Latest news with #Tuskegee
Reuters
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
4-star WR Marquez Daniel commits to Florida on official visit
June 14 - Marquez Daniel, a four-star receiver who had offers from schools throughout the Southeastern Conference, committed to Florida's Class of 2026 on Saturday. Daniel plays at Booker T. Washington High School in Tuskegee, Ala. He took an official visit with the Gators on Friday, and officially visited Auburn last week. "What makes Florida stand out to me are the coaching staff," Daniel told On3. "Coach (Billy) Napier is really a great coach. Told me from day one that I will be a great student-athlete and he believed in me." Daniel is the No. 25 wide receiver in the nation, as ranked by the 247Sports composite. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound Daniel gives the Gators nine players committed to the 2026 class, with Daniel holding the highest ranking among them. Also committing this weekend was Carsyn Baker, a three-star running back prospect from Langston Hughes High School in Fairburn, Ga. --Field Level Media
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
HBCU Powerhouse Eyes Division I Jump
HBCU Powerhouse Eyes Division I Jump originally appeared on Athlon Sports. On any given Saturday at Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium, the roar of the crowd, the beat of the marching band, and the echo of history pulse through the Alabama air. But behind the scenes, a question looms louder than any drumline: Is Tuskegee University ready to make the leap to NCAA Division I? Advertisement It's not just speculation. It's a conversation rooted in data, infrastructure, and a growing resume of athletic excellence. In the 2024–25 academic year alone, Tuskegee competed for seven conference titles, winning three and finishing runner-up in four. That kind of consistency isn't just impressive. It's the blueprint for elevation. 'That's a lot of championships,' said Tuskegee Athletic Director Reginald Ruffin, who has become the face of both tradition and transformation within the program. Tuskegee isn't just winning. It's evolving. Under Ruffin's leadership, and with the support of President Dr. Mark Brown the university has made full athletic funding a priority, ensuring that sports are not only maintained but nurtured. Facility upgrades are underway, alumni support is strengthening, and the campus is undergoing revitalization that mirrors the ambition taking root in its athletic department. There are currently 23 Division I HBCUs across the nation. A move up for Tuskegee would mean joining a select group competing at the highest level. Joining programs in the SWAC, MEAC, and even independent Division I conferences. But it's not just about competition; it's about culture, community visibility, and access to greater financial and recruiting resources. Advertisement Still, the decision is not solely Ruffin's to make. 'It's going to be President Mark Brown… what he wants to see in the next three-year plan, his five-year plan…. what he sees in athletics,' Ruffin told HBCU Gameday. The NCAA mandates strict requirements for Division I membership, including minimum sports sponsorships, scholarship numbers, and financial commitments. Tuskegee's steady climb suggests that while it isn't quite there yet, it's not far behind. Tuskegee's Gabriel Garmon (9) catches a pass against Alabama State during the Turkey Day Classic on the ASU campus Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 28, 2024.© Mickey Welsh / Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Perhaps more importantly, Ruffin and the administration are committed to ensuring that no sport is left behind. 'You gotta be supporting your sports,' Ruffin emphasized. 'We're grounded where we're planted, and we're going to do what we can to continue building the legacy of Tuskegee University.' Advertisement With the spotlight on HBCU athletics growing brighter, fueled by figures like Deion Sanders and media platforms amplifying Black college sports, Tuskegee's timing couldn't be more strategic. If the university plays its cards right, it could not only elevate its athletic brand but position itself as a flagship HBCU in the next generation of Division I athletics. So, will Tuskegee make the move? They're not rushing. But they are preparing. And if recent success is any indication, it's no longer a question of 'if', but 'when.' Tuskegee University football team celebrating championship win; HBCU athletics Division I transition; Tuskegee sports facilities upgrade; HBCU college football crowd at Abbott Memorial Stadium Advertisement Related: Michael Vick's Special Guest Shows Off at Norfolk State Related: Fans in Disbelief over EA Sports' decision on HBCU's in College Football 26 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Miami Herald
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Historic HBCU set to play first-ever night game
Tuskegee University is about to flip the switch on history. On Saturday, September 6, the Golden Tigers will host their first-ever home night football game under the lights at Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium, facing off against HBCU conference rival Central State. But this isn't just a game. It's the fulfillment of a 99-year-old dream. Back in 1926, legendary Tuskegee coach Cleve Abbott-yes, the man the stadium is named after-first proposed lighting the field for night games. It was an audacious idea at a time when electricity itself wasn't a guarantee on Southern campuses. Now, nearly a century later, Abbott's vision finally beams to life. Thanks to a partnership with Alabama Power, new lighting has been installed at the historic 10,000-seat stadium, setting the stage for a game that means more than just football. It's a symbol of progress, perseverance, and pride for one of the most storied programs in HBCU history. 'It gives me great pride to see how Alabama Power has helped light up the Tuskegee campus,' said Jonathan Porter, a Tuskegee alum, Trustee, and Senior Vice President of Customer Operations for Alabama Power. 