On September 22, U.S. News released its annual HBCU rankings for 2027. Southern University was ranked No. 48, tying with Bethune-Cookman University, Philander Smith College, Savannah State University, Stillman College, and West Virginia State University. When I first saw the ranking, I had mixed feelings about where Southern was ranked. Did I feel like Southern needed to be ranked No. 48? Yes and no. On one hand, I understand how the university received that ranking based on the factors U.S. News uses for their rankings. On the other hand, when I look at some of the other schools that ranked higher than Southern, in my humble opinion, we should have been ranked higher.

To understand why Southern was ranked No. 48, it is important to look at the factors U.S. News uses for their rankings. The rankings consider graduation rates, freshman retention rates, financial resources, faculty information, peer assessments, and student outcomes after graduation. I understand why these factors matter because they can indicate how well a university supports its students, prepares them for life after college, and how students can benefit from attending that institution.

One of the biggest factors affecting our ranking is our graduation rate. The graduation rate measures how many first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students complete their degree within four years. Based on my research, the newest official data available from Southern lists the four-year graduation rate at about 10%. Even though that number is concerning, I believe that number needs more context. Some of Southern’s major programs, including Engineering, can take students five years to complete because of their demanding requirements and how their degree flowcharts are set up. So, while the four-year graduation rate is something Southern needs to improve, I don’t think it tells the whole story of how long it takes every Southern student to graduate.

Another issue is admissions. Southern University talks frequently about the “Southern Standard,” but I think there needs to be more consistency between the standard we expect and the students we admit. Southern should continue providing the opportunities it already provides, but I also believe the university should try to recruit more students who have already shown that they can uphold a certain academic, personal, and professional standard. Additionally, students who are admitted should receive the support and resources they need to succeed.

Overall, I understand why Southern was ranked No. 48, but in my opinion, we could and should be higher. The ranking shows areas where Southern needs to improve, but it should not define the university as a whole. Instead, it should encourage Southern to look at admissions, student support, graduation rates, career opportunities, and whether every major receives the attention it deserves. Southern is more than just a number, but if we want that number to change, we have to be willing to look honestly at what is behind it, including making sure that strong programs like Nursing and Engineering continue to provide opportunities while majors such as Agriculture, Criminal Justice, Education, and Social Sciences receive the same attention and opportunities for their students. At the end of the day, the goal should not only be to move up in the rankings, but to ensure every student at Southern has the support, accessibility to opportunities, and resources they need to succeed, not only while attending Southern, but in their future post graduation careers.

Based on reporting by Southern University – SouthernDIGEST.

Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” On Sunday night, the Carolina Panthers proved patience pays.  Quarterback Bryce Young threw for 329 yards and two touchdowns as the Panthers defeated the Detroit Lions 32-26 during NBC Sports’ Sunday Night Football, the first time the Panthers were featured since 2015. And for large portions of that game, the score did not accurately indicate how dominant Bryce actually was.

Young was in total control. Calm. Decisive. Dialed in on every read. Detroit’s defense couldn’t stop a line of ants, and he shredded it anyway. It was the same point guard I photographed at Alabama not so long ago, only now with an NFL offense in his hands.

Tetairoa McMillan had 14 catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns. All the more remarkable considering Carolina was without Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette.

The numbers back it up. Through four games, Young has 1,268 yards, nine touchdowns, two interceptions, and a completion rate near 63%. Against Detroit, he hit 70%. He leads the league in passing first downs (63), completions of 10-plus yards (55), completions of 25-plus yards (13), and deep passing yards (321). His nine touchdown passes are tied for third.

So, is an MVP candidate emerging?

“Yeah, I heard it,” Young said. “In the moment, you’re just focusing on executing and trying to move the team. Obviously, a huge blessing, the support, and I mean the Bank tonight was electric. They caused some false starts. They made it hard on them, and when the Bank’s rocking like that, we take a lot of pride in that. So I’m super, super grateful for the fans.”

