New Orleans, La. / February 21, 2026 - The bright lights from Johnson C. Smith University came across the field at the 2026 Allstate Legacy Bowl in New Orleans Louisiana. When many of the fans saw the JCSU coaches and players, they started chanting, “the champs are here! The champs are here!
They were excited about the Golden Bulls that were represented at the game on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Being at this year’s Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl was the crowning chapter to a successful season. Johnson C. Smith University is the reigning CIAA Football Champions.
JCSU is a longstanding member of the CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) which is the oldest African American athletic conference in America. This conference is the standard bearer that others want to replicate and be like. The championship won by JCSU carries its privileges and opportunities, too.
Maurice Flowers, two-time CIAA Coach of the Year, led a group of JCSU coaches and players onto the field representing Team Gaither. Coach Flowers was the co-coach along with Chennis Berry of South Carolina State University.
Providing hands-on instruction and guidance were JCSU coaches, Freddie Brown Jr., Kevin Thompson, Ryan Heaston, James Lott and Barry Tripp. Each coach used his expertise to enhance players’ preparation and performance.
As practice unfolded during the week, you could see players and coaches bonding over the common goal of getting better. Their football knowledge paid dividends as the players went into the game ready to compete.
Johnson C. Smith University players on Team Gaither were quarterback Kelvin Durham, wide receiver Deandre “Biggie” Proctor and safety Daryl “TJ” Taybron. Throughout last season, they were instrumental in getting JCSU to the championship podium.
Each played at an all-star level throughout the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl. Kelvin Durham showcased his passing ability as he connected with Golden Bulls teammate, Deandre “Biggie” Proctor for a touchdown pass in the second half. “TJ” Taybron was playing at an elite level and was a big part of the defense for Team Gaither.
This Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl will always be remembered by the players and coaches of Johnson C. Smith University. The national stage was their oasis on that February day.
The game was televised by the NFL Network and was watched by countless numbers of fans, alumni and students as they tuned in to see our guys on the field.
Coaches and players had the opportunity to talk with NFL scouts. Players had the unique advantage of working out in front of NFL personnel. I am pretty sure that’s something they will never forget. I can only imagine what was going through their minds when they heard the words, “it’s your turn” or “you’re next”.
Another part of this experience was participating in the Annual Career Fair. It gave players from both Team Gaither and Team Robinson a chance to meet prospective employers. Some were probably offered jobs and internships.
What is impressive about Coach Maurice Flowers and his stellar coaching staff is that they prepare their players for life after football. The term, student-athlete is reflective of how players carry themselves each day on campus.
Their scholarship acquired over the course of their JCSU careers made it easy for them to connect with companies and corporations. As the days go by, we’ll hear more about their post-football opportunities.
The coaches and players representing Johnson C. Smith University were ambassadors for our beloved school. They acquitted themselves well. They were able to share the rich academic and athletic history of our school. They talked pridefully about it and made history of their own by being a part of this historic game. The players have bright futures, and the coaches are building dreams for them by their tutelage.
Their memories of the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl will have no end. Coaches and players alike will be inextricably bound forever. They will always hold high the Gold and Blue.
