[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 13 (Tuesday, January 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E53-E54]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO THE SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY, 2025 HBCU NATIONAL 
                         CHAMPION FOOTBALL TEAM

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 20, 2026

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the recent 
accomplishments of the South Carolina State University (SCSU) Bulldogs 
Football Program. Last month, SCSU--my alma mater--was victorious in 
the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia, making them the 2025 
HBCU (Historically Black College and University) National Champions. 
This accomplishment was history-making for the school, a great honor 
for the city and county of Orangeburg and the State of South Carolina, 
and it brought great pride to a plethora of us ``loyal sons and 
daughters'' of that storied institution.
  This was the second consecutive year the Bulldogs have appeared in 
the Celebration Bowl, which features the winners of the Mid-Eastern 
Athletic Conference and the Southwest Athletic Conference and is 
considered the HBCU National Championship game. SCSU completed the 2025 
season with an impressive 10-3 record and was undefeated in their 
conference. The Bulldogs have appeared in three of the last five 
Celebration Bowls and were victorious in two of them. They have 
captured the Nation's attention and reaffirmed their place among the 
elite programs in HBCU football.
  Located in the heart of the City of Orangeburg, SCSU stands as a 
beacon of academic excellence and a molder of civic awareness and 
leadership. This proud legacy of tenaciousness was powerfully 
reinforced during the 2025 football season, as the Bulldog Football 
Program delivered one of the most memorable and inspiring campaigns in 
the school's storied history. Facing adversity on HBCU football's 
biggest stage, the Bulldogs mounted a remarkable comeback after 
trailing 21-0 at halftime. They tied the score in the third quarter and 
ultimately prevailed 40-38 in an unforgettable four-overtime thriller. 
That victory was more than a win--it was a testament to the resilience 
and unbreakable spirit of the team.
  This historic achievement stands as a powerful reflection of the 
leadership of Head Coach Chennis Berry, who--in just his second season 
at the helm--guided the Bulldogs to a national championship. Coach 
Berry and his entire coaching staff are to be commended for their 
vision, discipline, and unwavering commitment to developing young men 
while building a championship-caliber program.
  While this season was defined by collective effort and solid 
teamwork, special recognition is due to several outstanding student-
athletes whose performances rose to the moment. Quarterback Ryan 
Stubblefield was named the 2025 Celebration Bowl Offensive MVP and led 
the second-half comeback with poise, determination, and leadership 
under pressure. Anchoring a unit that delivered when it mattered most 
was defensive back Brenyen Scott, who earned the Celebration Bowl 
Defensive MVP honor.
  The success of the Bulldog Football Program elevated civic pride, 
strengthened community bonds, and contributed to the cultural and 
economic vitality of the community. The partnership between the city 
and county of Orangeburg and South Carolina State University reflects a 
shared commitment to excellence, opportunity, and the development of 
future generations.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring 
the South Carolina State University Bulldogs for their exceptional 
season and victory in the 2025 HBCU National Championship. This 
championship will be remembered not only for the trophies earned, but 
also for the legendary ``Bulldog tenacity'' the team displayed. This 
achievement inspired Bulldogs everywhere and will be a memorable event 
in the proud legacy of South Carolina State University.

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