The road to Atlanta is starting once again. With Spring practice in full swing, the 21 HBCU programs look to improve upon their respective 2024 seasons. Which two teams could clash at the 2025 Celebration Bowl in Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
Who Are the Best HBCUs Ahead of the 2025 Season
Last season, South Carolina State, champions of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, and Jackson State, champions of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, met in Atlanta to decide the top HBCU program in the country.
Jackson State was crowned champions, beating South Carolina State 28-7. The Tigers finished the season 12-2 (8-0). QB Jacobian Morgan earned MVP honors in the game, throwing for 233 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception. The former Syracuse QB was only the seventh true freshman to start a game at quarterback in school history.
Last season, Morgan threw for 2,051 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. On the ground, the dynamic playmaker added 225 yards and four touchdowns.
Jackson State is historically the best college program of the HBCU schools. They’ve won 19 Southwestern Atlantic Conference championships, to go along with four Black College National Championships.
1. Jackson State Tigers
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.
2. Tennessee State Tigers
This offseason, the Tigers hired a new head coach: former UFL’s D.C. Defenders’ Reggie Barlow. He will 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. Coach Barlow is excited for the new opportunity.
“Unbelievable! The chance to be at Tennessee State University, with its rich history, tradition, and legacy of amazing players and coaches — it’s truly an honor to follow in their footsteps… I’m humbled, blessed, and beyond excited!”
3. South Carolina State Bulldogs
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 overall record. They eventually lost to Jackson State in the Celebration Bowl, but even with the loss, they had a very successful season.
They look poised to build on last season’s success. However, starting quarterback Eric Phoenix, who won the HBCU+ National Player of the Year award last season, has 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.
4. North Carolina Central Eagles
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.
QB Walker Harris, who threw for 1,845 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six 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 transferred to Virginia this offseason.
5. Southern Jaguars
Head coach Terrence Graves became the first head coach to win the Bayou Classic last season with Grambling and Southern.
RELATED: Top 5 HBCUs To Watch in 2025
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.
Top 5 HBCU Stars to Watch Ahead of 2025
- S Robert McDaniel, Jackson State
- DL Elijah Williams, Morgan State
- OL Carson Vinson, Alabama A&M
- RB Irv Mulligan, Jackson State
- LB Aaron Smith, South Carolina State
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