Pittman’s Pocket: HBCU Playoff Recap: Tennessee State, Miles, and Virginia Union Shine in Postseason

The college football playoffs are in full swing, and HBCU programs are showcasing their talent on the national stage. Tennessee State, Miles, and Virginia Union all made their mark in a weekend filled with thrilling performances and inspiring efforts.

Tennessee State Battles Montana in the FCS Playoffs

Tennessee State, led by Coach Eddie George, faced a formidable opponent in Montana during the first round of the FCS Playoffs. Despite a valiant effort, the Tigers fell short, losing 27-41.

Quarterback Draylen Ellis had an impressive outing, completing 29 of 39 passes for 296 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Freshman standout Sanders Ellis made his presence felt with two fumble recoveries, while wide receiver Cheva Brenson was electric, recording 11 receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown.

Though the Tigers came up short, their resilience and determination left fans proud of Coach George and his staff’s leadership.

Miles College Faces Top-Seeded Valdosta State

Miles College took on the top-ranked Division II team in the nation, Valdosta State, in a challenging playoff matchup. The Golden Bears fought hard but ultimately lost 17-33.

Quarterback Kam Ivory threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating his skill under pressure. Jaquel Fells was a reliable target, hauling in seven receptions for 92 yards. Defensively, Zion Sharpe delivered a strong performance with three tackles, two solo stops, a sack, and a tackle for loss.

While the season ended for Miles, their effort against the nation’s best was commendable.

Virginia Union Advances in Dominant Fashion

Virginia Union emerged as the lone HBCU team to advance in the playoffs, delivering a commanding 44-12 victory over Lenoir-Rhyne. Head Coach Alvin Parker and his staff orchestrated an outstanding game plan that allowed the Panthers to dominate on both sides of the ball.

Running backs Jada Byers and Curtis Allen powered the offense, combining for an impressive 317 rushing yards and four touchdowns—185 yards and two scores for Byers, and 132 yards with two touchdowns for Allen.

On defense, Jalen Mayo led with nine tackles (five solo), while Jabril Norman contributed three tackles, two solo stops, an interception, and a fumble recovery.

Looking Ahead

Virginia Union’s victory keeps HBCU hopes alive in the playoffs. With momentum on their side and a talented roster, they’ll look to continue their impressive run. The performances of Tennessee State and Miles College, though not resulting in victories, demonstrated the high level of talent and competitiveness within HBCU football.

As the postseason progresses, the contributions of these programs highlight the bright future of HBCU athletics.