Beyond the Game: SC State Bulldogs Excel in Academics and Community Leadership

 ORANGEBURG, S.C. While South Carolina State University’s Bulldogs chase another MEAC championship on the football field, a group of student-athletes is proving that excellence doesn’t stop at the scoreboard. Balancing grueling practices, game schedules, and travel, SC State players are also earning accolades in the classroom and making meaningful contributions to the community.

For junior wide receiver Jordan Smith, football and academics go hand in hand. With a 3.9 GPA in business administration and a leadership role as team captain, Smith also mentors younger players and volunteers weekly at a local youth football camp.

“Being a student-athlete is about more than football,” Smith said. “It’s about learning discipline, time management, and how to give back. I want to leave the program better than I found it, both on the field and off.”

Smith is not alone. Thirteen SC State football players earned All-MEAC honors this season, and several were recognized as MEAC Scholar-Athletes for maintaining high academic standards while contributing to the team’s success. Offensive lineman Roger Smith, who also serves as a peer tutor for first-year students, says the balance between athletics and academics teaches lessons that last a lifetime.

“Our players understand that what they do in the classroom matters just as much as what they do on the field,” said head coach Chennis Berry. “We are proud of their dedication, and they serve as examples of leadership for the entire university and the Orangeburg community.”

Beyond campus, SC State student-athletes are making an impact through community service initiatives. From mentoring middle school students to organizing local food drives, these athletes are reinforcing the university’s mission of developing leaders who give back.

“Seeing these young men succeed in school, on the field, and in the community is inspiring,” said Dr. Angela Brooks, Associate Dean of Student Affairs. “They show that being a Bulldog means excelling in every aspect of life.”

As the Bulldogs continue their championship pursuit, their achievements off the field remind the Orangeburg community that SC State football is about more than wins  it’s about shaping future leaders. With dedication, discipline, and a commitment to excellence, these student-athletes are proving that the heart of a Bulldog beats far beyond the gridiron.