HBCU Sports Recap: NFL Stars, Football Updates, Human Jukebox Emmy

HBCU Football and NFL Updates from the Weekend of August 15–17

As the preseason continues to heat up, several HBCU athletes are making their mark in the NFL, while other programs across the country are preparing for the upcoming season. Here's a look at the latest developments in HBCU sports.

Top Performers in the Preseason

Alcorn State University:
Chris Blair, a wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, has been a standout performer this preseason. In games against the Titans and Lions, he recorded two touchdown receptions, showcasing his ability to make big plays on the field.

Howard University:
Ian Wheeler, a running back for the Chicago Bears, faced some challenges early in the season, with one touchdown being called back due to a penalty. However, he finally broke through with a 9-yard touchdown against the Bills. His performance included 7 rushes for 20 yards against the Dolphins and 9 rushes for 28 yards with a touchdown against the Bills.

Jackson State University:
James Houston IV, an edge rusher for the team, has made significant contributions in both games against the Ravens and the Rams, recording multiple tackles and quarterback hits.
Shedeur Sanders, the quarterback, had a strong showing against the Panthers, completing 14 out of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, earning a 106.8 rating.
Travis Hunter, playing as a cornerback and wide receiver, also contributed with two receptions for nine yards.

Prairie View A&M’s Alumni Reunion

Prairie View A&M hosted a special event over the weekend, bringing together former football players for a reunion. The event, which was described as "two years in the works," emphasized the deep connection between past and present athletes. The phrase “blood in the bricks” highlighted the sacrifices and legacy of those who came before, reinforcing the program’s foundation. Additionally, the football team participated in a Bible study led by the head volleyball coach, Dottie Porch.

Tennessee State University’s Defensive Back Leaves

Tennessee State University suffered a loss when Camani Cobbs, an HBCU All-American defensive back, decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Cobbs shared that he will be entering the portal with three years of eligibility remaining, expressing gratitude for the opportunities he had at the university. He was previously named to the 2025 OVC-Big South Preseason Defensive Players to Watch list.

Alabama A&M’s Athletic Director Shares Vision

Dr. Paul Bryant, Vice President and Director of Athletics at Alabama A&M, spoke about the future of the university’s sports programs during a recent interview. He emphasized the growth of students, noting that they have moved from surviving to thriving. Dr. Bryant also highlighted the potential for exciting basketball seasons and new leadership in the program.

He mentioned the importance of student-athletes buying into the team’s culture and the attention to detail required for success. The upcoming Fan Day event is expected to bring excitement to all sports teams at the university. New voices like Thai Floyd and Brian Howard were also recognized for their contributions to the athletic department.

Southern University’s Upcoming Season

Southern University is preparing for the 2025 season, with a focus on improving its offensive consistency. WAFB's Kevin Batiste produced a compelling segment highlighting the team's progress, noting that when the offense scored 20 or more points, the team had an 8-0 record. However, when the offense fell below 20 points, the team struggled with a 0-5 record.

Additionally, the documentary "The Hidden Sport" won an Emmy Award for its exploration of the Southern University Human Jukebox, a renowned marching band integral to the university’s athletic culture.

Morehouse Football Alumni Awards

The Morehouse Football Alumni Association held its 5th Annual Tiger Awards Gala, celebrating outstanding individuals from the program. Honorees included Tamlin 'Buster' Antoine, Marcus Glover, Ajani Williams, Wayne Martin, and James 'Jimmy' Nix. The event was attended by Keisha Kelley of the Black College Experience, who praised the recognition of these influential figures.