One Team, One Town: How SC State Football Unites Orangeburg

Orangeburg has always found its rhythm on fall Saturdays. Long before kickoff, the smell of barbecue drifts through tailgate lots, families in garnet and blue set their folding chairs in neat circles, and music from the Marching 101 echoes across campus. For South Carolina State University, football is more than a sport  it’s a tradition woven into the identity of the community. This season, as the Bulldogs push once again toward a championship run, that bond feels stronger than ever. SC State’s football team isn’t just chasing wins; they’re carrying the pride of Orangeburg with them every time they step onto the field. “We always say we’re playing for something bigger than ourselves,” said one longtime fan in the stands. “When the Bulldogs win, the whole city wins.”

That sentiment captures the unique relationship between SC State football and the people who support it. The bleachers at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium draw students, alumni, local families, and lifelong Orangeburg residents  people who may have little in common day to day but find unity in cheering for the Bulldogs. Generations gather game after game, passing down stories of legendary players, unforgettable seasons, and the HBCU spirit that defines SC State. The team’s climb back toward the championship spotlight reflects more than athletic skill; it reflects the discipline, heritage, and pride embedded in the university’s history. SC State has long been known for producing tough, focused athletes  the kind who carry themselves with dignity both on and off the field. That resilience resonates with the community around them.

For Orangeburg, the Bulldogs are a symbol of hope and continuity. When the team takes the field, the stands become a living reminder that tradition still matters, that shared experiences still bring people together, and that a small Southern town can rally behind a common purpose. Every touchdown, every defensive stand, and every victory chant strengthens the sense of belonging that SC State fosters. As the Bulldogs continue their push toward another championship, Orangeburg is right behind them not just as fans, but as family. And in a world that often feels divided, SC State football remains one of the rare places where the community comes together as one.

South Carolina State leads the MEAC in football conference championships. As of 2025, the Bulldogs captured their 20th MEAC football championship after defeating Delaware State Hornets 28–17.

Some of the SC State players honored by MEAC in 2025:

• Roger Smith — Offensive Lineman of the Year, First Team All-MEAC (OL) 

• Jordan Smith — First Team All-MEAC (Wide Receiver) 

• Michael Lunz II — First Team All-MEAC (Defensive Line) 

• William Atkins IV — Listed among the First Team selections (Quarterback) 

• Jordan Franklin — First Team All-MEAC (Linebacker) 

• Cyrus Ellison — First Team All-MEAC (Tight End)

• James Reddick II — First Team All-MEAC (Offensive Line) 

• Moses Umoren — First Team All-MEAC (Offensive Line) 

• Chevy Trask Jr. — First Team All-MEAC (Offensive Line)

In total, 13 Bulldogs from SC State earned All-MEAC honors in 2025  with 5 on the First Team and 8 on the Second Team

As the Bulldogs continue building on a legacy shaped by championships, standout players, and decades of tradition, one thing remains constant  the powerful bond between the team and Orangeburg. With each season, SC State football does more than chase titles; it strengthens the unity, pride, and spirit that define the community. And as long as the Bulldogs take the field, Orangeburg will be right there with them loud, proud, and united as one. The 2025 Cricket Celebration Bowl, scheduled for December 13, 2025 at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta. SEE YOU THERE. GO BULLDOGS!