Southern University esports team advances to national HBCU tournament finals; watch party set for Sunday
Southern University students will compete for national recognition Sunday, Oct. 4, as the Penny Games championship bracket gets underway, with SU EDGE (esports, development and gaming ecosystem) hosting a campus watch party for students, faculty, staff, alumni and community supporters.
The Penny Games, hosted by the Penny Foundation, brings together 41 top HBCU student competitors competing in College Football 27 and Super Smash Bros. for a share of a $7,600 total prize pool. The Games is designed to prepare young leaders for the evolving digital economy through competitive gaming, critical thinking and exposure to employers and academic institutions.
Southern University has emerged as one of the tournament's top-performing programs, with Jaguar competitors securing six of the top eight spots in College Football 27 during initial bracket play. Southern also secured a top-five position in Super Smash Bros.
Southern University Tournament Standings
College Football 27 — $3,800 prize pool
1st — Jaeveon Jordan (Jordooo2x)
2nd — Coby Robinson (K1ngc0by)
3rd — Ventrice Curtis (retxce)
4th — Derrick Pittman (Trup1tt)
6th — Jeremiah Hollins (Pr33min3ntJayy)
8th — Gavin Miniex (Yeeaaa_gav)
Super Smash Bros. — $3,800 prize pool
5th — Timothy Ray (Apxllo)
SU EDGE, housed within the College of Sciences and Engineering, continues to expand Southern University's presence in competitive gaming and technology innovation.
"The incredible performance of our students in The Penny Games is a testament to the talent, strategic discipline, and dedication within the SU EDGE program," said Christopher Turner, director of SU EDGE. "Esports at Southern University isn't just about gaming—it’s a gateway to STEM pathways, digital leadership, and high-impact career exposure. Seeing our players dominate six of the top eight spots in College Football 27 highlights the competitive excellence that the College of Sciences and Engineering continues to cultivate. We are immensely proud of our student-athletes representing Jaguar Nation on a national level.”
Players in College Football 27 are competing for cash prizes of up to $1,500, while Super Smash Bros. players can earn up to $1,400.
The championship bracket and finals will stream online Sunday, Oct. 4, beginning at 11 a.m. central time. SU EDGE will host an official campus watch party at the SU EDGE Esports Innovation Lab inside of the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union, giving the Southern University community an opportunity to watch and support the Jaguar competitors as they compete for tournament titles. The watch party is free and open to students, faculty, staff and the community.
To watch the live broadcast on Sunday, click here.