Thursday, September 24, 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

9/24/26 – NFL Ratings Rebound, Dart’s Season Over, Haliburton Flies Southwest

0:00

Featured Today

Hot & Social/Mets

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Exclusive
September 18, 2026

Vicious Infighting Is Jeopardizing the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL’s own CEO admits there’s a “power struggle.”
September 17, 2026

Fantasy Football Drafts Are Turning Into Full-Blown Vacations

Leagues are forgoing solo drafts and replacing them with in-person getaways.
Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena
September 10, 2026

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
Oct 3, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils fans look on against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second period at Mullett Arena

ASU Hockey Coach Declines to Answer Questions About Player’s Collapse

Greg Powers cited an ongoing investigation around Matthew Mayich’s collapse.
Nov 8, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen Deboer speaks to athletic director Greg Byrne prior to the game against the Louisiana State Tigers at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images
Exclusive
September 23, 2026

Alabama AD Greg Byrne Talks CFP Expansion, Life After Saban

Byrne also addressed jersey patch sponsorships and challenges with NIL.
Exclusive
September 23, 2026

Dae’Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris Can Play in UFL This Spring

The pair have been blocked from college football and the NFL.
Sponsored

How Ryan Smith Is Building the Future of Sports in Utah

Utah Jazz and Mammoth owner talks from tech to team ownership.
Oct 23, 2021; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels former quarterback Eli Manning speaks on what an honor it is to have his number 10 jersey retired at Mississippi during half time at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
September 22, 2026

Eli Manning Isn’t Dwelling on Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Exit

Manning admitted he’s thankful for Kiffin’s time in Oxford.
September 22, 2026

Everything in the Senate Bill to Change College Sports

The sweeping, 170-plus-page legislation would reshape college sports.
September 20, 2026

Chambliss Steals the Show During Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Return

Chambliss stayed at Ole Miss instead of following Kiffin to LSU.
September 19, 2026

Weather Delays Scramble ESPN College Football Coverage

A number of delays shifted games around ESPN’s platforms.