'Our commitment to the university has been ongoing and these enhancements are another example of our efforts to be strategic partners. Personally, as a second-generation Tuskegee alum. I cannot wait for the first night game and the celebrations that will come with it.' Tuskegee isn't just any program-they're the winningest team in HBCU football. Now, they're entering a new era, and they're doing it in prime time. 'This is a transformational moment not only for Tuskegee Athletics but for the entire university and community,' said Director of Athletics Reginald Ruffin. 'Playing under the lights at Abbott Memorial Stadium gives us new opportunities to engage our fanbase, provide a better game day experience, and showcase our rich traditions to a national audience. We're proud to take this step forward and make history in 2025.' Last time these two teams clashed, Tuskegee handled business with a 30–14 win over Central State. But this rematch has extra juice. The lights, the legacy, the national spotlight-this will be about more than bragging rights. It's about reclaiming the narrative around HBCU football, investing in facilities, and creating moments that players-and fans-will never forget. Tuskegee. Central State. Under the lights. The post Historic HBCU set to play first-ever night game appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority to honor Tuskegee Airmen hero with distinguished award
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority announced that Tuskegee Airman Flight Officer Daniel Keel will be the 2025 recipient of the Col. Joe Kittinger Award on June 28, 2025 28 during the annual Liberty Weekend concert at the Orlando International Airport. Officer Keel was selected for the honor by a group of local veterans. Officer Keel, who is out of Central Florida, is the only triple-rated Tuskegee Airman. Drafted into service during World War II, Mr. Keel served his nation with courage and bravery during a time of conflict and racial discrimination. 'In honoring Flight Officer Daniel Keel, we not only recognize a trailblazer in American aviation, but we also pay tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and unyielding spirit of all who have worn the uniform,' said Mr. Lyttle. 'As a living embodiment of duty, dignity, and history, Mr. Keel's selection for the Col. Joe Kittinger Award reflects the deep pride the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority holds in its legacy, and in the veterans whose service continues to uplift this nation.' Officer Keel will be the 10th recipient of the Col. Joe Kittinger Award. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Miami Herald
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
HBCU AD lays out path for potential Division I move
As Tuskegee University continues to modernize its athletic infrastructure and celebrate record-setting achievements, the conversation around a potential move to NCAA Division I competition continues to linger around the HBCU. While the university has not made any formal declaration, Director of Athletics Reginald Ruffin acknowledged that the decision ultimately lies in the hands of President Dr. Mark Brown and the university's board of trustees. "That will not be a decision alone by me," Ruffin told HBCU Gameday's Steven J. Gaither. "It's going to be President Mark Brown… what he wants to see in the next… three-year plan, his five-year plan-what he sees in athletics." The buzz surrounding Tuskegee's future comes at a time when the university is seeing measurable success across multiple sports. Ruffin noted that during the 2024–25 academic year alone, Tuskegee played for seven conference championships and came away with three titles while finishing as runner-up in four others. "That's a lot of championships," he emphasized. There are currently 23 Division I HBCUs. Twelve of them are in the SWAC, with eight residing in the MEAC and three others in non-HBCU leagues. For Tuskegee, a move up would mean not only meeting NCAA requirements in sports sponsorship and scholarships but also sustaining success and funding at a higher level. Ruffin emphasized that the university's top priority is maintaining full support for its current programs. "You have to also make sure you're maintaining your sports, and not only maintaining sports-you gotta be supporting your sports," he said. According to Ruffin, both President Brown and former interim president Dr. Charlotte Morris made full athletic funding a priority-setting the foundation for what could be a long-term trajectory toward Division I. That administrative support has paid dividends according to Ruffin. However, Ruffin made clear that for now, Tuskegee remains focused on building where it is-with one eye on the future. "For now we're just going to continue to sell out the crowd, and we have to go play FCS schools and be your largest attendance when we play those schools - until the president and the administration, decide, hey, it's time to to make that next step,' Ruffin said. 'But right now, Steven, I think we're grounded where we're planted and we're planted where we grounded. And we are just going to do what we can to continue building the legacy of Tuskegee University, With a revitalized campus, major facility upgrades, and growing support from alumni and the community, the foundation is being laid for the university to make a serious evaluation. But Ruffin reiterated that such a move must align with the university's strategic vision-not just athletic ambition. For now, Tuskegee University remains one of the most successful and tradition-rich programs in HBCU athletics. Whether that legacy will one day extend to the Division I level remains to be seen, but the infrastructure, leadership, and success metrics are increasingly pointing toward the possibility. The post HBCU AD lays out path for potential Division I move appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
