Melvin B. Tolson is a professor at Wiley College in Texas. Wiley is a small African-American college. In 1935, Tolson inspired students to form the school's first debate team. Tolson turns a group of underdog students into a historically elite debate team which goes on to challenge Harvard in the national championship. Inspired by a true story.

A young couple who pretend to be brother and sister move from Chicago to the Texas panhandle to escape poverty. There, they work the ranch of a rich and handsome farmer, who has fallen in love with the woman.

A backup quarterback for a high school football team must confront the pressures and temptations of being a sports star, including conflicts with his coach and girl friend.