Delaware State started 2025 labeled as an HBCU rebuild, but DeSean Jackson clearly wasn’t interested in waiting. Instead of easing the Hornets into a new era, he accelerated the entire process. Now, Delaware State stands one win away from a MEAC championship — a destination few outside Dover thought they’d reach this fast. It’s the kind of rapid rise that hits differently in HBCU football, where culture and urgency often redefine timelines.
Why It Matters to the HBCU Landscape
HBCU programs are no strangers to sudden surges, but Delaware State’s jump is uniquely impressive. This was supposed to be a learning year, a foundation-setting year. Instead, the Hornets are hosting a game that will decide the MEAC crown. For a program that hasn’t had a winning season since 2012, this moment feels like a reset of expectations — not just for Delaware State, but for the conference race itself.
A Culture Reset Delivered Early
Jackson has preached identity all season — discipline, toughness, and belief. His voice was shot after Saturday’s win, a detail he joked about but also one that reflects how intensely this team plays for him.
“Excuse my voice — I lost my voice on Saturday, all that yelling,” he said during the coaches call. His voice sounded like it played a few snaps, too, which is usually a sign that your roster is matching your urgency.
Jackson has challenged his team to “go be legendary,” and the Hornets have embraced the phrase as more than motivation. It has become the expectation.
Built Without the Portal — Except the Second One
In an era where fast rebuilds are fueled by the transfer portal, Jackson had the unusual challenge of arriving after the first window had closed.
“When I was hired, the first portal was closed… we weren’t even really able to get a good group of guys from that first portal,” he said.
Instead of scrambling, Delaware State doubled down on development. Coaches built up the players already on campus and waited for a second chance.
“We had to wait into the second portal, and we got a few guys,” Jackson said, “but we really had to build up the men who were already here.”
Other programs stocked up with 20-plus transfers. Delaware State took a quieter approach — a few strategic portal additions paired with a roster that embraced the grind. The result? A contender built the old-fashioned way, with belief and consistency rather than overnight roster construction.
The Revenge That Still Stings
Saturday’s matchup carries more than championship implications. Last season, South Carolina State didn’t just beat Delaware State — they controlled the game physically.
“We know what this South Carolina State team is,” Jackson said. “They beat us up pretty good last year.”
His players remember. Football teams move on quickly, but not from a game where the opponent imposed its will. The Hornets haven’t forgotten the feeling, and this year they have the maturity and physicality to respond.
Managing the Moment Without Getting Lost in It
As Delaware State kept winning, the noise around Jackson’s name grew louder. Bigger schools started hovering, which is standard when an HBCU program rises this fast. Jackson addressed the speculation with calm clarity.
“We can’t get caught up in the noise… I’m present where my feet are.”
It was a grounded answer, especially for a first-year head coach. He sounded focused, steady, and completely locked in. The more rumors popped up, the more he leaned into the message of staying present and building a foundation the right way.
The Stakes for Delaware State and the MEAC
A Delaware State win would represent:
- one of the fastest turnarounds in recent HBCU football
- a title shot earned through development, identity, and culture
- validation of a program that refused to wait for its moment
Even if the Hornets fall short, their rise has already shifted the landscape. Delaware State is officially ahead of schedule, and Jackson’s blueprint is proven.
What Comes Next
The MEAC Championship essentially kicks off in Dover. Delaware State, a team no one expected to arrive this early, will host South Carolina State with everything on the line.
“This one’s for all the marbles,” Jackson said. “We’ll be prepared. We’ll be ready to go.”
For a program that wasn’t supposed to be here this fast, “ready to go” might be the understatement of the HBCU season.
Always room for improvement.