HBCU ORIGINAL
2025 HBCU football homecoming and classic in the FCS

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:
Date | Homecoming Host | Opponent | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Oct. 4 | Alabama State | Bethune-Cookman | Montgomery, AL |
South Carolina State | Savannah State | Orangeburg, SC | |
Oct. 11 | Alabama A&M | Mississippi Valley State | Hunstville, AL |
Alcorn State | Lincoln (CA) | Lorman, MS | |
Arkansas-Pine Bluff | Westgate University | Pine Bluff, AR | |
Delaware State | Southern Connecticut State | Dover, DE | |
Grambling State | Texas Southern | Grambling, LA | |
Jackson State | Alabama State | Jackson, MS | |
Morgan State | Virginia-Lynchburg | Baltimore, MD | |
North Carolina A&T | South Carolina State | Greensboro, NC | |
Oct. 18 | Florida A&M | Alcorn State | Tallahassee, FL |
Mississippi Valley State | Lincoln (CA) | Itta Bena, MS | |
Southern | Prairie View A&M | Baton Rouge, LA | |
Tennessee State | Howard | Nashville, TN | |
Texas Southern | Virginia-Lynchburg | Houston, TX | |
Oct. 25 | Bethune-Cookman | Arkansas-Pine Bluff | Daytona Beach, FL |
Hampton | Monmouth | Hampton, VA | |
Howard | Morgan State | Washington, DC | |
Norfolk State | South Carolina State | Norfolk, VA | |
North Carolina Central | Delaware State | Durham, NC | |
Prairie View A&M | Lincoln (CA) | Prairie View, TX |
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.
Date | MEAC Team | SWAC Team | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Aug. 23 | North Carolina Central | Southern | Atlanta, GA |
Aug. 30 | Howard | Florida A&M | Miami, FL |
Sept. 13 | South Carolina State | Bethune-Cookman | Orangeburg, SC |
Oct. 11 | North Carolina Central | Florida A&M | Tallahassee, FL |
HBCU ORIGINAL
“2025 HBCU Homecoming Games: The Ultimate Football Celebration by Conference!”

🏈 2025 HBCU FOOTBALL HOMECOMING SCHEDULE
🎓 Grouped by Conference | 🔥 = Highlight Game
🟣 SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference)
Date | Matchup | Notes |
---|---|---|
Oct 4 | 🔥 Alabama State vs. Bethune‑Cookman | Classic Montgomery |
Oct 11 | 🔥 Alabama A&M vs. Mississippi Valley State | Big in Huntsville |
Oct 11 | 🔥 Grambling State vs. Texas Southern | Grambling Homecoming |
Oct 18 | 🔥 Southern vs. Prairie View A&M | Baton Rouge rivalry |
Oct 25 | Prairie View A&M vs. Lincoln (CA) | Celebratory crowd |
Oct 11 | Jackson State vs. Alabama State | Mid-season showdown |
Oct 18 | Mississippi Valley State vs. Lincoln (CA) | MVSU campus event |
Oct 25 | Bethune‑Cookman vs. UAPB | Daytona Beach fun |
🔵 MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference)
Date | Matchup | Notes |
---|---|---|
Oct 4 | 🔥 NC Central vs. South Carolina State | GHOE season opener |
Oct 11 | Delaware State vs. Southern Connecticut State | Dover celebration |
Oct 25 | 🔥 Howard vs. Morgan State | D.C. showdown |
Oct 25 | Norfolk State vs. South Carolina State | Norfolk tradition |
Oct 25 | NC Central vs. Delaware State | Eagles finale crowd |
🔴 CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association)
Date | Matchup | Notes |
---|---|---|
Oct 11 | 🔥 Fayetteville State vs. Livingstone | CIAA main event |
Oct 18 | Virginia Union vs. Lincoln (PA) | Home field energy |
Oct 18 | Winston‑Salem State vs. Livingstone | WS buzz |
Oct 18 | Shaw vs. Johnson C. Smith | Rivalry vibes |
🟠 SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference)
Date | Matchup | Notes |
---|---|---|
Oct 18 | 🔥 Morehouse vs. Lane College | Housecoming! |
Oct 18 | Albany State vs. Tuskegee | Gold Rush feel |
Oct 18 | Miles vs. Clark Atlanta | Birmingham-based joy |
Oct 25 | Clark Atlanta vs. Edward Waters | Campus-heavy weekend |
Oct 25 | Savannah State vs. Morehouse | Final home rally |
🟡 NAIA & Independents
Date | Matchup | Notes |
---|---|---|
Sept 27 | 🔥 Alcorn State vs. Arkansas–Pine Bluff | Southern Heritage Classic |
Sept 27 | Virginia Union vs. Miles | Black College HOF Classic |
Oct 18 | Florida Memorial vs. Warner | Florida energy |
Oct 11 | Langston vs. Arkansas Baptist | OK homecoming energy |
Oct 11 | Morgan State vs. Virginia–Lynchburg | Home city showcase |
Oct 18 | Texas Southern vs. Virginia–Lynchburg |
Destinations
HBCU Festival 2025 at the Mann Center | TD Bank Presents One of the Nation’s Largest HBCU Events

