The Jackson State University Tigers entered the Celebration Bowl after being named champion of the SWAC conference. Days before the bowl matchup between Jackson State and South Carolina State, a moment occurred that could possibly change HBCU history forever. Travis Hunter, the #1 2022 athlete in the nation, shocked everyone when he flipped his commitment from ACC’s Florida State to Jackson State. Some do not understand how big of a deal this is for HBCUs around the country.
Many football players receive scholarship offers to attend HBCUs, but do not consider attending. This is because these athletes have been conditioned to think that playing for an HBCU will not guarantee a chance to play professionally after. Hunter’s decision will hopefully show athletes that considering an HBCU for their athletic and academic career can set them in a position to continue playing professionally. This is because Hunter will very likely still go into the NFL, even after attending Jackson State.
Deion Sanders has turned around the Jackson State football team. He has brought so much new attention to HBCU athletics in general. Deion Sanders and Travis Hunter will continue to prove how HBCUs are a great option for athletes. If the Jackson State Tigers had won over the South Carolina State Bulldogs, it would have been an ideal season for them. However, all Historically Black Colleges & Universities won this season.
