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Miami Herald
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Jackson State quarterback driven to cement HBCU legend status
BIRMINGHAM, AL - HBCU football is no stranger to stars, but few embody the spirit of their school quite like Jackson State quarterback Jacobian Morgan. After transferring home to Mississippi from Syracuse University in 2023, Morgan quickly found his place under new head coach T.C. Taylor. By 2024, he had led Jackson State back to the SWAC Championship and a dominant win in the Celebration Bowl. Now, entering the 2025 season as the SWAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and a Walter Payton Award Watch List member, Morgan is ready to carry the offense-and the HBCU legacy-on his back. From Syracuse to StardomMorgan's journey back to Jackson was both strategic and personal."I'm a loyalty guy," he said. "Even though I left Syracuse - that's something I didn't want to do - but I just knew it was best for me. And then I had T.C. Taylor, one of the best people I have in my life. I knew I made the right decision."That decision paid off quickly. Morgan not only found his rhythm on the field, but his connection with Taylor helped him unlock his potential as a leader."Year one, you seen the blueprint," Morgan said. "Year two, we knew we had a great game plan… just believing in coach-it got us to a championship."Leading a Legacy Program Taylor, entering his third year at the helm of Jackson State, didn't shy away from putting the pressure on Morgan. "This is the year that we have to turn the football over to Jacobian Morgan," Taylor said. "He shared that load with Irv Mulligan last year. So now this time it's on him… but he doesn't have to go out there and be Superman each and every snap." That balance-responsibility without burden-is something both coach and quarterback embrace. For Morgan, the goal is simple. "I just want to be a legend [at Jackson State]," he said. "I don't want to just move around, go from school to school… I want to be a stable guy." Bright Lights and Big Moments Morgan's breakout season in 2024 included clutch performances in high-stakes games. But an early loss to Grambling State turned out to be a turning point. "That loss… it was a lesson," Morgan said. "It taught us who we are… to stay humble, stay grounded, and don't take no team lightly. That game there was definitely a pivotal point. I feel like it was a great reason why we won the Celebration Bowl and the SWAC Championship."Morgan shined on the biggest stage, delivering a standout performance at the Celebration Bowl that boosted his national profile."You want to put on your best ball right there," he said. "Display for the scouts out there that may want to recruit you to the league. That right there was a blessing… to get it done for Jackson State was amazing." Staying Home, Building History While many quarterbacks with Morgan's trajectory might test the transfer waters or declare early for the draft, he's staying reason? Home."I love this city. I love Jackson. I love the team and everything they bring," he said. "Coming home and having everybody at every game-you're going to get love from the fans, from the stands, family. You see your fam out there, they happy, and it makes them smile. So that's why I do it."Taylor sees that loyalty as the foundation for even greater things."Relationships are right," Taylor said. "They believe in me and our culture at Jackson State." The Road Ahead Despite returning as champions, neither Morgan nor Taylor is coasting into 2025. Taylor knows the Celebration Bowl win is just a stepping stone."We talk about tradition at JSU. JSU has a winning brand," he said. "These guys are still hungry. We talk about running it back-and that's what they've been doing each and every week since the end of May."For Morgan, the mission is clear: take Jackson State back to the mountaintop, and do it with purpose."We're going back for sure," he said with a smile. With Jacobian Morgan under center, Jackson State isn't just chasing another title-it's building a legacy rooted in homegrown pride, HBCU tradition, and unwavering belief. The post Jackson State quarterback driven to cement HBCU legend status appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Former Jackson State star signs with Dallas Cowboys
After an up-and-down journey in the NFL, former Jackson State star and Detroit Lions edge rusher James Houston has signed with the Dallas Cowboys, according to multiple reports. Houston, a 2022 sixth-round pick out of Jackson State, began his career on the Lions' practice squad. He made an immediate impact after being activated, debuting on Thanksgiving Day with a two-sack performance against the Buffalo Bills. He went on to tally eight sacks in just seven games, quickly becoming one of the league's most surprising breakout rookies. Despite that early success, Houston struggled to carve out a consistent role. In the 2023 offseason, Detroit experimented with him at SAM linebacker, but the fit didn't stick. His momentum took another hit when he fractured his ankle while covering a punt in Week 2 against Seattle, sidelining him for most of the season. He returned just in time for the NFC Championship game. In 2024, the Lions gave Houston another opportunity as a traditional defensive end. However, he began the season as a healthy scratch. An injury to star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson opened the door for Houston to get back on the field, but he was ultimately waived on November 26. Now, Houston gets a fresh start with Dallas, a team actively building depth behind Micah Parsons. His mix of speed and burst off the edge makes him a compelling low-risk, high-reward signing for the Cowboys. At Jackson State University, James Houston was a dominant force on defense. In his lone season (2021), he recorded 70 total tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, and 1 interception, helping lead JSU to an SWAC Championship and earning FCS All-American honors. At 25 years old, James Houston has a chance to revive his career and contribute to one of the NFC's top contenders, the Dallas Cowboys. The post Former Jackson State star signs with Dallas Cowboys appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
