCU Gameday
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CIAA crown headed back to Virginia Union
Virginia Union storms back to claim the 2026 CIAA Football Championship, edging Johnson C. Smith 15-14 at Durham County Memorial Stadium. Freshman kicker Gage Miller’s three field goals keep the Panthers within striking distance before senior tailback Ramon Brown breaks loose for a 69-yard touchdown run with 12:37 left, earning MVP honors after finishing with 150 yards on 21 carries. Defensive standout Ahmad Ross records nine tackles and Derrick Burroughs seals the win with a late interception. The victory gives VUU its second title in three seasons, a first 10‑win season since 1991, and an automatic berth in the NCAA Division II playoffs.
South Carolina State claims third-straight MEAC title
South Carolina State clinched its third straight MEAC championship on Nov. 14, beating North Carolina Central 38-24 at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. After a 24-24 halftime tie, the Bulldogs surged with 14 unanswered points in the third quarter, highlighted by Marquis Lane‑Owens’ pick‑six that sealed the win. QB Keely Watson threw for 169 yards and three touchdowns, while wide receiver Malaqhi Jones added 91 yards and two scores. Head coach Chennis Berry praised halftime defensive adjustments and the program’s culture, noting the addition of eight new coaches and 52 players. The victory secures a Celebration Bowl berth and extends the Bulldogs’ MEAC dominance.
“Still Not Done Yet” | JCSU Football Has History to Chase After CIAA Heartbreak
After a heart‑breaking 15‑14 loss to Virginia Union, JCSU coach Maurice Flowers delivers a raw locker‑room talk that blends remorse with resolve. He highlights key mistakes—three turnovers, penalties and missed red‑zone kicks—while reminding the Golden Bulls of their 2025 CIAA title and the chance to win their first NCAA Division II playoff game. Quarterback Damien Mazil’s four‑yard opening run and receiver Brian Lane’s impact are noted, as is Fabian Duncan’s 232‑yard effort. Flowers insists he won’t second‑guess decisions and urges the team to fix individual errors before the playoff field is announced on Nov. 15.
CIAA thriller sees Fayetteville State complete massive comeback
Fayetteville State staged a jaw‑dropping comeback in the inaugural CIAA Friday Night Blitz, erasing a 21‑point deficit to beat Virginia State 31‑29 on Friday night in Durham, N.C. QB Jamir Dismukes sparked the rally with two TD passes and a rushing score, while Isaiah Silver’s 46‑yard run set up John Hernandez‑Vargas’s 30‑yard field goal with 1:47 left. Virginia State missed a 29‑yard attempt as time expired. The win lifts Fayetteville State to 8‑3, keeping its NCAA Division II playoff hopes alive ahead of the selection show on Nov. 15. Key stats: Dismukes 197 passing yards, Silver 92 rushing yards, and freshman Zyking Patillo leads with 12 tackles.
Winston-Salem State women provide winning lift in dominant opener
Six days after a campus shooting that left a teammate injured, the Winston‑Salem State women’s basketball team opens its 2026‑27 season with a 65‑44 win over Chowan. Ranked No. 8 nationally in the WBCA Division II preseason poll—the program’s highest ever—the Rams triumph thanks to Maia Charles’ 16 points and 18 rebounds, Nevaeh Farmer’s 18 points and eight steals, and a dominant 31 forced turnovers. Sophomore guard Makyiah Ward returns to the court, playing 27 minutes. Coach Tierra Terry frames the victory as a healing outlet while the team prepares to defend its CIAA crown.
Central State quarterback leads 2026 All-SIAC football honors
Central State quarterback Jackson Wasik dominates the 2026 SIAC awards, snatching both the conference MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honors while earning first‑team All‑SIAC nod. Head coach Tony Carter also takes Coach of the Year, giving the Marauders three major accolades. Edward Waters linebacker Trevon French is named Defensive Player of the Year, and its senior QB Tavion Faulk grabs Newcomer of the Year. Benedict College leads the first team with eight selections, the most in the league, while Albany State, Kentucky State and other HBCU programs fill out the rest of the first and second squads. The full list of award winners and all‑conference teams showcases the depth of talent across Division II SIAC football.
