2024 HBCU Legends Honors: Celebrating Excellence In Achievement

The HBCU sports community celebrated another year of excellence across various conferences, including the SWAC, MEAC, CIAA, SIAC, HBCUAC, and independent programs.

The 2024 HBCU Legends Honors were awarded based on votes from a select group of media members and fans who believe these individuals have significantly impacted HBCU sports.

Two award categories resulted in ties: HBCU Coach of the Year and HBCU Broadcaster/Network of the Year.

I selected the HBCU Student-Athletes, HBCU Legends of Broadcasting and Journalism and the HBCU Bands of the Year honorees.

We will have an exhaustive breakdown of the honorees, runner-ups, and more in interviews and articles.

Below is the complete list of the honorees:

HBCU WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Dawn Thornton, Alabama A&M

Jayden Daniels, Doug Williams, and Michael Vick | Credit: Doug Williams

HBCU MAN OF THE YEAR

Doug Williams, HBCU Legacy Bowl, Black College Football Hall of Fame, HBCU Combine, Washington Commanders Executive

Dec 14, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Jackson State Tigers running back Irv Mulligan (5) runs for a touchdown against the South Carolina State Bulldogs in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

HBCU STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

Irv Mulligan, Jackson State University (SWAC)
Eric Phoenix, South Carolina State University (MEAC)
David Wright, Clark Atlanta University (SIAC)
Jada Byers Virginia Union University (CIAA)
Draylen Ellis, Tennessee State University (Independents)

Jackson State Head Coach TC Taylor hoists the 2024 Cricket Celebration Bowl Trophy as the Tigers defeated South Carolina State 28-7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. December 14, 2024; Credit: Kyle T. Mosley, HBCU Legends | Credit: Kyle T. Mosley, HBCU Legends

HBCU COACH OF THE YEAR

T.C. Taylor, Jackson State University
Eddie George, Tennessee State

Ashley Robinson (center), Director of Athletics for Jackson State speaks on Signing Day at Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, February 1, 2023. TCL SigningDay209 | Hannah Mattix/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK

HBCU ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Ashley Robinson, Jackson State University

HBCU CONFERENCE OF THE YEAR

Dr. Charles McClelland, SWAC Commissioner — Dr. Charles McClelland | Kyle T. Mosley, HBCU Legends

Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)

HBCU COMMISSIONER OF THE YEAR

Dr. Charles McClelland, Southwestern Athletic Conference

Jackson State Extends Robinson | Credit: Jackson State Athletics

HBCU BRAND OF THE YEAR

Jackson State University

HBCU BROADCASTER/NETWORK OF THE YEAR

HBCU GO
URBAN EDGE NETWORK

Cris Dishman | Credit: Kyle T. Mosley, HBCU Legends

HBCU NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Cris Dishman, Texas Southern University

Jackson State - 2024 Celebration Bowl — Dec 14, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Jackson State Tigers head coach T.C. Taylor celebrates after a victory over the South Carolina State Bulldogs in the Celebration Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

HBCU STORY OF THE YEAR

Jackson State Tigers Celebration Bowl Victory

HBCU LEGENDS OF BROADCASTING AND JOURNALISM

Charlie Neal, HBCU GO
Ralph Cooper, KCOH Houston
Dr. Kenyatta Cavil, Inside The HBCU Sports Lab
Tiffany Greene, ESPN
Jay Walker, ESPN
Donal Ware, BOXTOTROW
Bill Rhoden, ESPN/Andscape
Don Hunt - Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
Stephen J. Gaither, HBCU Game Day
Charles Edmonds, Alcorn State Radio
Reggie Flood, WBOK New Orleans

Texas Southern University's Ocean of Soul | Credit: Ocean of Soul

HBCU BANDS OF THE YEAR

Jackson State University, The Sonic Boom of the South
Southern University, The Human Jukebox
Texas Southern University, The Ocean of Soul
Florida A&M University, The Marching 100
North Carolina A&T, The Blue and Gold Marching Machine

Published Dec 30, 2024 | Modified Dec 30, 2024

KYLE MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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