The Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils have built a rich legacy in college athletics through decades of determination and skill. Both Delta Devils football and Delta Devils basketball programs have produced iconic players and memorable victories. Known for their passion and resilience, the Delta Devils continue to uphold their proud tradition in NCAA competition.
College Sports Established
1950
Location
Itta Bena, Mississippi
College Name
Mississippi Valley State University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1968 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1968 - Present / Southwestern Athletic Conference
Nickname
Delta Devils - As sports fans, we often take our favorite teams' names for granted. We cheer on the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils without thinking twice about their unusual name and mascot. But have you ever wondered how this team got its nickname?
Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils Origin
The story dates back to 1947 when a group of students at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) were discussing what to call their school’s new athletic teams. After tossing around several ideas, they eventually settled on “Delta Devils” – a reference to the nearby Yazoo-Mississippi Delta region known as "the Devil's Back Porch" because of its harsh conditions and challenging terrain. The name also pays homage to African American folklore in which it is believed that devilish creatures live in swamps and other wetlands areas throughout the delta region – hence why some locals refer to it as “Devil Country."
This unique moniker has stuck with MVSU since then, becoming an integral part of their identity over time - so much so that many people now associate them exclusively with being called "Delta Devils." As NCAA Division I athletics program members, these brave athletes proudly bear this namesake each year while competing against some tough opponents from across America!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1954
- 1980
- 2006
- 2021
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South Central Athletic Conference
Delta Devils have the membership of South Central Athletic Conference from 1954–1961: -
NCAA Division I Southwestern Athletic Conference Joining
The Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils are a college team that plays in the NCAA Division I Southwestern Athletic Conference. The school is located in Itta Bena, Mississippi, and has been part of the conference since its inception in 1980. -
Carl Byrum Delta Devils Hall of Fame Player
Byrum played for the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils. He was teammates with Jerry Rice under coach Archie Cooley. Carl was inducted into the Mississippi Valley State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006. -
Head Coach of the Delta Devils Baseball Team
On July 27, 2021, Stanley Stubbs was named the head coach of the Delta Devils. With the Delta Devils improving by 10 wins over the pervious season, Stubbs had done a good job helping turn around the Delta Devils fortunes, but on June 15, 2022, head coach he resigned due to health concerns.
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Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils History
The Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils have built a proud and competitive legacy in NCAA sports, best known for their rivalry with the Florida A&M Rattlers. Founded in 1958 and later joining the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the Delta Devils quickly became one of the most recognized programs in Delta Devils football and Delta Devils basketball history. Their dedication and consistent performance have made them a key part of SWAC athletics.
The Delta Devils basketball program first captured national attention during the 1982 NCAA Tournament. Led by All-American guard Rickey Brown, the team won its opening game against Oregon before a hard-fought double-overtime loss to North Carolina State. The program continued to thrive throughout the 1980s and 1990s, producing standout players like Alphonso Ford—one of the NCAA’s all-time leading scorers—and several professional athletes who went on to play internationally.
In Delta Devils football, the program flourished under head coach Archie Cooley, who led the team from 1979 to 1995. Known for his innovative “Satellite Express” offense, Cooley developed several stars, including NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, who set numerous NCAA receiving records during his time at MVSU. The Delta Devils claimed multiple SWAC titles between 1984 and 1991 and made several playoff appearances, earning national recognition for their fast-paced, high-scoring style of play.
Devils Achievements
In the 2000s, the team continued its success under head coach Anthony Pleasant, capturing back-to-back SWAC championships in 2003 and 2004. More recently, under Coach Vincent Dancy’s leadership, the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils returned to prominence, making a strong push to the SWAC Championship Game in 2019.
Throughout their history, both Delta Devils football and Delta Devils basketball have embodied the spirit of perseverance and excellence. With championship titles, record-setting athletes, and a passionate fan base, the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils remain a proud symbol of athletic tradition in HBCU and SWAC competition.
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