Virginia Union Panthers Set for Major National TV Debut in Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic

Virginia Union Panthers Set for Major National TV Debut in Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic

Virginia Union University is gearing up for a significant national television appearance in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic, a milestone that the Panthers have been working towards for years, according to Coach Alvin Parker. The game, scheduled for September 3rd, will see the Panthers face off against Morehouse College at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Parker believes it will be the biggest game in the history of the school due to the level of notoriety it brings.

Parker, who is also the university’s associate director of athletics, has a unique perspective on the significance of the game. He played for the Panthers and was named offensive MVP in 1996 and 1998. After serving as a VUU assistant under the legendary Coach Willard Bailey from 1999 to 2003, Parker took on the role of head coach in December 2017.

The game will be broadcast on the NFL Network, providing unrivaled media exposure for the Panthers. With an estimated 51.1 million customers, the NFL Network is the most widely available network run by a professional league or college conference. This level of visibility is unprecedented for Virginia Union and will greatly benefit recruiting efforts.

The Panthers, a Division II team from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), have previously appeared on various cable and streaming platforms nationwide. However, the exposure they will receive on the NFL Network surpasses anything they have experienced before, according to Joe Taylor, the former Panthers coach who now serves as the school’s vice president of intercollegiate athletics and community wellness. Taylor was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

Virginia Union had a remarkable season last year, going 9-2 and earning their first slot in the NCAA Division II playoffs since 2015. They also had their first NCAA home playoff game in 30 years. The team closed the season ranked No. 16 in Division II, the highest ranking in modern history for the program. This year, they are projected to be conference contenders with the return of junior tailback Jada Byers, who led all rushers in FBS, FCS, and Division II with 1,928 yards last season.

The Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic game against Morehouse College presents an opportunity for Virginia Union to showcase their talent on a national stage. Coach Parker sees it as a chance to represent the university and establish themselves as a national contender. The game is expected to generate excitement among fans and boost the team’s reputation.

In preparation for the game, the Panthers are working hard to meet the high expectations set for them. While they are picked to finish third in the CIAA, behind Fayetteville State and Bowie State, they are determined to prove themselves and have a successful season.

Overall, the Virginia Union Panthers are eagerly anticipating their major national TV debut in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic. This game represents a significant milestone for the school and will provide unparalleled exposure for the team. The Panthers are ready to seize this opportunity and make their mark on the national stage.