Cultivating More Than Talent
At MEAC Football Media Day in Baltimore, South Carolina State’s head coach Chennis Berry stepped onto the stage with a simple message: the Bulldogs’ strength lies not in the market value of their players but in the relationships they forge on and off the field.
Over the past two seasons, Berry’s philosophy has translated into results. The Bulldogs posted a perfect 10‑0 record in conference play, captured back‑to‑back MEAC championships and added a 2025 Celebration Bowl victory to their résumé.
The roster overhaul that February added 41 newcomers — 21 transfers and 20 high‑school signees — but Berry insists the program’s culture remains the anchor. “We’re building championship people, not just talent,” he said, highlighting the balance between fresh faces and continuity.
A Defensive Anchor Emerges
Central to that continuity is linebacker Jordan Franklin, who arrived as a freshman and quickly became a defensive leader. In 2025 he recorded 62 tackles and 12 tackles for loss, earning the MEAC’s 2026 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year honor.
Berry acknowledges the financial pressures that now shape college football, from name‑image‑likeness deals to the portal’s constant churn. Yet he argues that the Bulldogs’ holistic approach — preparing players for life beyond the game — offers a sustainable edge in a sport trending toward transactionalism.
Looking ahead, the 2026 signing class is being curated around “championship people,” a mantra that reflects the program’s focus on character and long‑term development rather than hype or immediate marketability.
As the Bulldogs enter the new season as the MEAC preseason favorite, nine players have earned preseason first‑team accolades, underscoring the conference’s confidence in South Carolina State’s model.