ATLANTA — The 2025 Cricket Celebration Bowl, serving as the HBCU National Championship Game, produced a historic showdown and a defining moment for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. In a quadruple-overtime classic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, South Carolina State University rallied from a 21-point first-half deficit to defeat Prairie View A&M University, 40–38, and claim the 2025 HBCU national title.
What made this championship especially significant was not just the dramatic finish, but the overwhelming presence of Omega men at every level — on the field, on the sidelines, in the administration, and in the stands.
Omega Leadership Sets the Stage
Before a single snap was taken, the True Omega Spirit of the Weekend was evident. Grand Basileus Bro. Ricky Lewis accompanied by First Vice Grand Basileus Bro. Mark Jackson, Second Vice Grand Basileus Bro. Joshua Jenkins, Executive Director Bro. John Howard , Editor of The Oracle, Bro. Norm Senior, International Photographer Bro. James Witherspoon and Media team, sat down pregame with both head coaches — Bro. Chennis Berry (South Carolina State) and Bro. Tremaine Jackson (Prairie View A&M) — to show visible support, encouragement, and fraternity pride.
Their conversations were not about X’s and O’s, but about Brotherhood, belief, and legacy. More than strategy, it was a reminder that Omega’s core principles extend beyond competition. This visible support reinforced the Omega presence at the highest level of HBCU athletics.
Omega Leadership Across the Program
Omega influence wasn’t limited to football personnel. At South Carolina State, Bro. Alexander Conyers (‘87 — ΞΨ) serves as President of the University, demonstrating leadership that spans academics, athletics, and institutional advancement.
Two Sidelines, One Brotherhood
This was not symbolic — it was a reality: Omega men filled key roles on both sidelines in the national title game.
South Carolina State University – Omega Brothers
Players
- Bro. Ryan Stubblefield (#2, ΞΨ, Spr ’25) – Game MVP
• 234 passing yards, 2 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD - Bro. Tyler Smith (#10, ΞΨ, Spr ’24)
- Bro. Kazarius Adams (#17, ΞΨ, Spr ’25)
- Bro. Josh Shaw (#32, ΞΨ, Spr ’25)
- Bro. Deyandre Ruffin (#4, ΜΣ, Spr ’23)
- Bro. James Reddick (#50, ΡΒ, Spr ’24)
- Bro. John Grant (ΑΕΗ, Spr ’24)
Coaches
- Bro. Chennis Berry (ΨΤ, Sum ’98) – Head Coach
- Bro. Jonathan Williams (ΓΓ, Spr ’15) – Offensive Coordinator / QB Coach
- Bro. Rashard Alston (ΑΔΧ, Spr ’16) – Running Backs Coach
- Bro. Gary Howard (ΣΦ, Fall ’18) – Defensive Line Coach
- Bro. Dylan Foster (ΑΔΨ, Spr ’22) – Asst. Offensive Line Coach
Prairie View A&M University – Omega Brothers
Players
- Bro. Travon Jones (#8 ΗΒ ’21) – Tight End
Coaches
- Bro. Tremaine Jackson (ΑΓΓ ’23) – Head Coach
- Bro. Tommie Moore (ΞΨ ’16) – Director of Football Operations
- Bro. Clifford Fedd (ΤΔΔ ’01) – Running Backs Coach
Different uniforms and conferences. Same Fraternity.
Game Recap: A National Championship Classic
The championship unfolded in dramatic fashion.
First Half: Panthers Dominate
- Prairie View A&M raced out to a 21–0 lead, fueled by sharp passing and balanced offense, with quarterback Cameron Peters connecting deep and ahead of the Bulldogs early.
Second Half: Bulldogs Respond
- South Carolina State’s offense awakened behind Bro. Ryan Stubblefield. Entering in relief of starter William Atkins IV, Stubblefield engineered key drives that ignited the comeback, finishing with 234 yards passing, 2 TDs, and a rushing TD.
- The defense also tightened, forcing a crucial turnover that helped swing momentum and fuel scoring.
- South Carolina State scored three third-quarter touchdowns, bringing the game back into reach and energizing their sideline.
Fourth Quarter: Tension Builds
- With the game tied late, Bro. Bro. Stubblefield found Jordan Smith on a clutch fourth-quarter touchdown to knot the score, exemplifying the connection at the heart of the Bulldog offense.
Overtimes: Drama Every Step
- Neither team relented. The contest extended into four overtimes, with both defenses bending but not breaking.
- In the fourth OT, Bro Stubblefield connected again with Bro. Tyler Smith for the deciding two-point conversion, sealing the Bulldogs’ victory and cementing their championship legacy.
View this post on Instagram
Champions on and off the Field
When the dust settled on a 40–38 victory in four overtimes, South Carolina State emerged as the 2025 HBCU National Champion — capturing its second Celebration Bowl title and securing a triumph forged through grit, heart, and belief.
But the significance of this game extended beyond the scoreboard. It showcased Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. at its best — from university leadership to coaching staffs, from players living the Cardinal Principles to national fraternity leaders showing unwavering support.
The Bruh Bowl was more than a championship game. It was a living testament to what happens when Brotherhood meets purpose, excellence, and heart — a legacy that will inspire Bulldogs, Panthers, and Omega men everywhere for years to come.