Yes, the Panthers have only faced the Bears, Falcons, Browns, and Lions. But Young is making the most of it. He’s building on what offensive coordinator Brad Izdik put in place: get the ball out on time and make the right read on every snap.

The critics have continually said of Young: he’s too short, he’s too light, he isn’t strong, he’s injury-prone, and he’s a bust. However, a quarterback in the NFL is only as good as the structure surrounding him. In four years, Young was sacked 128 times (including 10 this season). However, Young’s (and Carolina’s) perseverance is paying off.

During the bye week, Young and the Panthers will be reminded of Galatians 6:9. It says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

ATLANTA — DeWanna Bonner scored 23 points, and Jordin Canada added 25 points as the Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 92-82 at State Farm Arena on Sunday afternoon. Defensive Player of the Year Angel Reese contributed 17 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and three blocks.

This victory marked Atlanta’s first semifinal win since 2018, leaving them the only undefeated team remaining in the postseason. The Dream are currently on an eight-game winning streak, dating back to the regular season. Bonner’s addition on August 27th provided crucial veteran leadership as they pursue a potential championship.

“DB got into us at halftime, I’ll just say that,” said guard Jordin Canada. “We knew we didn’t play our best in the first half. We just weren’t aggressive enough on the defensive end or the offensive end. We talked about a second-half surge and emphasized that the first three minutes of the second half would be really important, so we came out ready to go.”

The Dream capitalized on New York Liberty turnovers, scoring 32 points off them, including 16 in the third quarter. 

“We tried to get her a couple of times, but it just never worked out,” said Dream head coach Karl Smesko, referring to Bonner. “I thought she was exactly what we needed. Not just because she is a veteran presence, but because she still plays like she did tonight. That was a huge performance. Whenever we needed a play, she made it.”

Meanwhile, New York’s Sabrina Ionescu scored 27 points. “They increased their defensive pressure, and we were driving into lanes without creating good outlets for our teammates,” said Ionescu. “We’ll review the film and understand that points off turnovers really matter, especially against a team that thrives on them.”

Atlanta’s Allisha Gray injured her hand in the first quarter but returned to the bench after her ring finger and pinkie were taped up.  

Game 2 will take place back at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Wednesday before the series moves to New York for Game 3 on Friday and, if necessary, Game 4 on Sunday.

Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese has been named the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year; the honor was announced Thursday afternoon. Reese edged out Golden State Valkyries guard Gabby Williams, who finished second with 20 votes. Las Vegas Aces standout A’ja Wilson placed third. Wilson won the award in 2022 and 2023, and last season she shared it with Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith.

In her first season with the Dream, the three-time All-Star helped Atlanta reach the WNBA semifinals for the first time since 2018.

Reese said she wants her teammates to share in the moment. “I have the trophy, but I definitely want Jordin [Canada] and Rhyne [Howard] to sign it because I think they deserve it just as much as I do,” she said. “I’m grateful for Atlanta, I’m grateful for my teammates and my coaches and all the supporting staff that supports us. This is just the beginning.”

Reese Leads the WNBA in Defensive Win Shares

Reese’s defensive impact showed up across the board. She led the league in Defensive Win Shares (3.39) and ranked fourth in defensive rating (100.0). Atlanta gave up 7.9 fewer points per 100 possessions with her on the court, the biggest defensive on/off swing among Dream rotation players.

Defensive Rebounding Fuels Atlanta’s Defense

Reese also finished the possession. She grabbed 7.3 defensive rebounds per game, fourth-most in the league, and Atlanta held opponents to a league-low 9.5 second-chance points per game.

Record-Setting Rebounding Season

Her work on the glass produced a historic year. Reese became the first player in WNBA history to reach 500 rebounds in a season, and she set single-season records for total rebounds, offensive rebounds, and double-doubles. She also set the league’s single-game rebounding record with 26 boards.

The WNBA named her its Peak Performer as the league’s top rebounder. She also became the first Dream player to win Eastern Conference Player of the Week three weeks in a row.

What began as a few encouraging words to Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen has grown into a community message – and a way to help nurture the next generation of journalists.

