Under the stadium lights, two HBCU programs—Norfolk State and Jackson State—are weaving their own stories of grit, glory, and grind. These aren’t fairytale rebuilds—they’re methodical, blueprint-driven revivals led by proven coaching and elite talent. As Joe Lunardi’s bracketology page flirts with First Four projections, the real action starts this fall.
🟢 Norfolk State Spartans (MEAC)
📍 Norfolk, VA
Head Coach: Robert Jones (12th season)
2024–25 Record: 24–11 (MEAC Regular + Tournament Champs) ESPN.com+4Sports-Reference.com+4ESPN.com+4On3+3SI+3Wikipedia+3ESPN.com+4HBCU Buzz+4College Net Worth+4
NCAA Bump: Beat Missouri, earned a 16 seed
🔍 Scouting Report
👤 Brian Moore Jr. – Lead Guard & Mid-Major Star
- 6’2″ senior guard, Lou Henson Award winner, averaging 18.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3 AST, shooting 54.5% FG / 39.4% 3PT Norfolk State University Athletics+1Wikipedia+1
- Only major guard nationally shooting above 54% while averaging 18+ PPG ESPN.com+6Norfolk State University Athletics+6Wikipedia+6
- Intelligent facilitator with 3 assists/turnover, clutch playmaking, late-game poise.
🧱 Keyontae Lewis – Frontcourt Anchor
- 6’8″ transfer from Wagner; started 33 games, collected 12 rebounds in NEC Title game Norfolk State University Athletics
- Brings rim protection, post defense, and tournament-tested grit.
🎯 Supporting Cast
- ESPN 2025‑26 roster lists senior sharpshooter Chris Fields Jr. (6’7″) and center Kuluel Mading (6’11″)ESPN.com+1Norfolk State University Athletics+1
- Frontcourt depth with versatile lineups; seasoned backcourt enables Jones’ structured offense.
🧩 2025‑26 Strengths Snapshot
- Defensive Tenacity: Top-30 nationally in opponent FG% Norfolk State University Athletics+15Sports-Reference.com+15Jackson State University+15
- Offensive Balance: Scoring isn’t overloaded on one player; Moore’s efficiency creates space.
- Trusted Coaching: Jones’ 12-year tenure reflects MEAC dominance and NCAA experience.
🔮 Season Outlook
Expect Norfolk State to lead MEAC play, build a strong non-conference resume, and enter March as a disciplined, battle-tested 16-seed ready for First Four success.
🟡 Jackson State Tigers (SWAC)
📍 Jackson, MS
Head Coach: Mo Williams (3rd season) Sports-Reference.com+1Wikipedia+1
2024–25 Record: 16–18 overall, 14–4 in conference (2nd in SWAC)
Recent News: Williams contract extended; Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame 2025 inductee
🔍 Scouting Report
🧠 Coach Mo Williams – Veteran Leadership
- Former NBA All-Star and 2016 champion brings pro-level culture, spacing, and development
- Stability and vision are key in Year 3, with a clear system and returning talent.
🚀 Tremayne Jackson – Offensive Catalyst
- UAB transfer known for speed, driving ability, and pick-and-roll scoring. Key part of the SWAC resurgence.
🌟 Mike Williams – Coach’s Son & Recruit with Upside
- 6′0″ combo guard, top-2 recruit in Mississippi (0.93 composite); high-upside freshman joining lineup
🛡️ Kedrick Simmons – Defensive Wing
- 6′6″ two-way wing expected to close games and maintain athletic perimeter presence.
🧩 2025‑26 Strengths Snapshot
- Balanced Offense: NBA-style spacing, tempo control, transition emphasis.
- Defensive Backbone: Williams prioritizes team defense, keyed by length and rotations.
- Momentum & Stability: Coach contract extension and NIL support fuel confidence.
🔮 Season Outlook
In a loaded SWAC field, Jackson State projects as an elite tier team. Expect them to challenge for conference supremacy and earn a First Four bid as a disciplined, athletic 16-seed.
🎯 Final Verdict: The HBCU Edge
- Norfolk State brings veteran leadership and half-court mastery—built to win now.
- Jackson State offers dynamic offense, coaching stability, and ascending momentum under Mo Williams.
Both squads combine elite coaching, roster balance, and postseason savvy—prime for HBCU pride and national interest in the 2025–26 season
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