In HBCU football, “classic” matchups have long been cornerstone events, drawing large crowds and showcasing deep-rooted rivalries. Homecoming games, however, often bring even more excitement—serving as grand reunions for alumni and communities. Both classics and homecomings carry historical significance, often featuring longtime rivals and packed stadiums filled with pride and pageantry.

For the 2025 season, several classic games and homecomings will spotlight at least one FCS-level HBCU team. Along with these, we’re highlighting key matchups like the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and the Celebration Bowl.

Here’s a full look at every HBCU classic and homecoming scheduled for 2025:

Some notable DII homecoming games we’ll be tracking include:

• Oct. 11 | Fayetteville State | Opponent: Livingstone
• Oct. 18 | Morehouse | Opponent: Lane
• Oct. 18 | Winston-Salem State | Opponent: Livingstone
• Oct. 18 | Virginia Union | Opponent: Lincoln (PA)
• Oct. 25 | Clark Atlanta | Opponent: Edward Waters
• Oct. 25 | Virginia State | Opponent: Bluefield State
• Oct. 25 | Lincoln (PA) | Opponent: Elizabeth City State
• Oct. 25 | Savannah State | Opponent: Morehouse
• Nov. 1 | Bowie State | Opponent: Elizabeth City State
• Nov. 1 | Tuskegee | Opponent: Lane

Here are some notable classics featuring DII schools that we’ll be tracking:

• Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic | Virginia Union vs. Miles | Aug. 31 | Location: Canton, OH
• Red Tails Classic | Tuskegee vs. Winston-Salem State | Aug. 31 | Location: Montgomery, AL
• Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic | Morehouse vs. Tuskegee | Oct. 4 |  Location: Columbus, GA
• Fountain City Classic | Fort Valley State at Albany State | Nov. 8 | Location: Albany, GA
• Chicago Football Classic | Teams and Date TBA
• CIAA Championship | Nov. 15 | Location: Durham, NC

Regular season MEAC vs. SWAC contests

In addition to the MEAC-SWAC Challenge played in Week Zero, there are four regular season games where MEAC and SWAC teams will meet on the gridiron.

Free Marketing Services Offered to Boost Business Growth and Alumni Giving

GAUTIER, Miss. – April 15, 2025 – HBCU$™, a new alumni giving and wealth-building network, is set to launch on May 1, 2025, with a bold mission: to help close the multi-billion-dollar public funding gap that has historically disadvantaged Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). By uplifting the entrepreneurs these institutions cultivate, HBCU$™ aims to turn business success into sustainable support for HBCUs.

Founded by Dorsey West, a proud graduate of Tennessee State University, HBCU$™ was inspired by a 2023 report from the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The analysis revealed that between 1987 and 2020, HBCU land-grant colleges were underfunded by an estimated $12.6 billion compared to their non-HBCU counterparts—with Tennessee State alone shorted by over $2.1 billion.

“HBCUs are facing severe challenges as budget cuts at both the federal and state levels continue,” said West. “I created HBCU$™ to harness the power of alumni support and private-sector entrepreneurship to help fill that gap.”

The HBCU$™ model is simple yet powerful: it offers free online marketing services to alumni and student-owned businesses. In return, participating businesses donate a portion of their increased revenue to the HBCU of their choice—creating a win-win cycle of economic growth and educational reinvestment.

By spotlighting these businesses through video podcast interviews, member profiles, and an online directory, HBCU$™ not only strengthens the economic impact of HBCU entrepreneurs but also fosters a culture of giving back.

Consumers can join the HBCU$™ community today by signing up for exclusive offers and early access at https://hbcus.biz.
HBCU alumni and student business owners interested in joining the platform can email promote@hbcus.biz to be featured—at no cost.

About HBCU$™
Founded by Tennessee State University alumnus Dorsey West, HBCU$™ is an alumni giving and wealth-building network designed to generate consistent financial support for HBCUs through the success of their entrepreneurs. The platform offers free promotion for HBCU alumni and student-owned businesses, which in turn pledge a portion of revenue gains back to their chosen HBCU. Learn more at https://hbcus.biz.

DOVER, DE – Delaware State University is making a bold move to transform its athletic programs, requesting a $125 million investment over the next four years to overhaul and modernize its sports facilities. In addition to this capital funding, the university is also seeking $10 million to support general operational costs.

The ambitious $125 million plan is structured into three key phases: a $25 million indoor fieldhouse, $10 million in stadium and downtown facility improvements, and a $90 million convocation center.

Tony Tucker, Senior Associate Vice President of Athletics and Director of Athletics, emphasized the transformative nature of the proposal.

“We’re at the beginning stages of a full athletic transformation—the first of its kind for Delaware State University. And the timing couldn’t be more important,” said Tucker.

He noted that the university’s existing athletic infrastructure is outdated, limiting competitiveness and recruitment potential.

“Our newest athletic building is the wellness and recreation center, completed around 1908. The stadium dates back to the 1970s,” Tucker added.

