The tradition of classic football games between historically Black colleges and universities began with the 1919 Thanksgiving Day game between Howard University and Lincoln University. Featuring lively marching bands, intense rivalries and a strong sense of community, these classic games showcase the enduring legacy of HBCU football.
Here are 13 key HBCU football matchups to mark on your calendar this season.
All game times are listed in Eastern time.
Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge
The matchup: Florida A&M University vs. Norfolk State University
When and where: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24; Center Parc Stadium, Atlanta
How to watch: ABC
The rundown: The matchup between defending Celebration Bowl champion Florida A&M University of the Southwestern Athletic Conference and Norfolk State University of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference promises to be competitive; Florida A&M narrowly defeated Norfolk State 30-28 in 2019, the last time the teams played each other.
Information: www.meacswacchallenge.com
Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic
The matchup: Benedict College vs. Virginia State University
When and where: 4 p.m. Sept. 1; Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio
How to watch: NFL Network
2023 score: Virginia Union University 45, Morehouse 13
The rundown: The schedule of events includes college and career fairs, a day of service with Habitat for Humanity, a hip-hop concert featuring T.I. and the Ying Yang Twins, a block party and a gospel concert featuring Erica Campbell. Game day opens with an interfaith service before the tailgate.
Information: www.profootballhof.com
Orange Blossom Classic
The matchup: Alabama State University vs. North Carolina Central University
When and where: 3 p.m. Sept. 1; Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
How to watch: ESPN
2023 score: Florida A&M 28, Jackson State University 10
The rundown: For the first time since its founding in 1933, the Orange Blossom Classic will not include FAMU. This year, North Carolina Central University will compete against Alabama State University. Weekend festivities include a pickleball tournament, a battle of the bands, the Stompdown step show and other celebrations of HBCU culture.
Information: www.orangeblossomclassic.com
Toyota HBCU NY Classic
The matchup: Howard University vs. Morehouse College
When and where: 3 p.m. Sept. 14; MetLife Stadium; East Rutherford, New Jersey
How to watch: CNBC
2023 score: Albany State University 24, Morehouse 14
The rundown: Morehouse has lost its last six matchups against Howard, the reigning MEAC champion, since 2011. In their last meeting, in September 2023, Howard delivered a decisive 65-19 victory. With Morehouse now led by new head coach Terance Mathis, a former NFL player, the Tigers are looking to upset the Bison this year.
BoomBox Classic
The matchup: Southern University and A&M College vs. Jackson State University
When and where: 7 p.m. Sept. 14; Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson, Mississippi
How to watch: ESPN+
2023 score: Jackson State 27, Southern 14
The rundown: In a rivalry that dates back to 1929, both teams will assemble in Jackson to decide which is better: Columbia blue or navy blue. With Jackson State coming off a four-year winning streak in the BoomBox Classic, second-year head coach T.C. Taylor hopes to get another Tigers victory under his belt. Southern will take the field under first-year coach Terrence Graves.
Southern Heritage Classic
The matchup: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff vs. Tennessee State University
When and where: 7 p.m. Sept. 14; Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee
How to watch: HBCU GO
2023 score: Tennessee State University 24, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 14
The rundown: The Southern Heritage Classic, which will celebrate its 35th year this fall, features a diverse lineup of events, including concerts by singers Patti LaBelle, Tamia and Joe, a college and career fair, and a tailgate. Additional activities include the Penny Hardaway Memphis District Golf Classic, a parade with high school marching bands, and a battle of the bands, all leading up to the game.
Information: southernheritageclassic.com
Truth and Service Classic
The matchup: Hampton University vs. Howard University
When and where: 3:30 p.m. Sept. 21; Audi Field, Washington
How to watch: TBA
2023 score: Hampton 35, Howard 34
The rundown: The football rivalry between Hampton and Howard universities, known as the “Battle of the Real HU,” continues during this fourth annual event. Since 1998, Hampton leads their series 20-4 and enters this year’s contest on a seven-game winning streak.
The Aggie-Eagle Classic
The matchup: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University vs. North Carolina Central University
When and where: 7 p.m. Sept. 21; O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium, Durham, North Carolina
How to watch: ESPNU
2023 score: NCCU 30, NCAT 16
The rundown: North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central remain highly engaged every year in the Aggie-Eagle Classic. Since 1998, North Carolina A&T leads the series 14-10, with North Carolina Central winning their last two matchups.
Chicago Football Classic
The matchup: Kentucky State University vs. Morehouse College
When and where: 4:30 p.m. Sept. 21; Soldier Field, Chicago
How to watch: TBA
2023 score: Central State University 24, Mississippi Valley State University 21
The rundown: In their last matchup in October 2023, Kentucky State defeated Morehouse 23-21, but since 2010, Morehouse leads the series 8-2. Notable wins include a 55-7 victory for Morehouse in 2012 and a close 23-21 Morehouse win in 2018.
