5 Shocking Facts About Edward Waters University Football And Coach Brian Jenkins' 2025 Season Turnaround
The Edward Waters University (EWU) football program has undergone a dramatic transformation, culminating in a pivotal 2025 season that has reshaped expectations for the Tigers. As of late 2025, the team has successfully navigated a challenging schedule, finishing the season with a respectable 5-5 overall record and a .500 mark in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) play. This performance is a testament to the program's upward trajectory, especially following the significant decision to solidify the leadership of a veteran coach who has brought immediate stability and a winning culture to Jacksonville, Florida.
The buzz around the EWU campus, a historically Black college and university (HBCU), is palpable. The Tigers' success in the SIAC, an NCAA Division II conference, signals a major step forward for the program. The team's competitiveness against established conference rivals and the thrilling wins they secured have put the entire university community on notice: Edward Waters football is a rising force in the HBCU landscape.
The New Era: Head Coach Brian Jenkins Sr. and the 2025 Season Profile
The most critical development defining the Edward Waters football program is the leadership of Brian Jenkins Sr.. His tenure, initially as interim head coach, quickly proved successful enough to warrant a permanent role, a move officially announced on September 19, 2025.
Brian Jenkins Sr. Biography Profile
- Full Name: Brian Jenkins Sr.
- Current Role: Head Football Coach, Edward Waters University (promoted from interim)
- Promotion Date: September 19, 2025
- Experience: Nearly 30 years of coaching experience
- Previous Head Coaching Experience: Eight years as a Division I Head Coach
- Program Impact: Led the Tigers to a 5-5 overall record (4-4 SIAC) in the 2025 season
- Conference Affiliation: Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
- Focus: Instilling discipline, a winning mentality, and leveraging his extensive Division I background.
Jenkins' promotion marked a decisive moment for the Tigers. His extensive background, including eight years as a Division I head coach, brought a level of experience and gravitas that immediately resonated with the players and the athletic department. The 2025 season, which saw the team finish with an even 5-5 record, is a strong foundation for future success, demonstrating the immediate impact of his coaching philosophy.
The 2025 Season: A Deep Dive into Key Results and Standings
The 2025 Edward Waters football season was a rollercoaster of high-scoring victories and tough conference battles. Their final 5-5 overall record, combined with a 4-4 conference record, positioned them competitively within the SIAC.
Key Victories and Major Matchups
- Dominant Opener: The Tigers kicked off the season with a decisive 41-14 victory over Savannah State University on the road. This win set a strong tone for the year.
- Thrilling VUU Win: Edward Waters secured an exciting 41-38 victory against Virginia Union University (VUU) on September 13, 2025, showcasing the team's offensive firepower and ability to close out tight games.
- Bethune-Cookman Showdown: A significant 2025 matchup saw Edward Waters defeat Bethune-Cookman University (BCU) on September 20, 2025, with a final score that moved the Tigers to a 3-1 record at the time. This victory over an in-state rival and fellow HBCU was a major statement win for the program.
- Homecoming Success: The team celebrated its 2025 Homecoming game against Central State University, a key event on the EWU calendar.
Despite a mid-season loss to Kentucky State (42-14), the team showed resilience, managing to secure a winning record at home (3-2) and a competitive 2-3 record on the road. The SIAC conference is known for its high level of competition, and the Tigers’ ability to hold a .500 conference record demonstrates their growing strength against established programs like Fort Valley State and Benedict College.
Rising Stars: Key Players and Offensive Firepower
The success of the 2025 season was fueled by several key student-athletes who emerged as leaders on the field. The roster highlights a mix of experienced veterans and dynamic newcomers, crucial for the team's SIAC ambitions.
The Offensive Engine
The quarterback position is vital, and the 2025 roster featured talent like Noah Bodden, a 6'4", 220 lbs Quarterback (QB) who is central to the offensive scheme. The ground game received a boost from players like Brady Tillman, a 6'0", 190 lbs Running Back (RB), whose performance was instrumental in controlling the clock and securing first downs. These offensive playmakers are the core of the team's ability to put up high scores, as evidenced by their 41-point performances against both Savannah State and Virginia Union.
Defensive Anchors
On the defensive side, the team relies on athletes like defensive back Travis (5'9", 165 lbs), who provides crucial coverage and run support. The defensive unit’s ability to force turnovers and make critical stops is what separates a good team from a great one in the competitive SIAC landscape. The full 2025 roster showcases the depth and talent that Coach Jenkins and his staff have been cultivating, a necessary component for long-term success in NCAA Division II football.
The SIAC Context and Future Program Trajectory
Edward Waters University's place within the SIAC is a key part of its identity. The SIAC is one of the most storied conferences in HBCU athletics, and competing in it provides the Tigers with high-profile matchups and a national platform. The 2025 SIAC Preseason Predicted Order of Finish placed Edward Waters 8th in the conference rankings, a position the team undoubtedly aimed to exceed with their 5-5 finish.
Program Momentum and Recruiting
The 2025 season results, particularly the 4-4 conference record, are invaluable for recruiting. A .500 season under a newly promoted head coach like Brian Jenkins Sr. sends a strong message to prospective student-athletes that the program is on the rise. Future recruiting classes will be attracted by the opportunity to compete immediately and contribute to a program that is actively climbing the SIAC standings. The focus on building a sustainable, winning culture is now paramount.
The Road Ahead
The trajectory for Edward Waters football is clear: to become a consistent contender in the SIAC. With a solid coaching staff now in place, including the Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator, the foundation is set. The team will look to improve on its conference standing and challenge powerhouses in the SIAC East and West divisions. The 2026 season will be the true test of the program's stability and ability to build upon the successes of 2025, cementing Edward Waters University as a force to be reckoned with in the world of HBCU football.
The commitment to excellence, coupled with the legacy of the university, ensures that the Edward Waters Tigers will continue to be a compelling story in college football for years to come. The goal remains to compete for the SIAC Championship and potentially earn a berth in the NCAA Division II playoffs.
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