From Langston to the League: Football is Back

Football is officially back, and the roar can be heard from Langston to the NFL on Saturday nights in Oklahoma. The Lions are suiting up once again for a fall season to defend their pride, chasing their chapter of glory. One of the biggest stages in sport begins as the NFL unites fans across the country with the sounds of pads, rivalries reigniting, and the promise of unforgettable moments. From the heart of HBCU pride to the bright lights of the NFL, the football season is here.

To capture the full energy of football’s return from Langston’s home turf to the NFL Spotlight, I highlighted player and student voices across Langston. Bringing the story to life by talking to players and students who offered more than soundbites. It gave perspective on what the return of football means to players and students alike. From the pride on the hill to the excitement of the NFL kickoff, each interview added a layer of anticipation and a personal connection to the game we’ve all been waiting for.

First, I talked to Jayden Smith. A sophomore biology major with a minor in health, physical education & recreation from Muskogee, Oklahoma, said. “I am actually very excited to see this new team. We have a new oc and new team from last year, and we’re looking to do bigger and better things.” Smith also said, ” I think we’ll be a lot better and won’t be as stagnant and will actually improve, and with the new transfers we received, we’re gonna do great this season.”

When I spoke to him about his favorite players, he said, “I’m not going to lie, my favorite players are whoever is on my fantasy team, and right now, JD5 is looking like the man.”

Then, I talked to Ra’Shard Ellzey. Who is a sophomore computer science major from Houston, Texas. He said, “A lot of ups, definitely a bigger and more talented group in my opinion, we’re just going to work doing our 1 to 11 and hopefully for a SAC championship”.

He also noted, “I feel like we’ll be a more disciplined team. We were the most penalized team in all of NAIA, so I feel our discipline has gotten a little bit better. Lastly when talking about the upcoming NFL season, my favorite NFL team is the New Orleans Saints I’m very upset with our gm because we had perfect opportunity to get a better quarterback then we have but I can’t be a hater and I can’t be a naysayer so I’ll put it in God’s hands and their hands making their choice whit Tyler Shough.”

My last interview was with Tez Collins, a senior accounting major from Wichita, Kansas. He said, “The season makes me nervous because of the high hopes I have for the season, and I see the potential.”

When I asked what he thought about the upcoming NFL season, he said he was “extremely excited. I’m a Green Bay Packers fan, so we just got Micah Parsons, so when it comes to the NFL, I’m extremely excited.” He also said that his favorite player was “Aaron Donald. I played football from elementary to high school, and Aaron Donald was a perfect sample of who I wanted to be,” said Collins

Langston’s upcoming games are against UT Rio Grande Valley, Sep 13 at 7 pm. Local time in Edinburg, Texas. The following game against Texas College Sep 20, at 6 pm local time in Tyler. The return home vs Ottawa-Arizona will be on Oct 4, at 2 pm. Homecoming will be against Arkansas Baptist on October 11th, 2 pm at W.E. Anderson Stadium.

Upcoming important NFL games are the Super Bowl rematch in week 2, as the Philadelphia Eagles play the Kansas City Chiefs on September 14th, at 3:25 local time in Kansas City, Missouri. The following week will see a heavyweight matchup between the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens on Sep 22nd, at 7:15 pm local time in M&T Bank Stadium.

The next week will be very intriguing as the Green Bay Packers will play the Dallas Cowboys Sep 28 at 7:20 pm local time, at AT&T Stadium, as Micah will return home after a blockbuster offseason trade that sent Parsons to Green Bay in exchange for two first-round picks and Pro Bowl defensive tackle, Kenny Clark.

As football returns to both Langston and the NFL, the excitement feels bigger than just the game itself. It’s about the communities coming together, and the players who inspire with every snap. From the bright lights of the professional stage to the passion on the college field. The energy is the same, and football is back, with the hope, pride, and anticipation of a brand new season.