August 27, 2026

With women’s flag football launching in 2026 and tackle football set to return in Fall 2027, Wilberforce University is writing a new chapter in one of the most storied legacies in HBCU athletics. 

Since 1856, Wilberforce University has overcome the challenges of slavery, financial hardship, racial discrimination, institutional change, and societal barriers; to remain a beacon of educational excellence. As the nation’s oldest private Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Wilberforce has consistently demonstrated resilience, innovation, and a determination to create opportunities for future generations.  

Today, the University stands on the brink of another historic milestone: the return of football. 

In Fall 2027, Wilberforce University plans to field its first intercollegiate football team in nearly 80 years, restoring a tradition that once made the institution one of the most respected football programs in Black college athletics. The initiative follows a University feasibility study and strategic planning process designed to assess infrastructure, financial sustainability, student interest, and long-term program viability. University leaders believe football will serve as a catalyst for enrollment growth, school pride, alumni engagement, and national visibility.  

A Legacy Worth Reviving 

Long before many of today’s HBCU football powerhouses emerged, Wilberforce was making history on the gridiron.

The University’s most celebrated season came in 1931 when the undefeated Wilberforce Green Wave posted an 8-0 record and captured the Black College National Championship. Led by head coach Harry C. Graves, the team outscored opponents 201-30 and secured a defining victory over a previously unbeaten Tuskegee squad that had won 35 consecutive games.

The football program continued to compete successfully through the 1940s. During its final season before the historic separation that led to the formation of today’s Central State University, Wilberforce compiled a 5-2-2 record and finished near the top of a conference that included institutions such as Tennessee State, Kentucky State, Lincoln University (Missouri), and Philander Smith College. 

While football disappeared from campus following the 1947 split, the program’s legacy never faded from the minds of alumni and supporters. 

Flag Football Leads the Way 

The University’s return to football is already underway. 

Wilberforce launched its Women’s Flag Football program in 2026, positioning itself among a growing number of institutions embracing one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. The University’s inaugural flag football team has already completed recruiting efforts and fielded a full roster. The program’s first official competition is scheduled for Spring 2027. 

The successful launch of flag football is helping build excitement and lay the foundation for the return of varsity tackle football later that year. 

Preparing for Fall 2027 

Head Football Coach Earnest Wilson has already begun the work of building Wilberforce’s future football program. 

Recruiting efforts are underway, and the University is actively identifying student-athletes who will help establish the culture, character, and competitiveness of the revived Bulldogs football team. Preliminary discussions have also begun regarding future competition schedules, with anticipated opponents including Stillman College, which recently revived its own football program, as well as Bluefield State University, institutions that share Wilberforce’s commitment to expanding opportunities through athletics. 

“We’re building more than a football team. We’re building a culture. Student athletes from across the country are excited about the opportunity to help write the next chapter of Wilberforce football history. Our goal is to recruit young men who are committed to excellence in the classroom, leadership in the community, and success on the field. This is a rare opportunity to be part of something historic from the very beginning.” — COACH EARNEST WILSON 

Creating New Opportunities 

For President Dr. Vann R. Newkirk, the return of football is about much more than athletics. 

The University has spent the past several years transforming itself through strategic investments in STEM disciplines, academic innovation, enrollment growth, and student success initiatives. New programs in Engineering, Aviation (in process), Digital Media, Digital Humanities, and Kinesiology have expanded educational pathways while attracting students from educational deserts across the country.

Football represents another avenue for opportunity. 

“The return of football is fundamentally about creating additional opportunities for students. Athletics opens doors to scholarships, leadership development, career pathways, networking opportunities, and a richer campus experience. As we continue growing Wilberforce University, football will help us attract talented students who may otherwise never have considered attending the nation’s oldest private HBCU. This initiative supports our vision of expanding access, increasing enrollment, improving retention, and preparing students for success in every area of life.” — DR. VANN R. NEWKIRK, SR. 

University officials believe that football can help the institution reach its strategic enrollment goal of 1,500 students while contributing to improved student retention and increased alumni engagement. 

The Need for Investment 

Reviving a football program requires significant resources. 

Facility upgrades, uniforms, equipment, travel, scholarships, coaching staff, recruiting efforts, sports medicine support, and operational expenses will require substantial investment from alumni, friends, foundations, and corporate partners. 

University officials emphasize that long-term success will depend upon community support and philanthropic partnerships. 

“Bringing football back to Wilberforce is a transformational opportunity, but it will require transformational support. We are actively seeking donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and alumni partners willing to invest in this vision. Every contribution helps create opportunities for student-athletes while strengthening the future of the University. This is more than funding football. It is an investment in education, leadership, and the continued growth of one of America’s most historic institutions.” — DR. GRANT L. WINROW 

Support the Return of Wilberforce Football

The return of football to Wilberforce University will require the collective support of alumni, friends, corporations, and community partners who believe in expanding opportunities for student-athletes. Supporters can help advance Wilberforce Athletics by attending the University’s Sneaker Ball on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center. The event features a cocktail hour from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by the main program from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with proceeds benefiting student success and athletic initiatives. Tickets are available at Institutional Advancement Events Tickets

Individuals interested in supporting the newly revived football program through the Football Booster Club are encouraged to contact Head Football Coach Earnest Wilson at ewilson6@wilberforce.edu. Contributions to the Booster Club will directly support recruiting, equipment, travel, and student-athlete development.  

For major gifts, corporate sponsorships, stadium construction support, endowed scholarships, naming opportunities, and other transformational investments in the future of Wilberforce Football, please contact Dr. Grant L. Winrow, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at gwinrow@wilberforce.edu. As Wilberforce prepares to launch its first football season in nearly 80 years, every contribution helps build a program that will strengthen enrollment, enhance student opportunities, and create a lasting legacy for future generations of Bulldogs.  

A New Era Begins 

The resurgence of football comes at a pivotal moment for Wilberforce University. Enrollment is growing, new residence halls are planned, STEM programs are expanding, and strategic partnerships are opening new pathways for students. 

Now, football joins that momentum. 

Nearly a century after the 1931 Green Wave captured a national championship and nearly 80 years after Wilberforce last fielded a varsity team, the Bulldogs are preparing to return to the field. 

For alumni, students, and supporters, the revival represents more than the return of a sport. 

It is the restoration of a tradition, the renewal of a championship legacy, and a powerful statement that Wilberforce University continues to honor its past while boldly pursuing its future. 

In Fall 2027, the Bulldogs are expected to take the field once again. And when they do, they will carry with them nearly 170 years of history, resilience, and excellence.  

To learn more about how you can support Wilberforce athletics contact Vice President of the Office of Institutional Advancement, Dr. Grant L. Winrow at 937-502-3715 or via email at gwinrow@wilberforce.edu. 

Media Contact
Lena Arnold
larnold@wilberforce.edu
937-708-5532