University officials presented the proposal to the Bond Committee last week as part of ongoing discussions surrounding the fiscal year 2026 budget. Alongside the $125 million request for capital improvements, they are asking for $10 million in additional funding for operational support.

While the proposal has drawn support, lawmakers remain cautious amid tight budget considerations.

“I’m not sure that that money will be available this year,” said Senator Trey Paradee (D-District 17), “but we really do need to bring DSU’s facilities up another level.”

The university’s request comes during a period of remarkable institutional growth. Anas Ben Addi, DSU’s Vice President of Finance, pointed to a 25% increase in student enrollment over the last five years and a 41% expansion in campus footprint, thanks in part to the Wesley College acquisition and a growing presence in Wilmington.

“This growth reflects the need for greater investment,” said Ben Addi.

Tucker also noted a surge in momentum and national attention following the recent hiring of NFL star DeSean Jackson as the Hornets’ new head football coach.

“That hire energized the university, the state, and even brought national eyes to DSU,” Tucker said. “It’s the right time to capitalize on that attention.”

The state’s fiscal year 2026 budget is expected to be finalized by June. Until then, DSU officials remain hopeful that their transformational vision for athletics will be backed by the necessary funding.

Story reported by Tiffani Amber, WBOC News.

BALTIMORE, Md. (April 4, 2025) – The Morgan State Acrobatics & Tumbling team made a powerful statement Friday night, earning their first home victory of the 2025 season with a commanding 236.400–166.800 win over Stevenson University in NCATA action at Hill Field House.

From the opening whistle, the Bears set the tone with intensity and precision. They kicked things off with a 34.850 in the Compulsory event, then kept the energy high in the Acro event—capped by an impressive 9.150 in Heat 3, helping secure a total of 24.900.

Morgan kept the pressure on in the Pyramid event, scoring 27.700 to Stevenson’s 25.150, and took a 87.450–67.150 lead into halftime.

After the break, the Bears picked up right where they left off. In the Toss event, standout tops Niani Anderson and Makaya Stubbs, along with bases Lauren Perkins, Janae Harris, Lailah Jewell, Aubree Johnson, and Leyna Vickers, helped post an 8.750, bringing the team total to 112.900.

Next up was Tumbling, where Morgan showcased its individual strength. Marissa Jett dazzled in Heat 6 with a 9.325, while Kayla Bryant added a strong 9.075. The Bears racked up 50.650 in the event, pushing their score to 163.550.

Stevenson trailed with a Tumbling score of 30.800, giving Morgan a 119.600 lead heading into the final Team Routine. The Bears left no doubt, posting a meet-high 72.850 to close things out at 236.400. Stevenson wrapped up with 47.200, ending the night at 166.800.

This impressive performance marks Morgan State’s first home win of the season—and a major momentum boost heading into the season finale.

Up Next: The Bears return to Hill Field House on April 10, 2025, to host Missouri State University at 6 p.m. for their final meet of the regular season.

Stay Connected with Morgan State Athletics
📲 Visit morganstatebears.com for news, stats, schedules, and more.
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• Facebook: @MorganStateBears

• Twitter: @MorganStBears

• Instagram: @MorganStateBears

About Morgan State University
Founded in 1867, Morgan State University is Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University. Offering nearly 140 academic programs and holding a Carnegie R2 research classification, Morgan is the only university in the nation to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure. For more, visit www.morgan.edu.

ATLANTA — The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced its SIAC Men’s Volleyball Players of the Week on Tuesday, April 1, honoring student-athletes for impressive performances in matches played last week. Fort Valley State‘s Raheem Thomas, Constantine Ononye and Oshane Farquharson were recognized.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK – RAHEEM THOMAS, FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Opposite/Middle Blocker | Graduate | Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands
Thomas had a stellar weekend in the two sweeps for the Wildcats. He tallied 17 kills hitting .409% through two games. He also added two service aces and four block assists.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK – CONSTANTINE ONONYE, FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Libero | Freshman | Murphy, Texas
Ononye was all over the court on defense with 19 digs through two matches. He showed out in the first match with Central State with an 11 dig outing.

SETTER OF THE WEEK – OSHANE FARQUHARSON, FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Setter/Outside Hitter | Senior | Hollywood, Fla.
Farquharson led the setting effort for the Wildcats with a whopping 43 assists through two matches. He also tallied three kills on setter dumps two block assists to protect the net.

FOLLOW THE SIAC
Stay connected by following the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference on Facebook, Instagram and X @TheSIAC.

SIAC NEWS
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ABOUT THE SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SIAC)
The SIAC is a NCAA athletic conference consisting primarily of historically black colleges and universities with headquarters in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The SIAC includes 15 member institutions (Albany State University, Allen University, Benedict College, Central State University, Clark Atlanta University, Edward Waters University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Savannah State University, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University), which are located within a contiguous seven-state footprint (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio). The SIAC sponsors nine men’s and seven women’s sports and is a proud member of the NCAA Division II. For more information, visit www.thesiac.com.