Thursday, July 30, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Diddy To Donate $1M to Jackson State Football Post Coach Prime

  • The hip-hop icon’s support comes as the HBCU program moves forward without former head coach Deion Sanders.
  • Jackson State-South Carolina State opens the season on ABC.
Jackson State-South Carolina State opens the season on ABC.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Sean “Diddy” Combs will be in Atlanta to attend Saturday’s season-opening college football matchup between Jackson State and South Carolina State and present a $1 million check to Jackson State University’s football program.

The music mogul’s check will come as Jackson State begins its first season since former head coach Deion Sanders left the HBCU school after three seasons for Colorado’s head coaching gig. Sanders led Jackson State to a SWAC title and a 12-1 record. Diddy’s check on Saturday will be presented at the MEAC/SWAC Challenge between the Jackson State Tigers and South Carolina State Bulldogs. 

The MEAC/SWAC Challenge is organized by ESPN’s John Grant, who outlined Diddy’s plans on the Tiger Talk podcast.  Grant revealed Diddy will speak to the team before the game.

Combs attended Howard University, an HBCU, in the 1980s. He initially said he would donate $1 million to Jackson State during his acceptance speech for a lifetime achievement award at the 2022 BET Awards. He is moving forward with his promise as T.C. Taylor begins his first season running the Tigers’ football program as head coach.

The MEAC/SWAC Challenge will be broadcast on Saturday on ABC. ESPN platforms will air nearly 90 HBCU football games this season, including nearly 60 games streamed on ESPN+.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Eugenio Chacarra

LIV Golf Exit Reignites Chacarra’s Passion—and PGA Tour Hopes

The young Spaniard is hoping to qualify for the PGA Tour.

Michael Vick Hired as Norfolk State Coach

The former quarterback does not have prior coaching experience.
Duante' Abercrombie News Ch.4 interview

An HBCU Is Betting on Hockey Amid a Financial Crisis

TSU has big plans, but the university is facing an existential dilemma.
Howard University

Howard’s Figure Skating Team Part of Olympic Sport Growth at HBCUs

Olympic sports at HBCUs are growing, with gymnastics and swimming gaining momentum.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/30/26 – USMNT Nearing Pochettino Return, FIFA Draws UEFA Criticism, Yankees and Knicks to DAZN

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker Princewill Umanmielen (1) against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium.

Ole Miss Sues Two Former Players Who Transferred to LSU

Both players followed their previous coach, Lane Kiffin, to Baton Rouge.
July 28, 2026

Every Major College Jersey Patch Deal So Far

A comprehensive list of all jersey patch partnerships announced so far.
July 29, 2026

TCU AD on Senate College Sports Bill: ‘This Is Our Mess’

Mike Buddie doesn’t blame Congress for bill’s delay.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses the launch of Champions Fund and how he navigated the business world after football
American Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti walks next to the court before the first round American Conference Tournament game between Memphis and Tulane in Birmingham, Ala, on March 11, 2026.
July 28, 2026

American Conference Continues to Explore Private Capital Deals

Deals that would sell ownership stakes in the conference are “not realistic.”
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates after he runs for a touchdown during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
July 28, 2026

Ohio State Signs $17 Million Jersey Patch Deal With Chase

All 36 OSU sports teams will wear Chase jersey patches.
UNC football general manager Michael Lombardi
July 27, 2026

UNC Puts Football GM Michael Lombardi on ‘Administrative Leave’

The beleaguered football program led by Bill Belichick faces yet another controversy.
Sep 13, 2025; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal offensive lineman Fisher Anderson (center) blocks against Boston College Eagles defensive lineman Kwan Williams (right) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium.
July 27, 2026

Stanford Football Players Launch Effort to Unionize

The football players’ CFBPA “fraternity chapter” could eventually be a union.