HBCU basketball returning to BET as Howard schedule reveals six games
BET is set to revive its historic HBCU basketball coverage with six Howard University men’s games slated for national broadcast in the 2026‑27 season. Howard’s schedule features matchups against Grambling State (Dec. 3), Loyola Chicago (Dec. 10), North Carolina A&T (Dec. 17), Morehouse College in the MLK Day Classic (Jan. 18), Morgan State (Feb. 27) and Norfolk State (Mar. 4), all at Burr Gymnasium. The effort may tie to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who hinted at an HBCU broadcast deal in August, and involves TV personality Kevin Frazier, though BET has not confirmed their roles. This return echoes BET’s 1980s‑90s role in showcasing Black college sports.
HBCU football league’s gamble could have NCAA implications
The CIAA launches its inaugural Friday Night Blitz as Fayetteville State (7‑3, 6‑2) hosts Virginia State (7‑3, 6‑2) at Durham County Memorial Stadium on Nov. 13. Both HBCU squads fight for a spot in the NCAA Division II Super Region 1 playoff field—Fayetteville State sits 7th and Virginia State 9th in the NPI rankings. The Broncos lean on a stingy defense (17.3 points allowed, 30 sacks) and quarterback Jamir Dismukes, while the Trojans boast a high‑powered offense (38.7 points, 304.9 passing yards) led by QB Rahsaan Matthews Jr. The outcome could determine whether the CIAA sends multiple teams to the national tournament, making the game a pivotal postseason showdown.
North Carolina A&T alumnus named CEO of Memphis Chamber
North Carolina A&T alumnus Joshua Gunn has been appointed president and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber, with his start date set for Dec. 10. The Durham native brings 15+ years of economic‑development leadership, most recently directing Durham’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development, where he helped secure a $1.4 billion AbbVie biomanufacturing project that will create 734 jobs and generate $8 billion in impact. Gunn’s resume also includes leading chambers in Arizona and Illinois and launching the award‑winning Greater Peoria 2030 talent initiative. Chamber officials say his expertise in public‑private partnerships will drive the Prosper Memphis 2030 strategy, marking a notable HBCU graduate’s rise in a major Southern market.
Duke basketball makes historic trip to HBCU for women’s game
The No. 5 Duke women’s basketball team makes a historic road stop at Norfolk State on Nov. 12, their first ACC program to play at the HBCU’s Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall since 1977. Duke (2‑0) arrives after beating Green Bay and Florida Atlantic, featuring freshman Autumn Fleary (14 points) and transfer Aaliyah Crump (13 points, 7 rebounds). Norfolk State (1‑2) hopes to boost its MEAC profile against the Blue Devils, after narrow losses to Virginia State and Pennsylvania and a win over UDC. Coach Jermaine Woods highlights the tough non‑conference slate, which includes Ole Miss, Florida and UNC. The game tips off at 7 p.m. on the MEAC Network.
South Carolina State unveils $330 million transformation of HBCU campus
South Carolina State University launches a $330 million campus overhaul, the largest in its history. Highlights include the $50 million Benjamin E. Mays Hall—500‑bed freshman residence near Oliver C. Dawson Stadium—due July 2027, a $20 million Bulldog Commons expansion with esports and dining, and a $25 million renovation of Sojourner Truth Hall. A new 90,000‑sq‑ft academic building replaces Turner Hall, and a $30 million library/Honors College facility breaks ground. Safety upgrades feature a $7 million perimeter fence and an $8 million public‑safety building. Additional $49.8 million funds agricultural research sites. Most projects aim for fall 2027 completion, aligning with the Garnet and Blueprint 2030 plan.
Celebration Bowl projections: Toyota update sends Jackson State soaring, Alabama A&M tumbling
Toyota’s latest Celebration Bowl simulations catapult Jackson State to the top SWAC contender, boosting its championship odds from 15.2% to 44.4% and doubling its East‑division chance to 68.1%. Alabama A&M plummets, dropping from a 41.5% to a 12.4% shot at the SWAC title. In the MEAC, South Carolina State solidifies its lead, now holding an 83.8% probability of reaching the bowl, while North Carolina Central slips to 14.9%. West‑division battles intensify after Arkansas‑Pine Bluff suspends nine players, tightening its race with Prairie View A&M (32.5%). Upcoming matchups—Jackson State at Alabama State, Texas Southern at Alabama A&M, and others—will decide the final HBCU championship lineup.