NCAT hires first ever female coach to lead men's program
North Carolina A&T State University, a proud HBCU, has named Mesha Levister as the new director of men's and women's golf. Director of Athletics Earl M. Hilton III announced the hire on Thursday. Levister is the third director in program history and the first woman to lead A&T's golf programs. She also becomes the first female head coach of a men's varsity sport at A&T. "I'm excited to return to my home state of North Carolina," Levister said. "Being close to family, friends, and coaching in the Triad-a great golf community-is an incredible opportunity. I'm honored to join North Carolina A&T and look forward to leading these teams with purpose, passion, and integrity." Levister played golf at North Carolina Central University, another respected HBCU. She helped launch the women's golf program there in 2020. She later thrived at Prairie View A&M University. In 2023, she led the Panthers to a second-place finish at the SWAC Championship and earned SWAC Women's Golf Coach of the Year. She coached nine All-SWAC players and maintained a 3.1 GPA or higher for the men's team. This past season Prairie View A&M concluded the tournament with a team score of +144, placing them just behind leaders Alabama State, Southern, and Bethune-Cookman. This spring, Prairie View also finished fourth in the prestigious PGA Works Collegiate Championships. "Coach Levister is a trailblazer in the golf community," Hilton said. "We are thrilled to welcome her to Aggie Athletics." Levister's golf journey began early. In 2004, she became the first African American to win the Virginia Women's Amateur. That same year, she was named VSGA Golfer of the Year. She later joined the LPGA Futures Tour and competed worldwide before moving into coaching. "My coaching philosophy is built on service and accountability," Levister said. "I am committed to developing student-athletes on and off the course." The post NCAT hires first ever female coach to lead men's program appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jackson State, T.C. Taylor honored at Black College Football Hall of Fame
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Jackson State and head football coach T.C. Taylor were honored at the Black College Football Hall of Fame on was named the Black College Football Coach of the Year after leading Jackson State to a 12-2 record. He led the Tigers to the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) East Division crown and the SWAC Championship before winning the school's first Cricket Celebration Bowl on its way to a national title. Jackson State wins award for top men's program in SWAC Taylor was named to the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year list as the top FCS coach, while amassing a 19-7 overall record in his time at the helm of Jackson State. Meanwhile, the Tigers were named the HBCU National Team of the Year following the national title season. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Miami Herald
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Bethune-Cookman ready for ACC rematch on the diamond
Bethune-Cookman University heads into the NCAA Tallahassee Regional with momentum and belief, taking on host Florida State out of the ACC on Friday at 3 p.m. ET at Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium. The Wildcats (SWAC champions) enter the four-team regional as the No. 4 seed, while the Seminoles are the No. 9 national seed and ranked No. 7 in the latest Top 25. This marks Bethune-Cookman's sixth appearance in the Tallahassee Regional. The Wildcats are winless in 10 previous games, including five losses to Florida State. Head Coach Jonathan Hernandez, fresh off celebrating his daughter's high school graduation, believes this year's squad is different. "We come into this regional with nothing to lose. That makes us dangerous," Hernandez said. "Nobody expects us to win, but we believe." The Wildcats' belief is bolstered by a dramatic walk-off win over Florida A&M in the SWAC Championship, where Andrey Martinez's three-run homer capped a 19th come-from-behind victory of the season. Martinez tied the program's single-season home run record (20), and shortstop Jeter Polledo went 4-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the title game. Florida State (38-14), led by ACC Player and Defensive Player of the Year Alex Lodise, boasts a .315 team batting average and averages nearly eight runs per game. The Seminoles finished runner-up in the ACC and are making their 61st NCAA Tournament appearance. Bethune-Cookman will need another inspired performance to challenge the Seminoles and snap their postseason drought. Our Vaughn Wilson will be at the game embedded with the Wildcats. Stay with HBCU Gameday for updates, details and behind-the-scenes access with Bethune-Cookman University. The post Bethune-Cookman ready for ACC rematch on the diamond appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
