5 Reasons Why Edward Waters Tigers Football's Historic 2025 Season Signals A New Era Of SIAC Dominance
The Edward Waters Tigers football program has officially turned a corner, making the 2025 season a landmark year that signals a seismic shift in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) landscape. For decades, the Tigers, based in Jacksonville, Florida, have been working towards stability and competitive relevance, and as of the current date, December 20, 2025, that ambition has been realized with a historic campaign and a clear path to full NCAA Division II membership. The program’s ascent is not a fluke but the result of strategic coaching, key player development, and a renewed institutional commitment to athletic excellence.
This deep dive explores the five most compelling reasons why the Edward Waters Tigers’ 2025 football season should be viewed as the definitive launch of a new, highly competitive era for the university. From a record-breaking start to the elevation of a championship-caliber head coach, the foundation has been laid for future SIAC dominance and sustained success in Division II football.
The Architect of Change: Head Coach Brian Jenkins' Biography and Impact
The single most significant factor in the Edward Waters Tigers' recent success is the official promotion of Brian Jenkins Sr. to Head Football Coach. Jenkins, who began the 2025 season as the interim head coach, quickly proved he was the right man to lead the program into its new era, earning the permanent title after a record start.
- Full Name: Brian O'Neal Jenkins Sr.
- Date of Birth: March 4, 1971
- Current Role: Head Football Coach, Edward Waters University (EWU)
- EWU Tenure: Promoted to Head Coach during the 2025 season.
- Previous Head Coaching Career Highlights:
- Bethune-Cookman University (2010–2014): Compiled a stellar 46–14 win-loss record.
- Championships: Led Bethune-Cookman to four MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Championships.
- Awards: Named MEAC Coach of the Year four times during his tenure at Bethune-Cookman.
- Alabama State University (2014–2017): Held a 10-17 record, including a victory over rival Alabama A&M in the Magic City Classic.
- FBS Experience: Has held coaching positions at Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools, including Rutgers, Bowling Green, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Coach Jenkins' track record of winning championships in the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) football world, specifically his remarkable run at Bethune-Cookman, provides the Tigers with a level of proven leadership they have rarely enjoyed. His elevation from interim to permanent head coach was a direct response to the immediate, positive culture shift and on-field results seen in the 2025 campaign. Jenkins' high-level experience and ability to recruit and develop talent are the bedrock of the program's future success.
1. The Historic 3-0 Start: A 60-Year Breakthrough Moment
The most attention-grabbing headline of the 2025 season was the Edward Waters Tigers' phenomenal opening to the schedule. The team surged to a 3-0 record, marking the program's best start in over six decades, a feat not accomplished since 1964. This initial burst of success immediately put the entire SIAC on notice, transforming the Tigers from a perennial underdog into a legitimate contender in the conference standings.
This early momentum was crucial for a program in transition. It provided the necessary energy and confidence to sustain the team through the rigors of a full SIAC schedule. The victories were not just wins; they were statements that demonstrated the Tigers could compete at a high level against established Division II programs. The 3-0 run was a tangible sign that Coach Jenkins' system and philosophy were taking immediate root within the team culture.
2. Final 2025 Record: Stability and Competitive Relevance
While the Tigers’ historic start eventually cooled, the team finished the 2025 season with a solid and respectable 5-5 overall record. More importantly, they achieved a .500 winning percentage in conference play, finishing 4-4 in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. This achievement is a significant milestone for the program.
A 5-5 record, especially one that includes a 4-4 SIAC performance, demonstrates a new level of stability and competitive relevance. Historically, the Edward Waters football program has struggled to maintain consistency. The 2025 campaign showed the team could navigate the challenges of a tough conference slate, secure crucial home victories, and compete on the road. This sustained performance is a key indicator of a healthy program foundation, setting a high bar for the 2026 football season and beyond. The team's ability to compete with SIAC rivals like Albany State University, Benedict College, and Savannah State University is now undeniable.
3. Key Players Earning All-SIAC Honors
The success of the 2025 season was validated by individual player achievements, with three Edward Waters Tigers earning prestigious All-SIAC Honors. This recognition highlights the caliber of talent being developed and attracted to the Jacksonville campus. These players are the future leaders of the program and provide the star power necessary for a Division II contender.
- Johntarrious Thomas: A standout player who earned All-SIAC recognition, Thomas represents the defensive or offensive firepower that helped secure the team's pivotal victories.
- Trevon French: Also named to the All-SIAC list, French's performance demonstrates excellence in his position and a commitment to high-level play.
- Quarterback Noah Bodden: Although not explicitly named in the All-SIAC trio, quarterback Noah Bodden was instrumental in building the team's offensive foundation throughout the season. Bodden's leadership and development are crucial for the long-term success of the Tigers' offense.
The presence of these high-achieving student-athletes on the All-Conference list not only boosts the program's visibility but also serves as a powerful recruiting tool. It proves that Edward Waters University provides a platform for players to excel and receive league-wide recognition.
4. The Final Push for NCAA Division II Status and SIAC Membership
Beyond the on-field performance, the 2025 season was critical in the institutional journey toward full NCAA Division II (D-II) status. Edward Waters University has been diligently working through the NCAA's multi-year transition process, and the recent news confirms they are moving forward to becoming a fully certified NCAA Division II member.
Full D-II status is transformative for the university and the football program. It allows the Tigers to compete fully for conference championships and, critically, for a spot in the NCAA Division II Football Championship playoffs. The Tigers are already competing as a full member of the SIAC, one of the premier HBCU conferences in the nation, but the final step in the NCAA transition will solidify their place in the collegiate sports landscape. This institutional momentum is vital, as it ensures long-term stability, better facilities, and enhanced recruiting opportunities against SIAC rivals like Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, and Kentucky State University.
5. A New Standard of Competitive Excellence
The ultimate takeaway from the 2025 Edward Waters Tigers football season is the establishment of a new standard. The days of struggling to compete are over. Coach Jenkins has instilled a culture of competitive excellence and accountability that is reflected in the team's historic start and overall .500 record. The program is no longer solely focused on marginal improvements but on achieving significant milestones.
The 2025 season was a clear proof of concept: the Tigers can win, they can develop All-Conference talent, and they have the coaching leadership to sustain success. As they finalize their NCAA Division II transition and continue to strengthen their roster, the Edward Waters Tigers are poised to become a perennial contender in the SIAC. The future of Edward Waters football is not just bright; it is a serious threat to the established order of the conference, promising exciting rivalries and high-stakes football for years to come.
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