Brick x Brick Takes You Inside the Rivalry Behind the CIAA Championship Rematch
Coach Maurice Flowers revisits the 2025 CIAA championship footage with his Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls to stress sideline energy before the 2026 rematch against top‑seed Virginia Union. The article details the Brick x Brick "Not Done Yet" series, highlighting halftime talks, defensive calls, and the Bulls' 45–21 victory that ended a title drought since 1969. Flowers notes Virginia Union’s improved defense and new receiver group, while JCSU returns as the No. 2 seed after a 27–14 win over Livingstone and a roster infusion of 60 newcomers. The preview sets the stage for Saturday’s high‑stakes showdown.
Winston-Salem State Shooting: When Tragedy Hits Home at an HBCU
On Nov. 7, 2026, a homecoming weekend at Winston‑Salem State University turned deadly when two shootings erupted on campus. The first, at about 9:45 p.m., killed 19‑year‑old Peyton Patterson and wounded Alyssa Ellerbee; 20‑year‑old Ziyaire Spinks is charged with murder and Cequan Brower with misdemeanor affray. The incident stemmed from a dispute after men asked women for social‑media contacts. A second shooting shortly after injured Najir Pearsall and women's basketball player Makyiah Ward, with no arrests yet. Publisher of HBCU Gameday reflects on the growing wave of violence affecting HBCU homecomings, noting the challenges of campus security and the personal impact of reporting tragedies close to home.
HBCU football brawl results in 23 suspensions, $50k in fines
The SWAC suspends 23 football players and fines Grambling State and Arkansas‑Pine Bluff $25,000 each after a post‑game brawl following UAPB's 35‑32 win on Nov. 8. Fourteen Grambling players and nine UAPB players face bans, some for two games, as the conference cracks down on sportsmanship violations. The penalty adds to Grambling's recent disciplinary history, bringing its total SWAC fines to $65,000 and 32 suspended players over two seasons. UAPB, still in the SWAC Western Division race at 6‑3, loses key contributors ahead of its next games, while both schools issue apologies and vow accountability.
Brian Holloway Leaves a Lasting Legacy at North Carolina A&T
After 22 years as North Carolina A&T’s associate athletics director for communications, Brian Hollowey departs, leaving a legacy of relentless dedication. He single‑handedly managed media for 17 sports, from football’s Celebration Bowl triumphs under coaches Rod Broadway and Sam Washington to basketball, track, and even back‑to‑back volleyball and football events. Despite two kidney transplants and six years on dialysis, Hollowey kept the Aggies’ story alive, producing releases, press conferences, media guides, and digital content. His exit underscores the broader challenges HBCU sports information directors face—vast workloads, limited staffing, and modest compensation—while highlighting his lasting impact on the MEAC and HBCU community.
Black College Football Poll has a new No. 1 team, again
South Carolina State dethrones Alabama A&M to claim the No. 1 spot in the Week 10 Black College Football Poll after a 35‑28 win over Howard, earning 21 of 22 first‑place votes and improving to 8‑2 (3‑0 MEAC). Jackson State climbs to No. 2, while Prairie View A&M jumps to No. 3 after beating the former top team. In Division II, Benedict holds a razor‑thin lead over Virginia Union—324 to 320 points—as both prepare for conference title games. The upcoming matchups—South Carolina State vs. North Carolina Central and Benedict vs. Kentucky State—could reshape the rankings across both divisions.
HBCU basketball player recovering after shooting
A Winston‑Salem State University women's basketball guard, sophomore Makyiah Ward (No. 3), is among the injured victims of two shootings that rocked the HBCU campus during homecoming weekend on Nov. 7. Ward is reported to be in good condition and expected to fully recover. The first shooting left 19‑year‑old Peyton Patterson dead and injured a 22‑year‑old woman; 20‑year‑old Ziyaire Spinks was arrested and faces murder and weapons charges. A second shooting 45 minutes later wounded a 21‑year‑old man and a 20‑year‑old woman. Campus events were cancelled and counseling services offered.
HBCU Band Records Music for Muhammad Ali Biopic Trailer
Virginia State University’s Trojan Explosion Marching Band records the music for the trailer of Prime Video’s new eight‑part biopic series *The Greatest*, chronicling Muhammad Ali’s rise. The band worked with composer Mic Ferrante and film composer Kieran Casey, while VSU music faculty guided students in a professional‑grade recording session. The series, produced by Michael B. Jordan, Shawn “Jay‑Z” Carter and Ali’s widow Lonnie Ali, stars Jaalen Best as a young Cassius Clay and streams now on Prime Video. The collaboration adds a high‑profile credit to the Trojan Explosion’s resume, which includes Honda Battle of the Bands selections, a White House performance, and recent ESPN Band of the Year runner‑up finishes.
