Randall Barnes Articles - Page 11

Florida State University made a major move to bolster its football program by hiring Devin Rispress, formerly Colorado’s assistant director of player personnel and high school relations. Rispress is leaving Deion Sanders’ staff to return to Florida, where he has a proven track record of recruiting top talent. Rispress announced his departure on his social […]

Television ratings for the Celebration Bowl jumped significantly this year, marking a turnaround after last season’s decline in viewership. The 2024 matchup between HBCU football powerhouses Jackson State and South Carolina State drew an audience of 2.1 million viewers, a 37% increase compared to last year’s total of 1.5 million, according to ESPN. This rise […]

Micahel Vick and Norfolk State are set to play in their first “Battle of the Bay” against rival Hampton University. On October 4th, Norfolk State University will face off against Hampton University at Armstrong Stadium in Hampton, Virginia. The matchup marks the first meeting between the two longtime rivals under the leadership of Vick. Hired […]

On Wednesday’s edition of ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith weighed in on the hire of Michael Vick at Norfolk State University. Vick and Norfolk State came to an agreement for him to become the next head coach of the program following the dismissal of head coach Dawson Odoms after four seasons at the helm […]

After weeks of speculation, Michael Vick issued his first statement after becoming head coach of Norfolk State University. The Virginia native confirmed the news on his Facebook page, announcing he is the new coach of the Spartans. He also shared his excitement about the opportunity to lead the program. “It’s an honor to announce that […]

Sacramento State lost out in the Michael Vick sweepstakes, as he’s set to become the head coach of Norfolk State but they have brought on another promising coaching candidate. Per a report by CBS Sports writer Cameron Salerno, the Hornets are set to hire UNLV offensive coordinator Brennan Marion as the next head coach. Marion […]

NFL great and current Fox Sports NFL analyst Michael Vick has been hired as the next head coach of Norfolk State University, per multiple reports. The move follows reports that Sacramento State University looked to secure his services, touting FBS ambitions and an expansive NIL budget. The chatter of Vick being in the running to […]

Fox Sports NFL analyst and former football great Michael Vick has caused a stir in the college football world as he’s been linked to two open head coaching positions Reports emerged this week linking Vick to the head coaching vacancy at Sacramento State, with Sacramento State President J. Luke Wood confirming discussions with the former […]

Trayvis Hunter, the younger brother of Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, has taken the first big step in his own football journey. The Effingham County High School sophomore wide receiver announced Monday on X (formerly Twitter) that he received his first college offer from Eddie George and Tennessee State University. “Blessed to receive my 1st […]

Following his Heisman trophy victory on Saturday, Travis Hunter responded to the online criticisms of his girlfriend Leanna Lenee. During his emotional acceptance speech, Hunter thanked Lenee and his mother, crediting their unwavering support throughout his career. “First, I want to thank my fiancée and my mother,” Hunter said. “They’ve been with me since the […]

Former NFL star and current Fox Sports analyst Michael Vick has attracted interest from two FCS programs looking to bring him on as their next head coach. Earlier today, Michael Sauls and David Teel of the Virginian Pilot reported that Vick has interviewed for the position as the next head coach of Norfolk State University, […]

WWE’s Saturday Night Main Event featured a compelling nod to HBCU pride courtesy of WWE superstar Michin. She proudly represented her alma mater, Virginia Union University, prior to her historic match against Chelsea Green. The match aired live on NBC, as the two faced off to become the first Women’s United States Champion. Making her […]

Colorado star Travis Hunter won the 2024 Heisman Trophy in what will be remembered as one of the smallest margins of victory in the history of the award. Hunter and Boise State star Ashton Jeanty were seen as the favorites in the Heisman race throughout the season, as both delivered historic performances every time they […]

Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter won the 2024 Heisman trophy this evening and he paid homage to his HBCU roots while doing so. Hunter made history as the first Heisman Trophy winner to have played the FCS level and the first winner to have come from an HBCU. “I thank all my brothers through college, […]

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect that the Associated Press, not NBA.com, wrote the original description calling the matchup, “not ideal.” The Thunder and Rockets are gearing up for a high-stakes battle in the Emirates NBA Cup live from Las Vegas, but it appears that a story which appeared on NBA.com via […]

New FIU head coach Willie Simmons weighed in on Jackson State winning the 2024 Cricket Celebration Bowl 28-7 over South Carolina State. Simmons recently led the Florida A&M Rattlers to a SWAC Championship and Celebration Bowl victory last season, breaking the MEAC’s five-game winning streak in the contest. “Congratulations to Jackson State and HC T.C. […]

The 2024 Cricket Celebration Bowl delivered a dominant performance from Jackson State, who claimed a 28-7 victory over South Carolina State on Saturday. The win marked a significant milestone for head coach T.C. Taylor, his first since taking over the program from Deion Sanders in 2022. However, one of the game’s most memorable moments came […]

Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel is a Heisman trophy finalist but, in an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, he weighed in on who would get his vote between Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty. The Heisman trophy race increasingly looks as if it will be between Hunter and Jeanty, who both have had historic seasons. Currently, Hunter is […]

This week Caitlin Clark was named Time Magazine’s Athlete of the Year and her comments from her wide-ranging interview with the publication about the WNBA and white privilege drew the ire of many, particularly SiriusXM host Megyn Kelly. “I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there is privilege. […]

