On a vibrant, electric day on the campus of Delaware State University, the famed sports debate show First Take from ESPN went live in front of a roaring crowd of Hornets fans, bringing HBCU pride, star power and unfiltered commentary to the center stage. Led by hosts Stephen A. Smith, Cam Newton and Amina Smith, the broadcast became both a celebration of Black excellence and a bold statement of purpose.
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Hosts take the spotlight
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The Stephen A. Smith, veteran analyst and outspoken voice in sports media, used the platform to deliver a message of cultural affirmation. On-site at Delaware State, he reminded the audience about Black History:
“You can ignore all you want to, but you don’t get to erase reality.”
His words rang especially true in the context of a Historically Black College and University setting, signaling that the legacy, the struggle and the triumphs of HBCUs are not footnotes but central to the story.
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Cam Newton joined the broadcast in his increasingly prominent role at First Take. Alongside Stephen A., he infused the show with high energy, enthusiasm and a sense of authenticity, celebrating the culture, the students and the spirit of the Hornets. Their dynamic on-campus presentation transformed DSU’s grounds into a hub of sports, culture and community connection.
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Amina Smith brought her trademark poise and energy to First Take at Delaware State University, helping capture the excitement and HBCU pride that filled the campus. As the on-site host, Smith seamlessly connected the ESPN audience to the student body, blending her sports expertise with genuine enthusiasm for HBCU culture. Her presence alongside Stephen A. Smith and Cam Newton added a dynamic balance of professionalism and authenticity, as she highlighted DSU’s rising prominence both athletically and academically. Known for her engaging storytelling and deep understanding of sports culture, Amina helped make the First Take stop at Delaware State an unforgettable moment celebrating Black excellence and school spirit.
Interviews and featured voices
Beyond the duo of hosts, several notable figures were brought into conversation during the event — each offering distinct perspectives and reinforcing the theme of empowerment through sport and education.
DeSean Jackson – Head Coach & Former Eagles Wide Receiver
Once one of the most electrifying wide receivers in the NFL, DeSean Jackson is now making his mark as head football coach of Delaware State. Since his hire in December 2024, he’s brought a message of accountability, urgency and transformation to a program that had struggled for years.
Jackson acknowledged that though the wins are starting to come, his priority remains culture first. As one recent report put it: “Comfort doesn’t make you great.”
During his on-campus interview, he emphasized how the Hornets’ dominant rushing attack this season (averaging over 300 yards on the ground) is a symptom of a broader shift, one that is built on discipline, resilience and a mindset of excellence.
Clinton Portis – Running Backs Coach & NFL Redskins Veteran
The hire of Clinton Portis as running backs coach and run-game coordinator was one of the most high-profile staff moves for Delaware State this year. Portis, who rushed for nearly 10,000 yards over nine NFL seasons and earned multiple Pro Bowl nods, brings elite level playing experience and credibility.
On-site at the broadcast, Portis emphasized the importance of translating professional habits into an HBCU environment, talking about fundamentals, film study, and mentality beyond the field. His presence reinforces the message that Delaware State is intent on rising.
Ashley Christopher, Esq. – HBCU Advocate & Education Leader
Also featured was Ashley Christopher, founder and CEO of the HBCU Week foundation, who brought the conversation off the field and into education, access and community uplift. Christopher’s organization has helped secure millions in scholarships and thousands of acceptances for students into HBCUs.
In her remarks at DSU, she spoke about the fact that when media outlets like First Take bring attention to HBCUs, it helps shift narratives, open doors and shine light on institutions that have long been under-covered.
Why this moment matters
Bringing First Take to Delaware State University is more than a location change for a show, it’s a statement. It says that HBCUs are not just part of the conversation, they are the conversation when it comes to athletics, culture, education and Black excellence. The hype, the crowd, the energy on campus all provided tangible proof that the Hornets are no longer simply background—they’re foreground.
Stephen A.’s line — “You don’t get to erase reality” — resonates especially in this context: the reality of HBCUs’ historical significance, the reality of Black student-athlete potential, and the reality of transformation happening at Delaware State.
Looking ahead
With new leadership on the field, new voices in the classroom, and new platforms broadcasting from campus, Delaware State is poised to climb. For coach Jackson and his staff, the immediate goal remains winning and changing culture. For the broader HBCU movement, the partnership with national media outlets like ESPN signals increased visibility and opportunity.
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As the hosts closed the broadcast, the message was clear: the Hornets are here. The culture is loud. And the ascent is underway.
