Wilberforce University May Bring Football Back Decades After Last Game Played

The country’s oldest private HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), Wilberforce University, may be re-entering the football arena after not fielding a team in decades.

The institution has announced that it is planning to conduct a feasibility study to explore bringing back the sport that has not been played at the Ohio school since the 1930s. The surge in student enrollment has triggered an interest in having a football team to go along with the other sports programs currently at Wilberforce.

“As Wilberforce prepares to surpass 1,000 students in enrollment by 2026, it’s time to revisit the legacy and potential of our football program,” said Dr. Vann R. Newkirk, President of Wilberforce University, in a written statement. “Rising enrollment is prompting this study, and we believe football could be a powerful catalyst for student engagement, school pride, and institutional visibility.” 

The school currently has men’s teams in baseball, basketball, track and field, and cross country. On the women’s side, Wilberforce has teams that participate in basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, as  well as track and field and cross country.

Last year, Wilberforce became the first HBCU to be sponsored by AND1.

When the school had football in the athletics department, the Green Wave football team was a powerhouse in Black college football. The team, in 1931, guided by head coach Harry C. Graves, went undefeated with an 8–0 record and was crowned the Black College National Champion. During that season, the Green Wave defeated Tuskegee University, which ended the school’s 35-game unbeaten streak.

The feasibility study will help the school figure out what would be needed to incorporate football back into its program by assessing infrastructure needs, funding sources, staffing, and student interest.  It will also determine the opportunities to partner with local organizations and alumni to support the program’s potential relaunch. 

“This isn’t just about football,” Dr. Newkirk stated. “It’s about reclaiming a legacy, energizing our campus, and showing the world that Wilberforce is ready to lead again—on and off the field.” 

If the study gets a green light for the sport to return, football could start as early as Fall 2027.