Earlier this year, Jacksonville Editor Lynn Jones offered spontaneous encouragement, telling him to ‘keep your head up’ and ‘keep it going.’ The exchange quickly went viral, gaining national and international attention across television sports programs, podcasts, social media and online video platforms.

The Jacksonville Free Press turned the unexpected attention into an opportunity to give back, creating “Keep Your Head Up” T-shirts inspired by Jones’ words. Hundreds of shirts have since been sold, with proceeds benefiting the Jacksonville Free Press Journalism Fund, which supports efforts to nurture, encourage and develop future journalists.

For Hammock and Bolden, the words extend beyond football. They said the message also serves as a reminder to their families to remain positive and keep moving forward through life’s victories and setbacks.

The shirts have allowed a fleeting viral moment to produce a more lasting impact. Proceeds from sales are helping support a fund focused on creating opportunities for aspiring journalists and encouraging young people to learn the importance of storytelling, community news and documenting history.

Based on reporting by Jacksonville Free Press.

Commissioners from HBCU athletic conferences joined university presidents and corporate leaders in Washington on Tuesday, Sept. 15, for the Salute to HBCU Sports Leadership Reception — an invitation-only gathering aimed at deepening investment in historically Black colleges and universities.

Hosted at Gensler’s K Street office, the evening brought together conference commissioners, campus presidents, and executives from sports, media and design organizations under the theme “Building Partnerships. Celebrating Excellence. Advancing HBCUs.” Gensler highlighted its partnership with Paxton Baker on the event in a post on Instagram, showcasing the room full of HBCU presidents and conference leaders.

Five Conferences, One Room

Commissioners from four NCAA conferences and one NAIA conference were on hand, representing institutions that compete across Division I, Division II and the NAIA:

Anthony Holloman — Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Charles McClelland — Southwestern Athletic Conference Jacqie McWilliams Parker — Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Sonja Stills — Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Kiki Baker Barnes — HBCU Athletic Conference

Their presence linked leadership from across the HBCU athletics landscape with campus administrators and organizations working in event management, design and media.

Presidents and Black Press Leadership in the Room

Among the university presidents in attendance were Prairie View A&M’s Tomikia P. LeGrande and Bowie State’s Aminta H. Breaux.

LeGrande’s appearance came just days after the Thurgood Marshall College Fund named her the recipient of its Educational Leadership Award, as announced by Prairie View A&M. She was honored at TMCF’s 39th Anniversary Gala on Sept. 12 in Washington. LeGrande has served as Prairie View A&M’s ninth president since June 2023.

Breaux, who has led Bowie State since July 2017, previously chaired the CIAA’s board of directors, according to her university biography.

Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, also attended — fitting, given the NNPA’s role as one of the reception’s presenting partners. Chavis and HBCU GO’s Lawrencia Moten conducted two 30-minute interview sessions with the conference commissioners, covering topics ranging from the NIL era to conference growth and the experience of leading HBCU athletics, according to HBCU GO President Curtis Symonds, who spoke with HBCU Legends about the sessions.

Corporate and Institutional Partners

Five organizations presented the reception together:

Gensler — the architecture and design firm that hosted the event Events DC — the District’s convention and sports authority USA Track & Field — the sport’s national governing body National Newspaper Publishers Association — representing Black newspaper publishers HBCU GO — the network dedicated to HBCU sports and culture

That mix of partners pointed to a range of possible collaborations ahead, from athletic facilities and event operations to sports programming and media coverage.

Building Beyond the Scoreboard

What stood out most was the mix of people in the room — conference commissioners setting strategy for their leagues, university presidents shaping institutional priorities, and corporate partners bringing resources and expertise from multiple industries.

With college athletics undergoing rapid change, particularly for HBCUs navigating the NIL era and shifting conference dynamics, the reception offered a venue for candid conversation and relationship-building. Its underlying purpose went beyond athletics: using sports as an entry point to broader opportunities in education, workforce development and economic growth for HBCUs.

Based on reporting by Columbus Times.