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The 2025 SIAC Football Season is upon us.

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College football's transfer portal era has fundamentally transformed Division II HBCU programs, shifting from player development over years to a season-by-season scramble for talent. On this season premiere, we explore how this new reality affects championship contenders in both the CIAA and SIAC conferences.

Virginia Union, the defending CIAA champions, navigated this landscape successfully last season but now must replace star running back Jada Byers. Meanwhile, Miles College faces complete reconstruction after winning the SIAC championship, losing head coach Shadrick Shade to Alabama A&M along with several key players. These situations highlight the constant tension between success and stability at the D2 level.

The coaching carousel spun wildly this offseason, with multiple programs experiencing significant changes. Shaw's Adrian Jones landed at Elizabeth City State after being dismissed despite a winning record. Edward Waters brought in former Bethune-Cookman coach Brian Jenkins following Toriano Morgan's departure to Tennessee State. Fort Valley State begins a new era without Sean Gibbs, who left for North Carolina A&T. These transitions create both challenges and opportunities across the D2 HBCU landscape.

We also break down the exciting Week Zero matchups between CIAA and SIAC programs, including Virginia Union vs. Miles, Fayetteville State vs. Benedict, and Winston-Salem State vs. Tuskegee in the Red Tails Classic. These early cross-conference battles provide immediate tests for championship contenders while offering national exposure on ESPN platforms.

NCAA changes bring fresh opportunities this season, with expanded playoffs (32 teams), automatic bids, and Super Region realignment potentially creating more postseason paths for HBCU programs. For traditional powers like Winston-Salem State and Tuskegee seeking to reclaim past glory, the stakes have never been higher.

Subscribe to the D2HBCU Show for weekly insights, analysis, and exclusive interviews throughout the Division II HBCU football season. Download the HBCU Game Day app for complete coverage across all platforms.

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The 2025 football season is finally here, and Winston-Salem State University is ready to make a statement. In this episode of WSSU Ram Nation, SJG breaks down the Week Zero matchup against Tuskegee in the Red Tails Classic on ESPN U, talks about Head Coach Robert Massey’s bold “championship or bust” declaration, and what it means for the Rams in his contract year.
We also dive into the expectations for the team after last season’s breakthrough, the impact of alumni and fan support, and how WSSU stacks up against CIAA rivals. Plus, the Red Sea of Sound is back in the mix for the Red Lobster Band of the Year, with hopes of finally breaking into the top two and heading to Atlanta.
This is more than football—it’s about pride, history, and proving that WSSU is still one of the most dominant names in HBCU athletics.
Game Info
WSSU vs. Tuskegee | Red Tails Classic
Montgomery, Alabama
7 PM EST | ESPN U
Join the conversation: Do you agree with Coach Massey that it’s “championship or bust” for WSSU this year?
#WSSU #HBCU #RedTailsClassic #CIAA #Tuskegee #WSSURamNation (edited) 

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The Teddy Keaton Show is back on HBCU Gameday for Season 2! In this week’s episode, Coach Keaton and Sly the Sports Guy break down Clark Atlanta’s preparation for the Week Zero Labor Day Classic at historic Legion Field. From naming a new starting quarterback to building a winning culture, Coach Keaton shares candid thoughts on his team, his philosophy, and the bigger picture of HBCU football.

Whether you’re a Clark Atlanta Panther, an HBCU supporter, or just love the game, this episode delivers insight, energy, and motivation as we kick off the 2025 season.

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North Carolina Central University defeated Southern University 31-14 in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge season opener in Atlanta. The Eagles showcased a balanced attack led by running back Christian Mosley's explosive 178-yard performance and quarterback Walker Harris's efficient game management.

