Cross Patton, former running back for the University of Oregon and the University of Nevada and son of hip-hop legend Big Boi from Outkast has decided to play his final year of eligibility at Bethune-Cookman University, an HBCU in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Patton, a 5’6″ running back from Atlanta, Georgia, committed to the University of Oregon in 2019 after attending Woodward High School, where he received an Honorable Mention All-Region 4-AAAA selection as a senior.
He redshirted in 2019 and had limited playing time during the shortened 2020 season due to the pandemic. In 2021, he played in five games but only on special teams, and he finished his Oregon career with one tackle in seven games.
In 2022, Patton transferred to the University of Nevada and played in 10 games over two seasons, gaining 68 yards on 23 carries.
Now, with one year of eligibility left, he has decided to play HBCU football for Bethune-Cookman University under head coach Raymond Woodie.
Throughout his journey, Cross Patton’s father, Big Boi, has been his biggest supporter, regularly attending his games at the University of Nevada and even traveling to away games at Hawaii and Iowa to show his support.
“He’s been a part of my journey ever since I started playing football,” Cross Patton told Nevada Sports Net about his father’s ongoing support. “I don’t think he’s ever missed more than maybe four games my whole life. He’s been there all the way.”
In 2023, Bethune-Cookman’s football team had a 3-8 record and finished 5th out of 6 teams in the SWAC East. Head coach Raymond Woodie addressed the school’s media department during the 2024 spring ball program, highlighting his focus on filling position gaps using the transfer portal and emphasizing his commitment to the running game.
The recent signing of Patton fulfills both objectives and the added support from his father, a well-known figure, will contribute to the already vibrant atmosphere of HBCU football in Florida.
