Stats Perform is bringing a greater spotlight to athletes, students and stories at Historically Black Colleges and Universities through a partnership with Urban Edge Network. Included in the 2024 college football season are both HBCU FCS Player and Team of the Week awards and a season-ending HBCU FCS National Player of the Year Award, each presented by HBCU+.
The 2024 HBCU football season was so good, that it feels like it flew by.
It turned out to be another historic season of great games and achievements.
With all that has happened, let’s take a look back at some of the best parts of the 2024 HBCU football season:
Story of the Year: Jackson State Breaks Through
After the Tigers lost the 2022 Celebration Bowl in overtime – their second straight defeat in the season-ending SWAC vs. MEAC matchup – coach Deion Sanders departed for the Colorado job, and a mass exodus of key players followed him out the door. It left new coach TC Taylor, a JSU alum and an assistant coach under Coach Prime, with picking up the pieces at the SWAC school.
Taylor and his staff went to work rebuilding the roster, and only two years later, the Tigers were back in the HBCU national championship game, where they dominated South Carolina State 28-7. It marked the SWAC’s second consecutive win in the Celebration Bowl and narrowed the MEAC’s overall lead to 6-3.
This was not a situation in which JSU just rode the wave that was created by Coach Prime’s presence – the Tigers were rebuilt in a tougher, more resilient way.
Coach of the Year: Eddie George, Tennessee State
Yes, this nod could have gone to Taylor or to South Carolina State first-year coach Chennis Berry, who led the MEAC champion Bulldogs to the Celebration Bowl appearance as well. However, George led Tennessee State to its first conference championship since 1999 (a title share in the Big South-OVC). They did it on the final day of the regular season by defeating then-No. 11 Southeast Missouri.
George was named the Big South-OVC Coach of the Year and finished second in the voting for the Eddie Robinson Award, which honors the FCS coach of the year. The Tigers secured their highest win total (nine) and first FCS playoff appearance since 2013.
Offensive Player of the Year: Eric Phoenix, QB, South Carolina State
Let’s just forget about the Celebration Bowl, where there clearly were some health issues with Phoenix. This season, he led SCSU to a MEAC championship, and all quarterbacks in the conference in passing yards (2,603), touchdown passes (20), completion percentage (62.5) and passing efficiency (154.1). He added 242 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
That’s why he won the inaugural HBCU+ National Player of the Year Award along with MEAC offensive player of the year and other accolades.
Defensive Player of the Year: Elijah Williams, DL, Morgan State
Williams has been one of the more consistently great defensive players in the FCS over the past four seasons, and 2024 capped it off. He was a finalist for HBCU+ National Player of the Year and the Buck Buchanan Award for national defensive honors. The MEAC defensive player of the year also was named to the Stats Perform FCS All-America second team.
The defensive disruptor known as “Agent 0” racked up 15 tackles for loss and 11 sacks as a senior, which lifted him atop the Morgan State career charts at 52 and 31, respectively. His unique blend of size, strength and explosiveness has garnered the attention of NFL scouts.
Breakout Performer of the Year: Javonnie Gibson, WR, UAPB
Before the 2024 HBCU football season, few knew Gibson on a national level. He transferred to Arkansas-Pine Bluff from Division II Arkansas Monticello as a hybrid wide receiver/tight end.
This season, he racked up 70 receptions for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns. At 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, he was an explosive deep threat who averaged 17.4 yards per reception.
The All-SWAC first-team selection will transfer to Oklahoma for another season.
Upset of the Year: Mississippi Valley State 24-21 Over Florida A&M
MVSU was on a 15-game losing streak when it traveled to Tallahassee to take on 2023 SWAC and Celebration Bowl champion Florida A&M, which was a 31-point favorite and riding a 23-game home winning streak since 2018.
The Delta Devils jumped out to a 24-10 halftime lead behind Ty’Jarian Williams’ two touchdown passes – and that’s all they needed. FAMU scored 11 points in the second half and got its final possession down to the MVSU 13-yard line, but the Rattlers fumbled the ball away to the Delta Devils’ Donovan Parham.
Best Move of the Year: Norfolk State Hires Michael Vick
It’s never too early to look to the 2025 HBCU football season after Norfolk State named NFL and Virginia Tech legend Michael Vick as its new head football coach. The former Pro Bowl quarterback continues the recent trend of former players becoming a head coach without prior experience. But expect Vick to surround himself with talented, experienced coaches.
The move was a slam dunk for Norfolk State. Vick is a Virginia native who should be able to pull excellent talent into the program and his presence should generate better financial opportunities. If he can help build the program to consistent success, then watch out because that area has long been loaded with talented players to be kept at home.
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