Southern University captures first Division II Esports national title

Southern University has claimed the Eastern College Athletic Conference EA Sports College Football National Championship, becoming the first historically Black college or university to win a Division II title in collegiate esports.

Coby Robinson, a sophomore computer science major known as “K1ngC0by,” secured the title in a best-of-five championship series against Bellarmine University. Robinson clinched the series 3-2 with a 38-29 victory in the deciding Game 5.

The championship series was a back-and-forth battle, with Robinson using Texas to defeat his opponent, who played as Oregon, in the final game.

Robinson reflected on his championship victory.

“I feel great, happy and accomplished because this has been a dream of mine,” said Robinson. “To see myself continuing to dominate and make history shows that I belong and that my dream is within reach.”

Christopher Turner, director and head coach of the Southern University Esports Digital Gaming Ecosystem, credited the team effort behind the win.

“This is a monumental moment for Southern University and the entire HBCU landscape,” Turner said. “This victory was a team effort that required total commitment to the plan.”

Turner also recognized contributors to the team’s preparation, including Mahcoe Edwards, a program alumnus; Jaeveon Jordan, a graduate student at Alabama A&M University; and Civ, owner of Civil.gg.

The national title highlights the continued growth of esports at Southern University and the role of HBCUs in expanding opportunities for students in competitive gaming and STEM-related fields.