BATON ROUGE — Southern University students took the national esports stage by storm as they secured several top positions during initial bracket play for The Penny Games.

Hosted by the Penny Foundation, the tournament features 41 HBCU students competing for a share of a $7,600 prize pool, with the tournament designed to prepare young leaders for the evolving digital economy through competitive play, critical thinking and exposure to employers and academic institutions. 

During the tournament, Southern students secured six of the top eight spots for College Football 27 along with a top-five position for Super Smash Bros. 

"The incredible performance of our students in The Penny Games is a testament to the talent, strategic discipline, and dedication within the SU EDGE program," said Director Christopher Turner. "Esports at Southern University isn't just about gaming—it’s a gateway to STEM pathways, digital leadership, and high-impact career exposure."

The finals and championship bracket play for the tournament will be livestreamed online on Oct. 4 at 11 a.m., with the Southern University community invited to cheer on the Jaguars live in person during an official campus watch party at the SU EDGE Esports Innovation Lab. 

To watch the livestream, click here.