After a weekend that saw scuffles between teams at the FBS level (Louisiana and Texas State saw a total of 13 players suspended by the Sun Belt) and another weekend of scuffles at the FCS level between HBCU institutions (the SWAC announced 27 total suspensions and fined schools a total $65k), a pair of Division III programs are paying a steep price following a post game fight.
Following Averett's (D-III - VA) 27-21 win over Guilford (D-III - NC), a large scale fight reportedly took place between the two teams, forcing the Old Dominion Athletic Conference to step in to issue harsh disciplinary measures.
While no known video of the fight took exists, the league made the decision over the weekend to cancel the remainder of the season for both schools.
The ODAC's statement reads, in part:
The Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) has reviewed the events that took place following the football game between Guilford College and Averett University on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
After its examination and consultation with both institutions, the conference has determined that the post-game altercation between the two programs does not uphold the standards of sportsmanship, respect, and conduct expected within the ODAC.
As a result, and in agreement with both institutions, Guilford College and Averett University will discontinue their football seasons effective immediately. Each institution will forfeit its remaining game scheduled for November 15, 2025, in accordance with ODAC policy.
“Sportsmanship and respect are essential elements of the ODAC experience,” said Brad Bankston, ODAC Commissioner. “While competition is at the heart of what we do, the integrity with which we compete defines who we are. The actions following Saturday’s contest did not reflect those values, and this decision underscores our commitment to maintaining the standards our conference represents. I want to thank both schools for their cooperation and open dialogue in reaching this decision.”
The conference will continue to work collaboratively with Guilford and Averett to ensure that appropriate educational and corrective measures are taken. Both institutions have expressed a shared commitment to reinforcing expectations for conduct, respect, and the well-being of all student-athletes, coaches, and staff.
Averett was supposed to end their season this weekend against Roanoke, where they were set to celebrate their seniors with a Senior Day sendoff, and Guilford was supposed to play on the road at Bridgewater College.
With each Division III program allowed to play 10 games, the statement from the ODAC suggests that the two schools would be permitted to play against each other again, if they choose to do so.
While the disciplinary action takes away the opportunity for seniors to play their final scheduled game, it also marks the premature end of the tenure of Averett head coach Patrick Henry, who took over the program in 2019 and recently accepted an academic role at the school he's been with for well over a decade.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for all the latest.