2025 HBCU Sports Awards to Celebrate Excellence with Morehouse College Garnering Four Nominations
Atlanta, GA – The upcoming 2025 HBCU Sports Awards, scheduled to stream live on July 26 at 3:00 p.m. ET, will shine a national spotlight on outstanding athletic achievements across Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This event, now in its second year, continues to raise the profile of HBCU athletics by honoring top athletes, coaches, administrators, and contributors in over 46 categories spanning football, basketball, baseball, track and field, tennis, and more. As the HBCU sports community prepares to celebrate excellence, Morehouse College stands out with four prestigious nominations while Alabama State and Howard University lead all programs with 16 nominations each.
The Maroon Tigers of Morehouse College have had a banner year with standout performances in cross country, track and field, and tennis elevating their athletic legacy. Senior distance runner Brian Kemei was recognized as a dual finalist for Distance Running Excellence, nominated in both the HBCU Cross Country Runner of the Year and Men’s Track & Field Runner of the Year categories. Kemei’s dominance throughout the 2024 cross country season included winning the SIAC Cross Country Championship and competing at the NCAA Division II National Championships, representing Morehouse on the national stage. His success exemplifies Morehouse’s growing reputation for producing high-caliber scholar-athletes who excel both on the course and the track.
Additionally, Morehouse’s tennis and other sports programs contributed to the four nominations, reflecting a diverse and impactful athletic department underpinned by dedication and skill. This recognition aligns with Morehouse’s broader tradition of excellence not only in sports but also in academics, leadership, and community service, as demonstrated recently by senior baseball player Elijah Pinckney. Pinckney made history by receiving the 2025 T-Mobile Impact Award at the HBCU Swingman Classic, becoming the first NCAA Division II player to earn this honor which recognizes holistic achievement in athletics and leadership.
Leading the nominations with sixteen each are Alabama State and Howard University, highlighting their significant investment and success across a broad spectrum of athletic disciplines. Alabama State, competing in the SWAC, and Howard, a flagship MEAC program, have both emerged as powerhouses within HBCU sports, amassing talent and coaching leadership that consistently place them at the forefront of competition. These nominations reflect not only the on-field success but also the programs’ contributions to developing future leaders and elevating the visibility of HBCU athletics nationally.
The 2025 HBCU Sports Awards also honor those working behind the scenes with categories for athletic administrators, media relations professionals, and even HBCU band cultures, which are integral to the vibrant and unique atmosphere surrounding Black college sports. The event will be streamed live on YouTube, aiming to increase accessibility and engagement among the extensive network of HBCU fans, alumni, and sports enthusiasts who follow these programs passionately.
Commenting on the awards, Kenn Rashad, Founding Editor and Publisher of HBCU Sports, expressed pride in the program’s growth and impact. “The quality and depth of nominees across all categories truly demonstrates the exceptional talent and leadership throughout HBCU athletics,” he said. “We’re proud to continue elevating these outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and administrators who represent the very best of our institutions.”
Looking ahead, the 2025 awards event not only celebrates current achievements but also signals continued momentum for HBCU sports as they navigate a changing landscape with increased media coverage, name-image-likeness (NIL) opportunities, and expanding recruiting pipelines. The recognition that schools like Morehouse, Alabama State, and Howard now receive on a greater stage attests to the rising national appreciation of HBCU athletics, their cultural significance, and their role in fostering both athletic and academic excellence.
The ceremony promises to be a historic gathering of HBCU sports’ top performers, shining a light on traditions and innovations that keep these programs at the heart of Black college sports culture. Fans and supporters can look forward to witnessing the celebration of talent that honors the past, energizes the present, and inspires the future of HBCU athletics nationwide.
Upcoming Moments to Watch
Beyond the awards, the summer and fall seasons will feature several high-profile events that continue HBCU traditions of fierce competition and vibrant fan engagement. The Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic will return over Labor Day Weekend to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, bringing together iconic programs like Howard University and Florida A&M University in a classic football rivalry that captivates fans each year. These events underscore the enduring power and relevance of Black college sports as both athletic contests and cultural celebrations.
As the HBCU sports community looks forward to these moments, the 2025 HBCU Sports Awards stand as a testament to the talent and perseverance of these student-athletes and the institutions they represent, promising a compelling showcase on July 26 for all who cherish the legacy and future of HBCU athletics.