The South Carolina State Bulldogs football team, currently ranked No. 21 nationally and reigning HBCU National Champions, will begin their spring practice sessions on Tuesday, March 3 at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium/Willie Jeffries Field.
Head coach Chennis Berry, who recently completed his second season leading the Bulldogs, guided the team to its second Cricket Wireless Celebration Bowl HBCU National Championship in five years. This was the first national title under Berry’s leadership, achieved with a 40-38 victory over Prairie View A&M in quadruple overtime in Atlanta on December 13, 2025.
Under Berry’s direction, South Carolina State has won consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) titles in 2024 and 2025. The program now holds a total of 20 MEAC championships. During this period, Berry has maintained an undefeated record of 10-0 in conference play.
Berry received his second straight MEAC Coach of the Year award for his achievements.
In the 2025 season, the Bulldogs led the MEAC in several categories including total defense (326.3 yards per game), total offense (286.0 yards per game), point-after-touchdown conversions (47-of-47), interceptions (14 with three returned for touchdowns), third down conversions, red zone defense, and time of possession. They also ranked second in passing defense (185.7 yards per game), field goals made (14-of-19), and opponent fourth down conversions allowed (7).
The team is scheduled to hold fifteen practices from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., including two scrimmages before concluding with the annual Garnet and Blue spring game on April 11 at O.C. Dawson Stadium; admission will be free for attendees.
South Carolina State welcomes forty-one new players this year: twenty incoming freshmen—twelve already enrolled—and twenty-one transfer students who have signed national letters of intent.
Practices are open to spectators; however, fans and media are not permitted on the field or sidelines. Media requests for interviews must be submitted through the Office of Athletic Strategic Communications via the Assistant AD for Communications. Noncompliance may result in removal from athletic facilities and campus grounds.
Season tickets are available by phone or at the Athletic Ticket Office.
For more information about South Carolina State Athletics visit their official website.
