An HBCU that has not fielded a football team since World War II is bringing the sport back to campus.
Talladega College announced that it has entered into a partnership with Prep U. Collegiate, which will enroll the school’s students as Prep U. Collegiate students while they compete in a club football program.
The collaboration will also include select on-campus football games this fall, according to the school.
“This partnership represents much more than football,” Talladega President Willie L. Todd Jr. said. “Those students participating in this sport will also have the opportunity to experience our commitment to academic excellence.”
“This collaboration provides our student-athletes with a strong academic foundation and a meaningful collegiate experience both on and off the field,” added Prep U. Collegiate president.
The Tornadoes were Black College National Champions in 1921 and 1922, but discontinued the program during World War II.
Talladega College has explored football before
Talladega conducted a feasibility study in 2021 regarding bringing football back to campus, and according to the study, faculty and staff felt the sport would “increase student enrollment and retention; attract donations and sponsorships; and increase school pride.”
The school indicated at the time that an “overwhelming majority” of Talladega’s faculty and staff supported a football program.
Then athletics director Kevin Herod said football “would only enhance our athletic program and bring new opportunities to the campus, the community, and the overall collegiate experience for our students.”
