Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South Steps Away From ESPN Rankings, Sparks HBCU Band Conversation
JACKSON, Miss. — Jackson State University has surprised fans across the HBCU marching world by announcing that its iconic Sonic Boom of the South will not take part in ESPN’s Red Lobster Band of the Year competition for the 2025 season.
In a message to supporters, Director Dr. Roderick Little emphasized that the decision reflects Jackson State’s internal priorities, not a retreat from competition. “Our students work tirelessly and are evaluated by a different set of standards—those that focus on personal growth, musical excellence, and cultural impact,” Little wrote.
Why the Sonic Boom’s Decision Matters
Jackson State is not just another band. The Sonic Boom helped launch the Band of the Year era, reaching the inaugural championship round in 2023 before falling to North Carolina A&T. Former director Dowell Taylor even co-chairs the competition. By stepping away, JSU is signaling that national rankings, however prestigious, aren’t the only measure of success in the HBCU band world. 
“This isn’t about rivalry or capability,” Little explained. “It’s about defining our own benchmarks.”
ESPN Responds With Respect
ESPN Events’ John T. Grant, executive director of the Red Lobster Band of the Year, told HBCU Gameday that he respects the move. “Each band will be adjudicated through the season as we have for the last two seasons,” Grant said. “Any band in the season-ending top five may decline to participate in the final competition — if selected.”
Grant also reiterated that the initiative’s mission is improvement, not trophies. “The objective of the Band of the Year is to provide evaluation and insight to help each band improve their overall on-field performance,” he said.
A Broader Debate on HBCU Band Culture
Jackson State’s decision highlights an ongoing philosophical split in HBCU marching circles: Should bands chase rankings and titles, or prioritize their own artistic and educational goals?
The Sonic Boom has long been a standard-bearer of HBCU showmanship and precision. Opting out of external scoring underscores that excellence can be defined from within — by tradition, by innovation and by the life outcomes of student musicians.
With ESPN’s Band of the Year now entering its third season, Jackson State’s absence is likely to ignite fresh conversations about how these programs measure success. As one of the most influential ensembles in Black college marching history, the Sonic Boom’s stance could inspire other bands to reevaluate how — and why — they participate.
Here’s a glimpse of Jackson State University’s first and only appearance at the inaugural Band of the Year competition, where the Sonic Boom of the South finished as runner-up to North Carolina A&T’s Blue and Gold Marching Machine.