• Running back Christian Mosley exploded for a career-high 178 yards rushing including a 49-yard touchdown run
• Quarterback Walker Harris distributed the ball effectively to four receivers with multiple receptions
• NCCU's offensive line neutralized SWAC Defensive Player of the Year Ckelby Givens
• Eagles dominated the second half with 21 unanswered points after leading just 17-14 at halftime
• Coach Trei Oliver emphasized the pre-season goal: "Start in Atlanta, finish in Atlanta" with hopes of returning for the Celebration Bowl
• Southern struggled offensively, becoming one-dimensional with limited passing attack
• NCCU's offensive line made a statement by controlling the line of scrimmage throughout the game

Make sure you stay tapped in with HBCU Game Day for full coverage of the 2025 HBCU football season.

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The landscape of HBCU football is undergoing a transformative shift as the 2025 season approaches, with NFL legends stepping into coaching roles and traditional powers reasserting their dominance.

Former NFL stars Michael Vick and Desean Jackson have sent shockwaves through the MEAC by taking over at Norfolk State and Delaware State respectively. Vick's homecoming to the 757 area has already revitalized Norfolk State's program through increased visibility, merchandise sales, and fan engagement. His $400,000 salary makes him the highest-paid coach in the conference, signaling the university's commitment to football success. Meanwhile, Jackson brings his characteristic confidence and "take no prisoners" mentality to a Delaware State program looking to rebound from consecutive dismal seasons.

In the SWAC, Jackson State continues to thrive under TC Taylor despite the post-Deion Sanders era. Quarterback Jacobian Morgan, who rejected transfer portal opportunities to remain with his hometown team, anchors a roster loaded with returning talent and strategic additions. The Tigers enter as clear favorites to repeat as conference champions and return to the Celebration Bowl.

The transfer portal era has dramatically reshaped roster management, particularly affecting Division II powerhouses. Virginia Union head coach Dr. Alvin Parker revealed the jarring experience of losing 17 players to the portal immediately following their Elite Eight playoff run, illustrating how quickly program trajectories can change in today's college football environment.

Southern University presents an intriguing case study in player redemption, with former LSU four-star running back Trey Holly joining head coach Terrence Graves' program. While Holly brings elite talent to the backfield, quarterback uncertainty looms as Southern prepares for their season opener against North Carolina Central in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge.

As we kick off another exciting season of HBCU football, download the HBCU Gameday app for complete coverage of all the action, from conference battles to the Celebration Bowl and everything in between.

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Breaking news from Howard University shakes up the HBCU leadership landscape as President Ben Vincent III announces he'll step down as the institution's 18th president effective August 31st, 2025. This surprise Friday announcement from the Board of Trustees marks a significant moment for one of America's premier historically Black universities.

During his tenure, Dr. Vincent prioritized advancing Howard's strategic initiatives in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence and data science while expanding global engagement opportunities for students. Board Chair Leslie D. Hale formally acknowledged Dr. Vincent's contributions, expressing gratitude for his service and leadership while wishing him well in future endeavors. Dr. Vincent himself reflected that his primary focus has always been the Howard community's well-being and success, noting that he plans to spend time with family and continue his research after departing.

The transition brings a familiar face back to Howard's leadership. Dr. Wayne Frederick, the university's highly-regarded 17th president and current president emeritus, will step in as interim president while the board conducts its search for the next permanent leader. Dr. Frederick's previous presidency was marked by significant academic advancements and athletic program growth, making him a trusted figure to guide the university through this period of change. Presidential transitions at HBCUs carry special significance in higher education, and having Dr. Frederick's steady hand at the helm should provide continuity during what could otherwise be a challenging time.

What qualities should Howard University seek in its next leader? How might this change impact Howard's trajectory in the coming years? Follow this developing story on HBCUGameday.com or download our app available in both Apple and Google Play stores to stay informed about this significant leadership evolution at one of America's most influential HBCUs.

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Tolly Carr and Symone Stanley dive into the latest HBCU football news and preview the upcoming season with insights on key matchups, coaching changes, and emerging storylines. They analyze how former NFL stars are transforming HBCU football programs while discussing conference realignments and season predictions.

