Top HBCU Sprinter Jamarion Stubbs Transfers to SEC Powerhouse Arkansas, Marking a New Chapter in His Career
Fayetteville, Arkansas – June 24, 2025
Alabama State University’s Jamarion Stubbs, one of the most decorated sprinters in Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) history, has announced his transfer to the University of Arkansas, a dominant force in NCAA track and field. This high-profile move, ahead of the 2026 collegiate track season, is a significant moment both for Stubbs’ career and for the ongoing narrative of HBCU athletes transitioning to Power Five programs.
Stubbs, a Las Vegas native, burst onto the national scene with his electrifying performances for Alabama State. Over the past two years, he not only won multiple SWAC titles but also set school and conference records, including the SWAC record in the 60 meters. His breakthrough came during the 2024 season when he earned First Team All-American honors by placing seventh in the 200-meter dash at the NCAA Outdoor Championships—cementing his status as one of the top sprinters in the country. He also qualified for the finals at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in the 200-meter dash, narrowly missing out on a spot for the Paris Games. Stubbs’ national ranking of 21st in the 100 meters at the 2025 NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships further demonstrated his elite caliber.
“In my time at Alabama State, the support from Coach Beene, Coach Anderson, my teammates, and the entire staff has been incredible,” Stubbs reflected. “Being an All-American was a dream come true, and now I’m ready to take the next step, competing alongside some of the best in the country at Arkansas.”
The University of Arkansas track program is widely regarded as collegiate track royalty. Known for its string of national championships and consistent production of Olympic-level athletes, Arkansas offers Stubbs a training environment with world-class facilities and coaches that will push his limits every day. The Razorbacks are the back-to-back USTFCCCA Program of the Year and continue to attract the nation’s top talents, making them an ideal destination for a sprinter aiming for international success.
Stubbs’ transfer highlights two important realities in the world of HBCU athletics. On one hand, it is a testament to the exceptional talent developed at HBCUs, shining a brighter spotlight on programs that have historically been overlooked by mainstream media. On the other hand, it underscores the challenge these institutions face in retaining elite athletes amid increased competition from Power Five conferences offering enhanced resources, exposure, and NIL opportunities.
For Alabama State and the SWAC, Stubbs’ departure is a bittersweet milestone but also a source of pride. It reinforces the conference’s reputation as a breeding ground for greatness and serves as inspiration for current and future HBCU athletes aspiring to reach the highest echelons of their sport.
Arkansas will benefit from Stubbs’ addition as the Razorbacks look to maintain and elevate their dominance in sprint events heading into the 2026 season. Meanwhile, HBCU fans will follow his journey closely, rallying behind the young sprinter who carries their pride onto a bigger stage.
Upcoming developments include Stubbs officially joining the Arkansas track roster for fall training, where he expects to integrate quickly into a squad filled with Olympians and NCAA champions. His progression this season will be closely watched by coaches and fans alike, as he balances the pressure of competing at a new level with the determination that has defined his career so far.
Jamarion Stubbs’ move from Alabama State to Arkansas is emblematic of the evolving landscape of college athletics and the growing recognition of HBCU talent. As he races forward into this exciting chapter, he embodies both the legacy and the future of Black college track and field.
In another celebration of HBCU heritage, the city of Mobile, Alabama, is unveiling a statue honoring Robert Brazile, the legendary Jackson State linebacker and Pro Football Hall of Famer, marking the cultural significance of HBCU contributions to professional sports.
The stories of Stubbs and Brazile together demonstrate the depth and ongoing influence of HBCU athletes at every level. From historic honors to groundbreaking transfers, HBCU sports continue to shape the broader sports landscape while carrying a rich tradition that resonates across generations.
Wali Pitt
HBCU Sports Journalist