HBCU on-campus shooting leaves one dead, three shot following homecoming
A tragic shooting erupts on the Winston‑Salem State University campus during its homecoming weekend. Police report two separate incidents on Saturday night, November 7, that leave one person dead and three others wounded. The incidents occurred as the school hosted its annual football game against Fayetteville State, drawing thousands of alumni and fans. Authorities have not released victim identities or motives, and no arrests have been reported. The investigation continues, raising concerns about campus safety during large events.
“Still Not Done Yet”: JCSU Football Headed for CIAA Championship Rematch
Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) returns to the CIAA championship for a rematch with Virginia Union on Nov. 14 at Durham County Memorial Stadium. After a 27‑14 win over Livingstone in the Commemorative Classic—highlighted by Fabian Duncan’s 148 rushing yards and two TDs and Damien Mazil’s 155 passing yards—the Golden Bulls clinch a second straight title shot. Head coach Maurice Flowers, featured in the HBCU Gameday docuseries "Brick x Brick with JCSU Football," guides a No. 2 seeded team (7‑1 conference) against top‑seeded Virginia Union (9‑1). The Panthers, led by QB RJ Rosales (211 yards, 3 TDs) and RB Ramon Brown (111 yards), seek to overturn last year’s 45‑21 loss. JCSU must improve third‑down efficiency and defense after a strong but penalty‑plagued performance.
NCCU escapes Norfolk State in final seconds of MEAC Thriller
North Carolina Central pulls off a 29-28 comeback win over Norfolk State at William “Dick” Price Stadium, preserving its unbeaten MEAC run. Quarterback Joshua Jones finds Mehki Wall for a 26‑yard touchdown with 27 seconds left after a series of late‑game turnovers, including a fumble recovered by NCCU and a missed 37‑yard field goal by Marco Peery. The Eagles improve to 5-5 overall, 3-0 in conference play and set up a showdown with fellow unbeaten South Carolina State for first place and a Celebration Bowl berth. Gino Addison rushes for 174 yards, while Norfolk State outgains NCCU 391‑377 yards but cannot capitalize.
HBCU women’s basketball team loses by 109 points to LSU
LSU women’s basketball shatters a Division I record on Thursday, beating Texas Southern 131-22 for a 109‑point margin—the largest ever, eclipsing Baylor’s 2016 win. The Tigers ripped off a 50‑0 run, including a 40‑0 second‑quarter stretch, while holding the Tigers to just 13% shooting and forcing 38 turnovers. Freshman Anna Minaeva led LSU with 21 points, and five teammates scored in double figures. The game also honored former LSU star Angel Reese, now WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. The loss drops Texas Southern to 0‑2 and highlights the tough “money‑game” gaps HBCU programs face.
Jackson State basketball wins despite being huge underdogs
Underdog Jackson State shocked Tulane 87-85 on Nov. 6, 2026, rallying from a 15‑point hole at Avron B. Fogelman Arena. Despite BetMGM giving Tulane a 72.7% win probability, the Tigers, led by Dorian McMillian’s 23 points and Mike Williams’ 20 off the bench, forced a final mistake—a technical foul after Tulane’s illegal timeout. Daeshun Ruffin sealed the win with two free throws, giving head coach Trey Johnson his first victory. The comeback featured balanced scoring, 46.8% shooting and a 17‑turnover advantage, marking a statement early‑season upset.
South Carolina State Survives Thriller with Howard
In a dramatic MEAC showdown at Greene Stadium, South Carolina State held off Howard 35-28 on Thursday night. After a 21-7 halftime lead, the Bulldogs survived a 14‑point Howard comeback that tied the game twice in the fourth quarter. Running back Ricorian Brown broke a 64‑yard run and capped a 74‑yard drive with the game‑winning touchdown with 17 seconds left. Brown finished with 143 yards and two scores, while quarterback J.J. Watson threw for 241 yards. The win improves the Bulldogs to 8‑2 overall and 3‑0 in conference play, keeping them unbeaten in the MEAC.
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