The SIAC Power Shift: 7 Major Updates And Why The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Is Dominating HBCU Sports In 2025
The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) is currently experiencing a historic resurgence, solidifying its status as a powerhouse in NCAA Division II athletics and a cornerstone of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) sports landscape. As of December 21, 2025, the conference is buzzing with fresh news and major developments, from thrilling championship finishes to strategic administrative appointments that are setting the stage for long-term success. This deep dive explores the most critical, up-to-the-minute details that define the SIAC's current trajectory.
The SIAC is not just a collection of athletic teams; it is the second-oldest HBCU athletic conference, boasting a rich legacy of cultural significance and competitive excellence that dates back over a century. The focus now is on modernizing that legacy, with recent results and administrative moves highlighting a commitment to both competitive achievement and institutional growth across its 15 member institutions.
The SIAC 2025 Power Rankings: Championship & Preseason Honors
The 2024-2025 academic year has delivered intense competition, with several institutions staking their claim as the top programs in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The results across major sports categories illustrate a shifting balance of power and a high level of competitive parity within the NCAA Division II conference. The SIAC continues to be a breeding ground for elite talent, with several teams and athletes earning top honors.
- 2025 Football Championship & Standings: The pinnacle of the football season saw the Albany State University Golden Rams secure the 2024 SIAC Championship title, defeating the Benedict College Tigers in a highly anticipated matchup. The final 2025 football standings underscored Albany State's dominance with a 10-0 record, followed by Benedict (7-3) and Kentucky State University (7-1). The announcement of the 2025 Football All-Conference Honors further highlighted individual excellence across the league.
- Men's Basketball Preseason Favorites: Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 season, the Men's Basketball Preseason Honors placed Clark Atlanta University at the top of the rankings. Other high-ranking programs included Savannah State University, Morehouse College, Albany State, and Edward Waters University.
- The 2024-2025 Commissioner's Cup: The ultimate measure of overall athletic excellence, the Commissioner's Cup, was awarded to Morehouse College for the Men's division. This prestigious honor recognizes the institution that performs the best across all conference championships, demonstrating a commitment to broad-based success.
- Spring Sports Success: The 2025 Cricket SIAC Baseball Championship saw Spring Hill College, Miles College, and Savannah State University leading the charge. Meanwhile, the 2025 SIAC Track and Field Championships were hosted by Benedict College in Columbia, SC, showcasing the conference's depth in running and field events.
Meet the 15 SIAC Member Institutions (Entities)
The SIAC is comprised of 15 full member institutions, all of which are NCAA Division II schools, with the majority being private Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). These institutions are the core of the conference's identity, driving its cultural and athletic significance. The sheer number of entities ensures a rich, diverse, and competitive environment.
The full list of SIAC member institutions for the 2025 academic year includes:
- Albany State University
- Allen University
- Benedict College
- Central State University
- Clark Atlanta University
- Edward Waters University
- Fort Valley State University
- Kentucky State University
- Lane College
- LeMoyne-Owen College
- Miles College
- Morehouse College
- Savannah State University
- Spring Hill College
- Tuskegee University
This collective of schools, headquartered in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, represents a powerful force in collegiate athletics, committed to academic integrity and competitive achievement.
New Leadership and Strategic Initiatives Defining the Future
The SIAC's recent success is underpinned by a forward-thinking administrative team focused on expanding the conference's reach, financial stability, and national profile. The leadership under Commissioner Dr. Anthony Holloman has been particularly active in implementing strategic initiatives for the 2025-2026 academic calendar.
The Holloman Era: Commissioner and Key Personnel
Dr. Anthony Holloman, who was named the 11th Commissioner of the SIAC on August 1, 2022, continues to spearhead the conference's strategic direction. His leadership is focused on enhancing the student-athlete experience and elevating the SIAC's national brand.
- Key Appointments: The SIAC recently welcomed Ruben R. Perez Jr. as the Associate Commissioner, a move designed to bolster corporate collaboration and new departmental initiatives. This focus on strategic business development is crucial for maintaining the conference's competitive edge.
- National Influence: Commissioner Holloman’s influence extends beyond the SIAC, as he was also named to the NCAA National Collegiate Men's Volleyball Committee, with his term beginning in September 2025. This appointment provides the SIAC with a direct voice in national collegiate sports governance.
- Industry Recognition: The conference's administrative strength was further affirmed by the selection of five SIAC athletics administrators to lead at the 2025 National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) & Affiliates Convention, showcasing the caliber of leadership within the member institutions.
Groundbreaking Partnerships and Topical Authority
The SIAC is proactively seeking unique partnerships to enhance its athletic offerings and visibility. One of the most significant developments is the unique scheduling agreement with Conference Carolinas. This partnership designates Week 11 football matchups against Conference Carolinas institutions that do not qualify for their own conference championship, creating fresh, inter-conference competition and increasing the SIAC's exposure.
The conference’s deep history provides a powerful foundation of topical authority. As the second oldest HBCU athletic conference, the SIAC has been a pillar of the community for generations, and its Hall of Fame is a testament to its enduring legacy. The SIAC Hall of Fame was established to preserve the history and celebrate the accomplishments of its distinguished alumni, coaches, and administrators. Notable inductees and alumni include:
- John Stallworth: Alabama A&M University alum and NFL Hall of Famer.
- Obie O'Neal: Albany State College.
- Raymond Wainwright: Clark Atlanta University.
- Jacoby Jones: Football standout from Lane College and Savannah State University.
- Bill Lucas: Florida A&M University alum who became a pioneering MLB executive.
The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference continues to be a vital cultural and athletic institution. From the intense rivalry of the 2025 football season to the strategic vision of its new leadership, the SIAC is successfully navigating the complexities of modern collegiate athletics while honoring its profound legacy as a premier HBCU conference.
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