Football, within the realm of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU), is experiencing a wave of excitement, and the start of spring training has set the stage for a thrilling 2025 season. **FILE** Howard football coach Larry Scott is excited for the upcoming season, which has games scheduled at NFL stadiums for three consecutive weeks. (Courtesy of Howard University)“We’re excited about the upcoming season and the opportunity for our student-athletes to be on big stages to demonstrate the competitive excellence that we know they’re capable of,” said Howard University head coach Larry Scott when announcing the upcoming season. NFL legend Deion Sanders sparked a movement to elevate HBCU football programs in 2020 when he became the head coach of Jackson State University in 2020, and now, continuing his coaching journey at the University of Colorado.
Sanders’ groundbreaking path has earned admiration from NFL greats and college football legends alike, as they join him in reshaping the history of college football.“Deion Sanders is doing what every former Black NFL star who coaches should do…Go to an HBCU…get top national recruits…build a program and level the playing field…change HBCU football forever,” one social media user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.From program revamps to standout HBCU alums stepping into prominent roles, and players having the opportunity to gain valuable support and embark on new forms of player development, the buzz in the air is becoming undeniable. With programs reaching new heights and competition intensifying, the upcoming season could mark the beginning of a new era of growth for HBCU stature, especially within the NFL draft. “Every HBCU player that gets drafted or signed to play in any professional football league is progress,” Gerald Huggins, director of football operations and video coordinator at Morgan State University, wrote on X in 2023.
Below are three key HBCU football highlights that are propelling the momentum this offseason. Stay tuned for more coverage as spring season gets underway.Michael Vick is reshaping Norfolk State University’s football program with a powerhouse staff of coaches, paving the way for a new era of excellence for the Spartans. The legendary quarterback, former No. 1 NFL draft pick and four-time Pro Bowl selection, was appointed as the 19th head coach of Norfolk state, after receiving unanimous approval by the Board of Visitors in December of 2024. His leadership, along with a deep connection to the Hampton Roads area, is set to enhance the program’s recruiting efforts and overall performance.
“Coach Vick is one of the most electric athletes to ever come out of Virginia,” said Norfolk State Athletics Director Dr. Melanie Webb. “From humble beginnings to massive stardom, we hope that his story will translate to student-athletes here at Norfolk State.” One of Vick’s most notable coaching additions is Tory Woodbury, who joins the Spartans as special teams coordinator. Woodbury brings a vast amount of experience, having previously served at Howard University in 2024, where he made a major impact on the Bison’s Special Teams. Under his guidance, Howard blocked six field goals, ranking fifth in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), and was one of only two Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) teams to prevent a blocked punt all season. But Woodbury’s impact on the game of football doesn’t stop at the collegiate level. His career includes a Super Bowl win with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022, along with eight years in the NFL with teams such as the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints. With Woodbury and other seasoned coaches like former NFL players Terence Garvin and Elton Brown joining Vick’s staff, Norfolk State football is poised for an exciting future in college football.
The addition of these football professionals marks a transformative step for the Spartans as they work to build back a sustainable yet competitive football program. “I am confident,” Webb continued, “that our football program will establish sustainable recruiting pipelines in the state of Virginia and across the country with this hire.”Delaware State Hornets Set for a Positive Rebuild Under DeSean Jackson’s LeadershipNFL great and former wide receiver DeSean Jackson is set to lead the Delaware State University football program into a new era of rebuild and success. Announced as the Hornet’s head coach by Delaware State Athletic Director Tony Tucker in December 2024, Jackson’s leadership promises to instill the team with discipline, energy, and a focus on student-athletes. “DeSean Jackson is a perfect fit for our institution – incredibly competitive, optimistic about the prospects for our collective future, and focused on the fundamentals of the institution: STUDENTS FIRST,” said Tucker, who is also senior associate vice president for athletics and wellness, in a statement.
The former Philadelphia Eagles star, known for his speed and record-breaking play making, is considered to be a strong advocate for HBCUs and their influence on professional sports. Jackson’s mission is to build a wavelength of championship culture in the Hornet’s program by fostering mentorship, growth, and accountability. Jackson, a three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, brings a significant wealth of football knowledge and a deep connection to various recruiting regions for Delaware State such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. His hiring comes at such a full circle moment for the university as they embark on a $25-$30 million athletic renovation, which includes major facility upgrades. With strong support from NFL figures such as Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid and Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay, Jackson’s vision for the Hornets is to revolutionize and enhance the experience of student-athletes at Delaware State. “I stand here today humbled and ready to embrace the responsibility of developing our student-athletes,” Jackson said when accepting the position in December. “My commitment is to instill in them the value of hard work, discipline, and pride as they represent this prestigious university. We will be a team that emphasizes excellence on and off the field.”Howard University to Play in NFL Stadiums, Historic MatchupsIn the 2025 season, the Howard University Bison are set to play against Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic, the first time participating in the special game since 1974. While the Orange Blossom Classic will be played at Hard Rock Stadium, home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, this will be the first of three consecutive weeks Howard plays in professional stadiums. The Bison will also play against Temple University, playing at the home field of the Philadelphia Eagles, Lincoln Financial Field, and the following week take on Morehouse College in the the HBCU NY Classic, which will be held at MetLife Stadium, where the New York Jets and New York Giants call home.“For the last several years, Howard University has seen a renaissance within our athletics programs, with our student athletes winning championships in multiple sports,” said Howard University Athletic Director Kery Davis. “This schedule will allow people in different regions to see the caliber of student-athletes we have and hopefully inspire students to consider coming to Howard where they can get a great education and compete in high-quality NCAA competition.”
Source: Washington Informer
