Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions

The Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions bring SWAC football to the Arkansas Delta, a program known for gritty, resilient teams that have historically punched above their program size. UAPB's black and gold colors represent a school with a long HBCU athletic tradition dating back over a century. The Golden Lions broke through with a surprise championship run that shocked the SWAC and earned Black college national title recognition. It's a program defined by its underdog moments.

Football at what's now UAPB dates to 1915, when the program began as an independent at Branch Normal College. The Golden Lions were charter-era SWAC members from 1936 to 1969, spent decades competing outside the conference, and rejoined the SWAC in 1998. Their signature moment came in 2011, when they won their first and only SWAC football championship and were simultaneously named Black College Football national champions. The 2012 season added a school-record 10 wins and another national recognition.