Ending the 2024 season on a nine game win streak, the Celebration Bowl champs are the clear cut favorite to repeat.
With returning key players, specifically senior quarterback Jacobian Morgan, the Tigers look poised to run the table in the SWAC. However, they'll surely miss dynamic playmaker and running back Irv Mulligan, who rushed for 1,239 yards and 13 touchdowns. Mulligan, is set to enter the NFL draft.
This offseason the Tigers brought in a new head coach in former UFL's D.C. Defenders Reggie Barlow. He is set to succeed Eddie George, who was hired as Bowling Green's new coach.
The Tigers finished first in the Big South-OVC last season with a record of 9-4.
Last year, the Bulldogs hired new head coach Channis Berry. After struggling in 2023 with a record of 5-6, Berry quickly turned things around.
In 2024, the Bulldogs finished first in the MEAC with a 9-3 record overall. They would eventually lose to Jackson State in the Celebration Bowl, but even with the loss, they had a very successful season.
They look poised to piggyback off the success from last season. However, starting quarterback Eric Phoenix who won the HBCU+ National Player of the Year last season, declared for the NFL draft. He'll be succeeded by Ryan Stubblefield, a 6'6" senior who threw for 4 touchdowns against Norfolk State last season.
The Eagles finished 8-3 last season, second behind South Carolina State in the MEAC conference. They previously won the conference in back-to-back seasons in 2022 and 23'.
Quarterback Walker Harris, who threw for 1,845 yards, 18 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He returns to lead the way for the Eagles, in hopes of capturing their fifth Black College National Championship, and first since 2022.
However, the program will be without lead rusher and dynamic back, J'Mari Taylor, who transfered to Virginia this offseason.
Head coach Terrence Graves became the first head coach to win the Bayou Classic last season with both teams; Grambling and Southern.
The Jaguars finished first in the SWAC Southern division, with a 7-1 conference record and 8-5 overall. They lost to Jackson State in the conference championship 41-13.
The Jaguars look to claim their revenge this upcoming season.