Following South Carolina State’s dominant 31-10 victory over Jackson State in the 2021 Celebration Bowl, Cobie Durant told a story about an encounter he had in the mall. “Another thing I’d say is that we had a little free time to go around Atlanta. I was in the mall with my teammates and the people […]

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill took to Instagram on Thursday evening to share a heartfelt update regarding his injury. On December 1st, Hill suffered a season-ending ACL injury in the team’s 21-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He was placed on injury reserve last Friday. Hill has been noticeably silent, making his […]

The CIAA is suspending Saint Augustine’s University’s HBCU athletic conference membership indefinitely due to their recent financial and operational struggles. The decision was rendered during the conference’s annual fall Board of Directors meeting on December 3-4 in Richmond, Virginia, and was confirmed in a statement. “The Board approved the indefinite suspension of Saint Augustine’s University, […]

Bill Belichick’s hiring at UNC has sparked widespread discussions in the sports world, but few takes are as unique as Stephen A. Smith’s perspective on his anticipated arrival with the Tar Heels. On the latest edition of First Take ffollowing Belichick’s hire to UNC, Smith said that the job was beneath him. “I do think […]

Jerry Mack is building out his coaching staff for the Kennesaw State Owls following his hire to the team earlier this month. The former North Carolina Central head coach and Jacksonville Jaguars assistant is building a formidable staff that looks to bring success to the Owls as they find their footing in the FBS. Mack […]

It seems as if North Carolina is willing to go all in on football with their hire of Bill Belichick and is committed to making the investments to build a winner. According to reports North Carolina is closing in on hiring Belichick, following days of rumors and speculation. He is expected to sign a three-year, […]

Grambling State University Lady Tigers are one of the best programs in HBCU basketball but coach Courtney Simmons wasn’t pleased after her team’s 100-54 loss to LSU, one of the top teams in the nation. HBCU programs often play money games against bigger programs to help with their athletic budget, with the practice being seen […]

Former Deion Sanders Jackson State standout Jeremiah Brown is leaving Colorado and is entering the transfer portal, per a report by Hayes Fawcett of On3. Brown was one of the many players to leave Jackson State once Sanders departed the program to lead Colorado. Brown, a standout player for the Tigers, initially flipped his commitment […]

Following the twenty-year anniversary of the Malice at the Palace, Metta Sandiford-Artest (formerly known as Ron Artest) shared that Michael Jordan was the only player who called him after the incident. The altercation between Ben Wallace and Ron Artest during the Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons game on November 19, 2004, remains one of the […]

Florida International University (FIU) is entering a new era as they’ve announced Willie Simmons as the next head coach of the football program. The news of Simmons securing a four-year contract to lead the Panthers was broken by ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Saturday morning and the athletics department officially confirmed the hire hours later. In […]

Willie Simmons college coaching career has culminated with his appointment at Florida International University. ESPN College Football reporter Pete Thamel revealed that the Panthers had agreed to a four-year deal with Simmons to lead the program following the departure of Mike McIntyre. Simmons is a tenured coach that has has varied experiences as a coordinator, […]

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese had nothing but great things to say about the Unrivaled league tipping off in January and the opportunities it’s providing for WNBA players. In an interview WAE, Reese spoke about the league and the benefits of it to her. “For one I’m staying in the states, I don’t have to […]

Travis Hunter had some fun at the expense of Deion Sanders on the latest edition of The Travis Hunter Show. The Buffaloes had an amazing season, finishing 9-3 and clinching a bid in a bowl game. Colorado ultimately fell short of making the Big 12 championship in their first season back in the conference and, ultimately, […]

Jordan Chiles has emerged as one of the biggest names in the sports world following her medal-winning performances in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Chiles currently attends UCLA. announcing that she was headed back to college life following the Olympics. “You all have been waiting for it — I am returning back to UCLA to represent […]

For the past two seasons, Ed Reed’s name has appeared in many conversations surrounding head coaching vacancies around the HBCU world. The chatter isn’t irrelevant. He wants to be a college coach. Last season Ed Reed even made his interest known in the open Texas Southern job. “@TXSOTigers can we talk #football,” Reed posted on […]

As the season winds down and the coaching carousel launches into full gear, it appears that former Florida A&M head coach and Duke University running back coach Willie Simmons is emerging as a often discussed name in the open coaching position at Florida International University (FIU). While Simmons has been mentioned and linked to many […]

Flordia A&M defensive star Kendall Bohler is looking to continue his football career at the highest level. In a statement on his social media accounts, Bohler announced that he is declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. His statement is below: With immense gratitude, I’m thrilled to officially declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. First, I […]

Mississippi Valley State University has officially parted ways with head football coach Kendrick Wade after two challenging seasons, according to a report from Football Scoop. Wade, an alumnus of MVSU, took the reins of the Delta Devils program in January 2023 following a coaching stint as a wide receivers coach at Fort Valley State University […]

Since Deion Sanders assumed leadership at Jackson State in 2020, the names of NFL legends have become a central part of discussions surrounding coaching, particularly within the HBCU community. From chatter about Ray Lewis’s viability as an HBCU coach and Ed Reed’s short-stint at Bethune-Cookman to the success of Eddie George at Tennessee State, there […]

On Monday Alabama A&M elected to move on from Connell Maynor, relieving him of his duties after seven years at the helm of the program. Conversations about the fate of Maynor following the lack of success that the Bulldogs accrued since winning the Spring 2021 SWAC Championship ran abound amongst HBCU football fans. Maynor was […]