Division II Coaching Stars Face Off in Celebration Bowl for HBCU Crown

This Saturday’s Celebration Bowl promises a matchup unlike any in the game’s ten-year history, featuring two coaches who built their reputations in Division II football and now lead some of the best programs in the NCAA. Tremaine Jackson of Prairie View A&M and Chennis Berry of South Carolina State (formerly at Benedict College) have both transitioned seamlessly to FCS competition, bringing with them a distinctive brand of leadership and success. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating a showdown that pits grit, culture, and championship pedigree against each other.

Jackson and Berry are more than just tacticians; they are dynamic personalities who have cultivated winning cultures at every stop. Berry made his mark at Benedict College with motivational sayings like going “1-0 every week” and emphasizing physical dominance, while viral videos of his speeches helped cement his reputation as a charismatic HBCU coach. Jackson, similarly, is known for his candid approach, using straight talk in recruiting and unique motivational methods that often go viral, including his remixed hymn celebrating Prairie View A&M.

Both coaches define their teams through toughness and disciplined play. Berry’s programs are known for their physical style on both sides of the ball, with disruptive defenses and offensive lines that create opportunities for running backs and quarterbacks alike. Jackson’s Prairie View squad mirrors this philosophy, boasting top-ranked scoring, total, and passing defenses in the SWAC, along with numerous sacks, forced fumbles, and interceptions, embodying a no-nonsense, old-school approach to the game.

The paths of Berry and Jackson share a Division II foundation that shaped their success. Berry dominated the SIAC, capturing back-to-back championships and achieving national recognition with Benedict College. Jackson, meanwhile, revitalized Valdosta State University, turning a struggling powerhouse into a playoff contender and leading them to a near-championship run. Both have leveraged their Division II experience to excel in FCS football, making their Celebration Bowl clash a culmination of years of coaching excellence.

1. Building Cultures That Win

Culture is the cornerstone of both Jackson and Berry’s programs. They demand accountability, toughness, and attention to detail from their players, creating environments where success is expected and celebrated. Berry’s leadership style emphasizes motivation through memorable phrases and inspirational messaging. His ability to connect with players and fans alike has amplified Benedict and South Carolina State’s prominence within HBCU football. Jackson uses candid communication and unconventional methods to set the tone for his team. From his direct recruiting approach to viral motivational videos, he instills confidence and focus in his players, ensuring they understand their roles and the expectations for championship performance. Both coaches’ cultural philosophies extend beyond Xs and Os, shaping how their teams approach practice, preparation, and competition. The Celebration Bowl serves as a platform to showcase the impact of their leadership and the power of strong team culture.

2. Dominance on the Field

Berry and Jackson’s teams are defined by physicality and discipline. Berry’s squads emphasize aggressive defensive play and robust offensive line performance, giving his teams a competitive edge in every matchup. Jackson’s Prairie View defense has been exceptional in 2025, leading the SWAC in scoring, total, and passing defense. With numerous sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles, his squad embodies the hard-nosed, no-excuses mentality that has become his trademark. Both coaches also instill adaptability in their players, allowing them to adjust mid-game while maintaining a consistent level of intensity. This approach makes their teams difficult to prepare for and ensures they perform well in high-pressure situations. On the offensive side, both programs emphasize smart, physical play. Berry’s background as an offensive lineman translates into strong line play and efficient execution, while Jackson’s teams prioritize disciplined schemes that maximize both the running and passing games.

3. From Division II to FCS Stardom

Both Jackson and Berry forged their reputations in Division II football before moving to the FCS. Berry dominated the SIAC with Benedict College, leaving a lasting legacy that includes multiple conference championships and national recognition. Jackson rebuilt Valdosta State, taking a storied program that had experienced a down year and quickly returning it to championship contention. His turnaround included playoff success and national attention, cementing his status as a rising star in FCS football. The Celebration Bowl matchup highlights how both coaches’ Division II experiences shaped their philosophies. Had certain playoff outcomes differed, Berry and Jackson might have faced each other earlier in their careers, making this weekend’s game a long-awaited clash of coaching pedigrees. Their trajectories underscore the idea that elite coaching talent often originates outside the limelight of Division I power programs, demonstrating that championship-level coaching and team-building expertise can be forged in smaller, less-heralded programs.