The MEAC now officially belongs to Orangeburg.

In what has become a defining moment for HBCU football dominance, the South Carolina State Bulldogs completed their second consecutive undefeated Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference season, clinching the 2025 MEAC title with a definitive 28-17 victory over Delaware State on Saturday. More than just a win, this result solidifies the emergence of head coach Chennis Berry as a force who has successfully engineered a dynastic program.

Under Berry’s leadership, the Bulldogs are now an astonishing 10-0 in conference play over two seasons. In 2025, the team’s overall 9-3 record—which includes tough battles against FBS opponents—is a clear statement: this is a program built to compete nationally, not just within the conference.

The victory over Delaware State was vintage SCSU: resilient, opportunistic, and explosive. While the Hornets put up a fight, the Bulldogs took control early when defensive back Jalen Levine snagged a 33-yard pick-six. Quarterback William Atkins IV then sealed the deal through the air, hitting Jordan Smith and Johnny Jones for key touchdowns. The offense delivered, but the defense provided the swagger, forcing critical turnovers when it mattered most.

This streak of perfection goes beyond mere statistics. It represents the powerful tradition of South Carolina State, an HBCU that has been a continuous pipeline of talent to the NFL, producing Hall of Famers like Harry Carson and Donnie Shell. Berry, who has now led the program to back-to-back titles and Celebration Bowl bids, stands on the shoulders of giants, namely legendary coaches like Buddy Pough, who hand-picked Berry to maintain the legacy.

What Berry has done is fuse that rich history with a modern, winning mindset. He built an ironclad foundation at Benedict College before taking the reins at SCSU, extending his personal conference winning streak to an unbelievable 27 games across two leagues. That kind of consistent success is a testament to discipline, process, and a deep understanding of how to motivate and develop Black talent.

With the MEAC trophy secured, the Bulldogs now turn their attention to the grand stage: the Cricket Celebration Bowl on December 13 in Atlanta. They will face the SWAC champion, ready to defend the conference’s pride and crown themselves the undisputed Black college football champions.

For the culture, this is what it looks like when excellence is the expectation. The Bulldogs aren't just winning; they’re reaffirming the indelible role HBCUs play in the fabric of American football. Get ready, Atlanta. The Orangeburg machine is rolling.