The Ohio Valley Conference is returning to its original name and logo beginning in the fall.

The conference had merged with the Big South to form the Big South-OVC Football Association from 2023-24 and OVC-Big South Association for 2025.

Tennessee State is a member of the OVC. The Tigers were the first HBCU to join a predominately white conference.

“The return to a unified OVC football identity represents more than a rebrand; it signifies a reset, a refocus and the start of an exciting new direction for our league,” OVC Commissioner Matt Wilson said. “Over the last three seasons, our association has provided the competitive foundation we needed. Now, with eight programs in the association aligned under one brand, we have the clarity, momentum and share purpose to elevate what OVC football can be for years to come.”

WOMEN

N.C. Central

Track stars Tia Lucas and T’Sheylah Moore earned 2025-26 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors. Student-athletes must be at least a sophomore and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, and finish among the top 50 performers in the region to qualify.

Lucas is a two-time conference champion in the high jump, and Moore moved up to 45^th regionally in the 400-meter dash.

MEN

N.C. Central

Shot putter Julian Williams also earned All-District honors after finishing 34^th in the Southeast Region rankings.

And in basketball, coach LeVelle Moton is keeping the transfer portal hopping. Claflin guard Cristian Sanon and Morgan State forward Christian Meeks (one without an “h” and one with an “h” in his name) are coming to Eagleland.

Shaw

The CIAA announced the athletes attending  next month’s Football Media Day. Coach Lamar Manigo will bring Alexander Marsh and Keyshaun Powell to Durham on July 15.

The CIAA Live the Legacy Golf Tournament kicks off the event July 13 at Hillandale Golf Course.

Then, a youth football clinic is on the 14th at Hillside High from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for grades three through eight.

You know it’s going to be hot as hades. CC will see you at the breakfast.

Virginia Union

Record-setting running back Jada Byers is officially retiring from football. Byers made the announcement late last week on his Instagra page.

He played all four years at VUU, setting a program record 5,978 rushing yards and 71 rushing touchdowns. He was signed by the United Football League’s Memphis Showboats in 2025 and later played in the CFL.

Jackson State

Well, well, lookie here!

ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins will become the Tigers’ general manager of men’s basketball.

First, John Wall goes to Howard in a similar position and now this. You know the next question CC, and everybody else, wants to know is: How much are they getting paid?

And speaking of Jackson State, congrats to alumnus Dave Clark on being inducted into the 2026 College Baseball Hall of Fame. Joining Clark from HBCU country is Florida A&M alumnus Marquis Grisson. Visit blackcollegenines.com for more on the HOFers.

Savannah State

Alumnus Joseph Hampton has signed a contract with the Arena League’s Nebraska Siege.

Hampton amassed 2,357 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns during his four years. Last season he rushed for 408 yards and six TDs, and caught 15 passes for 142 yards. He also averaged 23.8 yards on kickoffs.

Baseball

The HBCU Swingman Classic presented by USA Baseball is July 10 in Philadelphia. The idea was created by Major League star Ken Griffey Jr.

Fifty Division I HBCU players will showcase their talents on a national stage and before pro scouts. This is the fifth year of the classic, which will be broadcast on MLB Network, or you can buy tickets at mlb.tickets.com.

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