Alcorn State University will celebrate a special milestone this football season as it celebrates 100 years of football at the nation’s oldest public land grant HBCU

Alcorn State University will celebrate a special milestone this football season as it celebrates 100 years of football at the nation's oldest public land grant HBCU

The Braves will kick off its first home game of the season against the Northwestern Demons on Saturday, September 11, in Spinks-Casem Stadium at 6 p.m. 

"We have been highly anticipating this football season as it marks a special time in Alcorn history," said Dr. Felecia M. Nave, president of Alcorn State University. "The legacy of the football program is rich and one of triumph. From the days of Alex Haley serving as a water boy on the football team, civil rights icon Medgar Evers suiting up in uniform, and the legacy of the McNair brothers, the name Alcorn resonates throughout the state and beyond; because of this storied tradition of excellence." 

From its inception in 1921 to its current state, the program has been a powerhouse that has fielded some of the best athletes in the history of the sport. From names such as Steve McNair, the first Black quarterback to be named NFL MVP, to Jack Spinks, the first Black Mississippian to be drafted by an NFL team, Alcorn State is widely recognized for its accomplishments on the gridiron. 

Since its inception, the championship program has yielded many honors — five Black College National Championships, 13 SWAC Championships, six SWAC East Division Championships, and three NCAA Division I-AA/FCS Playoffs Appearances.  

There have been two College Football Hall of Famers — Marino Casem and Steve "Air II" McNair. The ASU Braves roster boasts a host of  former players selected for the NFL — Milton Barney, Charles Coleman, Donald Driver, Leonard Fairley, Leslie Frazier, Marcus Hinton, Billy Howard, Nate Hughes, Garry Lewis, Steve McNair, Bryant Mix, Lawrence Pillers, Elex Price, Jack Spinks, Roynell Young, and Willie Young. 

As a part of the game day activities, Alcorn will hold on-site COVID-19 vaccination clinics that are free to the community. Its "Lorman: On the Turf Health Affair" will operate from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. on September 11, October 9, and November 13 in the Whitney Building on the Lorman campus.  

Special programming to highlight Alcorn's 100 years of football will continue to be released throughout the year. Game-day rules and regulations remain in effect. Fans should stay tuned to the University website and Athletics website for any updates or changes.