HBCU Football Dynasties in the 21st century: The best, the rise, the fall

Top HBCU Dynasties of the last 25 years

Tarik Cohen, North Carolina A&T

1. North Carolina A&T (MEAC) — 2015 to 2019

   – Notable Years: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019

   – Key Coaches: Rod Broadway, Sam Washington

   – Achievements:

     – Undefeated 12-0 season in 2017.

     – Multiple Celebration Bowl wins, securing dominance in the MEAC and on the national stage.

   – Average run: 5 years

   – North Carolina A&T ruled the MEAC and became the most consistent HBCU program in the Celebration Bowl era.

Wil Johnson, WSSU, HBCU
Winston-Salem State kicker Wil Johnson celebrates after winning the 2015 CIAA football title. (Steven J. Gaither/HBCU Gameday)

2. Winston-Salem State (CIAA) — 2011 to 2016

   – Notable Years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

   – Key Coaches: Connell Maynor, Kienus Boulware

   – Achievements:

     – Reached the 2012 Division II national championship game.
– Dominated the CIAA with four championships and six division titles during this stretch.
– Won playoff games in three consecutive seasons

   – Run: 6 years

   – Winston-Salem State was a consistent force in D2 HBCU football, highlighted by a national championship appearance.

3. Tuskegee (SIAC) — 2000 to 2009, 2012 to 2014

   – Notable Years: 2000-2002, 2007-2009, 2012-2014

   – Key Coaches: Willie Slater

   – Achievements:

     – SIAC powerhouse, dominating across two decades with multiple championships and playoff appearances.

   – Average run: 5+ years

   – Tuskegee maintained a long-lasting dynasty in the SIAC, marking one of the longest periods of sustained success.

Buddy Pough, HBCU Gameday
Buddy Pough inhales after winning the Celebration Bowl. (121921

4. South Carolina State (MEAC) — 2008 to 2010, 2021

   -Notable Years: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2021

   – Key Coach: Oliver Pough

   – Achievements:

     – Undefeated MEAC seasons from 2008-2010, and a 2021 Celebration Bowl victory.

   – Average run: 3–4 year

   – Multiple runs of success under Oliver Pough, including a late resurgence in 2021, make South Carolina State one of the top HBCU dynasties.

5. Grambling State (Separate Dynasties)

   – Doug Williams (2000–2002): Led Grambling to three consecutive SWAC titles, dominating the early 2000s.

   – Melvin Spears (2005): Guided Grambling to a SWAC championship in a standout season.

   – Rod Broadway (2008):** Took the reins for a single championship year before moving on to build his own legacy elsewhere.

   – Doug Williams (2011):** Returned for another championship year in 2011, cementing his place in Grambling history.

   – Broderick Fobbs (2016–2017):** Two consecutive championships marked a new era of success for Grambling.

Honorable Mention: Hampton (2003-2006), Bethune-Cookman (2010-2014), NC Central (2014-2016), Bowie State (2018-2021)

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