Central State football garners national spotlight as program rises

Central State University is capturing national headlines as its Marauder football program enters a bold new era under Head Coach Tony Carter, an NFL veteran bringing elite coaching experience and a clear vision for building excellence from the ground up. 

Recent features from Sports Illustrated, The Miami Herald, Athlon Sports, HBCU Sports, and others commend CSU’s rising profile, with attention focused on the revamped coaching staff, historic hires, and a program rooted in ambition and accountability. 

A leadership reset with proven credentials 

On March 20, 2025, Central State officially welcomed Carter as its head football coach, marking the beginning of a transformation aimed at restoring the Marauders’ tradition of competitive excellence (Central State University Athletics).  

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Carter's football career spans over a decade, beginning as a standout cornerback at Florida State University, where he was a four-year starter, named Freshman All-American, and earned multiple All-ACC honors. He went on to play in the NFL for eight seasons with teams the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, and New Orleans Saints. 

A highlight of his NFL career was competing in Super Bowl XLVIII as a member of the Broncos. 

Following his playing career, Carter transitioned into coaching, serving in roles such as defensive assistant and interim defensive backs coach with the Lions, cornerbacks coach at Jacksonville University and defensive coordinator for the XFL's Orlando Guardians.  

He has also participated in the prestigious NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with teams such as the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, and Oakland Raiders. Most recently, Carter served as the cornerbacks coach at Southeastern University.  (Central State University Athletics).  

At his introduction, Athletic Director Kevicia Brown praised his ability to "inspire, instill discipline, and cultivate a mindset to achieve greatness,” while Carter pledged to meet student-athletes “where they are” and pour into their holistic development — athletically, academically, and personally (Central State University Athletics). 

A roster of high-profile, trailblazing hires 

Carter has assembled an all-star coaching team featuring Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes as wide receivers coach and former Michigan standout Mike McCray as linebackers coach. (centralstate.edu). 

Other key staff additions include Pat Clark (Assistant Head Coach and Co-Defensive Coordinator), and James Lee (Recruiting Coordinator and Running Backs Coach) (SI), as well as NFL veterans Leon Washington (Offensive Coordinator/QB's), Quintin Demps (Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/Safeties-Nickel Defence), and Dayton native Brandon McKinney (Defensive Line Coach. 

The diverse and accomplished team underlines CSU’s commitment to building a culture of leadership, accountability, and competitiveness. 

Impact and recognition on the national stage 

Coverage from Sports Illustrated and HBCU Sports celebrates Central State’s intentional program-building and diverse staff hires as emblematic of momentum across HBCU football programs in 2025, highlighting Carter’s leadership style and the renewed vigor around Marauder football (HBCU Sports). 

The Miami Herald and Athlon Sports also spotlight the local and national significance of CSU’s rise — reflecting a growing appreciation for HBCU programs that combine tradition with forward-looking vision (San Luis Obispo, Yardbarker). 

Honoring HBCU legacy, launching a new chapter 

As Ohio’s only public Historically Black College or University and 1890 Land-Grant Institution, Central State continues its legacy of academic innovation and leadership while boldly advancing as a competitive force in collegiate athletics. The football program’s resurgence now reflects that broader institutional trajectory, driven by investment, identity, and purpose. 

Carter’s opening remarks captured the ethos: “This program has a rich history of greatness. … We will develop winners on and off the field, instilling a culture of discipline, accountability, and excellence.”  

President Morakinyo A.O. Kuti echoed that sentiment: 

“We believe in his vision... under Carter’s leadership, our football players will succeed on the field, in the classroom, and in society.”  

With spring practices underway and a revamped staff in place, Marauder football is setting a new standard in the SIAC and beyond — a renewed chapter defined by ambition, unity, and undefeated spirit.