Information: www.chicagofootballclassic.org
Circle City Classic
The matchup: Norfolk State University vs. North Carolina Central University
When and where: 3 p.m. Sept. 28; Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
How to watch: ESPNU
2023 score: North Carolina Central 45, Mississippi Valley State 3
The rundown: The Circle City Classic, now in its 40th year, is one of the oldest HBCU games in the country. The Miss Circle City Classic Coronation and a parade are among the festivities leading up to the main event.
Magic City Classic
The matchup: Alabama A&M University vs. Alabama State University
When and where: 3:30 p.m. Oct. 26; Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama
How to watch: ESPN+
2023 score: Alabama State 31, Alabama A&M 16
The rundown: In a rivalry that has existed since 1940, these two Alabama HBCUs will go head-to-head for bragging rights. Look for Alabama A&M to lean on running back Donovan Eaglin, who was selected to the Boxtorow Preseason All-America team.
Information: www.magiccityclassic.com
Florida Blue Florida Classic
The matchup: Florida A&M University vs. Bethune-Cookman University
When and where: 3:30 p.m. Nov. 23; Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
How to watch: ESPN
2023 score: Florida A&M 24, Bethune-Cookman 7
Information: floridaclassic.org
Bayou Classic
The matchup: Southern University vs. Grambling State University
When and where: 2 p.m. Nov. 30; Caesars Superdome, New Orleans
How to watch: NBC and Peacock
2023 score: Southern 27, Grambling 22
Information: mybayouclassic.com
Complete schedule of Black college classics
Aug. 24
7:30 p.m.: Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge, Atlanta
Florida A&M University vs. Norfolk State University
Aug. 31
6 p.m.: John A. Merritt Classic, Nashville, Tennessee
Mississippi Valley State University vs. Tennessee State University
6 p.m.: Prudential Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic, Harrison, New Jersey
Morgan State University vs. Hampton University
7 p.m.: Labor Day Classic, Prairie View, Texas
Texas Southern University vs. Prairie View A&M University
Sept. 1
3 p.m.: Orange Blossom Classic, Miami Gardens, Florida
Alabama State University vs. North Carolina Central University
4 p.m.: Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic, Canton, Ohio
Benedict College vs. Virginia State University
7 p.m.: Red Tails Classic, Montgomery, Alabama
Johnson C. Smith University vs. Tuskegee University
Sept. 7
1 p.m.: Big Cat Classic, Miami Gardens, Florida
Edward Waters University vs. Florida Memorial University
7 p.m.: Louis Crews Classic, Huntsville, Alabama
Kentucky State University vs. Alabama A&M University
7 p.m.: W.C. Gorden Classic, Jackson, Mississippi
Lane College vs. Jackson State University
Sept. 14
1 p.m.: Eddie McGirt Classic, Charlotte, North Carolina
Lincoln University (Pennsylvania) vs. Johnson C. Smith University
2 p.m.: Battle of the Bay, Norfolk, Virginia
Hampton University vs. Norfolk State University
3 p.m.: Toyota HBCU NY Classic, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Howard University vs. Morehouse College
7 p.m.: BoomBox Classic, Jackson, Mississippi
Southern University vs. Jackson State University
7 p.m.: Southern Heritage Classic, Memphis, Tennessee
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff vs. Tennessee State University
Sept. 21
2 p.m.: Down East Viking Classic, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Elizabeth City State University vs. Fayetteville State University
3:30 p.m.: Truth and Service Classic, Washington
Hampton University vs. Howard University
4:30 p.m.: Chicago Football Classic, Chicago
Kentucky State University vs. Morehouse College
7 p.m.: Aggie-Eagle Classic, Durham, North Carolina
North Carolina A&T State University vs. North Carolina Central University
Sept. 28
1 p.m.: Willard Bailey Classic, Richmond, Virginia
Shaw University vs. Virginia Union University
3 p.m.: Circle City Classic, Indianapolis
Norfolk State University vs. North Carolina Central University
7 p.m.: State Fair Classic, Dallas
Grambling State University vs. Prairie View A&M University
Oct. 5
2 p.m.: Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic, Columbus, Georgia
Morehouse College vs. Tuskegee University
Oct. 26
3:30 p.m.: Magic City Classic, Birmingham, Alabama
Alabama A&M University vs. Alabama State University
Nov. 2
5 p.m.: Port City Classic, Mobile, Alabama
Alcorn State University vs. Alabama State University
Nov. 9
2 p.m.: Commemorative Classic, Salisbury, North Carolina
Johnson C. Smith University vs. Livingstone College
2 p.m.: Fountain City Classic, Columbus, Georgia
Fort Valley State University vs. Albany State University
2 p.m.: AME Football Classic, Jacksonville, Florida
Allen University vs. Edward Waters University
Nov. 23
3:30 p.m.: Florida Blue Florida Classic, Orlando, Florida
Bethune-Cookman University vs. Florida A&M University
Nov. 28
2 p.m.: Turkey Day Classic, Montgomery, Alabama
Tuskegee University vs. Alabama State University
Nov. 30
2 p.m.: Bayou Classic, New Orleans
Grambling State University vs. Southern University
Dec. 14
Noon: Cricket Celebration Bowl, Atlanta
TBD
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