SC State Bulldogs Aim to Defend MEAC and HBCU National Titles in Spring Practice

As the defending MEAC and HBCU national champions, the South Carolina State Bulldogs are gearing up for another successful season on the gridiron. Head coach Chennis Berry, in his third year at the helm, is brimming with excitement as the team officially opens spring practice this week.

“Fun” is how Berry describes his attitude in preparing for another campaign - his 31st as a college football coach. After leading the Bulldogs to back-to-back MEAC championships and the prestigious HBCU national title last year, Berry is eager to see his squad take the field once again.

“It seems like I just got here, but I'm having a lot of fun,” Berry told The Times & Democrat. “It's always exciting to get out to the first practice. Overall, this is year 31 for me, but it still feels new and fresh because we have so many new players and coaches.”

Infusion of New Talent

The Bulldogs will have 41 new players joining the roster this spring, a testament to the program's strong recruiting efforts. Berry emphasized that the focus has been on finding the right fit for the team, and the newcomers are already making an impact.

“We look like a totally new football team compared to this time last year,” Berry said. “We flew around out here today, but we're a long way from being good.

Position Battles Ahead

As the Bulldogs prepare for the 2026 season, Berry is particularly excited about the development of the offensive line and the competition at the quarterback position. With the departure of 2025 MEAC Offensive Player of the Year William Atkins, Tre Robinson, a transfer from UNC Pembroke, will compete for the starting job.

Additionally, Berry praised the depth of his defense, stating that the Bulldogs are “the deepest we've been at all three levels,” indicating that the rotation can go at least four-deep across the board.

“It's the 'next man up' mentality,” Berry said. “That's what spring football is all about - laying the foundation for what's to come.”

HBCUConnect's Perspective: The success of the South Carolina State Bulldogs football program holds immense significance for the HBCU community. As the defending MEAC and HBCU national champions, the Bulldogs' continued excellence not only brings pride and recognition to their institution but also serves as a testament to the talent and determination of HBCU student-athletes. The team's strong recruiting efforts and the infusion of new talent further solidify their position as a powerhouse in HBCU football, inspiring the entire HBCU community to rally behind their success.

Originally reported by HBCU Sports.