• Shedeur Sanders suffers oblique injury during Eagles-Browns joint practice after impressive preseason debut
• Jalen Hurts and Shadeur Sanders share special moment, connecting over similar experiences with media scrutiny
• North Carolina Central faces Southern University in MEAC-SWAC Challenge, potentially previewing Celebration Bowl matchup
• Former MEAC powerhouses Hampton and North Carolina A&T continue struggling in non-HBCU conferences
• NFL legends Michael Vick and Desean Jackson bring star power as first-time head coaches at Norfolk State and Delaware State
• Jackson State and Southern University predicted to win their SWAC divisions and potentially meet in championship
• Female announcers Ty Floyd and Symone Stanley breaking barriers as play-by-play voices for HBCU football games

Make sure to follow us throughout the season as we bring you coverage of all the exciting HBCU football action from the MEAC-SWAC Challenge through the Celebration Bowl.

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Dr. Alvin Parker opens up about the dramatic shifts reshaping college football while balancing his dual identity as championship-winning coach and published author. With remarkable candor, he recounts walking off the field after Virginia Union's Elite Eight playoff loss feeling confident with 13 returning starters, only to lose 17 players to the transfer portal just two weeks later.

Rather than lamenting these departures, Parker embraces a refreshingly positive perspective. "I promise every guy when they came to Virginia Union, I promise all of them you'll leave here better than you were when you came," he explains. This player-centered philosophy has helped Parker navigate college football's new business reality while maintaining Virginia Union's success with back-to-back CIAA championships and a stellar 51-15 record during his tenure.

The conversation delves into Parker's second book, "Play for 11 Leadership," which distills leadership lessons applicable beyond sports into business and education. Drawing from his background as a journalism major and his doctoral education, Parker offers unique insights into building sustainable success despite constant change. He discusses adapting from purely player development to roster management, maintaining program culture despite coaching turnover, and observing the CIAA's evolution from defensive to offensive-focused programs.

What emerges is a blueprint for principled leadership amid unprecedented change. Whether discussing potential career opportunities, celebrating players advancing to higher levels, or analyzing conference trends, Parker demonstrates how to maintain core values while embracing evolution. For anyone interested in leadership, college athletics, or building successful organizations in turbulent environments, Parker's journey offers invaluable lessons on balancing tradition with transformation.

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Dreams sometimes arrive at unexpected moments. For Coach Toriano Morgan, the call to return to Tennessee State University—his alma mater where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees—came at what seemed like an inopportune time. Yet when your dream job beckons, timing becomes secondary.

Morgan candidly shares the whirlwind 48 hours that led to his transition from head coach at Edward Waters University to co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach at Tennessee State. Despite speculation about possible dissension at EWU, Morgan sets the record straight, expressing profound gratitude toward the institution that gave him his first collegiate head coaching opportunity. "EWU has been nothing but outstanding to me and my family," he emphasizes, noting the support he received to build the program.

His coaching philosophy reveals a leader confident enough to surround himself not with yes-men, but with experienced coaches offering diverse perspectives. This approach not only served him well at Edward Waters but ensured the program remained in capable hands with interim head coach Brian Jenkins following his departure. Morgan reunites with head coach Reggie Barlow, with whom he previously worked at Virginia State University, creating a seamless transition built on established trust. "Everywhere he goes he doesn't just win, he wins championships," Morgan notes about Barlow.

As Tennessee State prepares to defend their Ohio Valley Conference championship, Morgan brings valuable experience and a methodical "brick by brick" approach to building on last year's success. With his sights set on their opener against North Carolina A&T, and his long-term aspiration to eventually lead an HBCU Division I program, Morgan's homecoming to TSU represents both a full-circle moment and an exciting new chapter for Big Blue Tigers football. Follow Coach Morgan's journey this season as he helps Tennessee State pursue another championship run!

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