PHILADELPHIA, PA | May 17, 2025 – The HBCU Festival presented by TD Bank returns to the Mann Center for the Performing Arts with a dynamic and inspiring event celebrating the culture, education, and legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Over 30,000 attendees are expected as this free community festival features: 🎓 College Fair – 25+ HBCUs including Howard, Cheyney, Morgan State & Tuskegee 💼 Career Fair – Connect with local employers, trade unions, and apprenticeships 🎭 Live Performances – HBCU drumlines, choirs, cheer squads & more 🏥 Wellness Zone – Free health screenings & community resources 🎶 Master Classes – HBCU-led workshops for Philly high schoolers 🍴 Food, Fun & Family Activities – All-day experiences for everyone! Special Performers Include: The Aeolians of Oakwood University Howard University Gospel Choir Cold Steel Drumline & Cool Mist Dancers (NC A&T) Powerhouse of Red & White (Winston Salem State University) Jeremy Winston Chorale International Presented by: TD Bank Hosted at: The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, Fairmount Park ⏰ Time: 11AM – 5PM 🎟 FREE Admission | Register at: https://manncenter.org/hbcu Let us know in the comments which performance or school you’re most excited about! 🎉 #HBCUFestival #HBCUPride #MannCenter2025
Destinations
🌸 Discover, Explore & Bloom: A Springtime Escape to Longwood Gardens! 🌿HBCU Students and Colleges!

Hey HBCU students and college scholars everywhere—looking for the perfect spring escape? Come explore the beauty, peace, and inspiration waiting for you at Longwood Gardens, one of the premier horticultural display gardens in the United States. Nestled in the Brandywine Creek Valley in Kennett Square, PA, Longwood spans over 1,100 acres of vibrant gardens, lush woodlands, and tranquil meadows. This season, new is in bloom—and you’re invited to be a part of it. 🌱 What’s Fresh This Spring? ✨ Brand-new Bonsai Courtyard – Discover the art of miniature trees in a stunning outdoor display. 🌼 Redesigned Idea Garden – A fresh space filled with creative planting concepts and seasonal color. 🌳 Gorgeous Outdoor Landscapes – Expanded beauty, perfect for strolls, study breaks, and photos. 🌺 Plant Lover’s Paradise With over 10,000 species and varieties representing 200 plant families, Longwood is a living classroom and breathtaking destination for anyone curious about nature, botany, or simply in need of a scenic recharge. Whether you’re here for inspiration, relaxation, or a weekend adventure, this is the place to bloom this spring. 📍 Visit Longwood Gardens – Kennett Square, PA 📸 Don’t forget to tag us in your favorite photos: #HBCUOriginal #SpringIntoNew #LongwoodGardens Let’s grow, learn, and thrive—together.
Destinations
National Museum of African American History and Culture Tour | HBCU Original Explores Black History

“Join HBCU Original as we explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. 🌟 From the moving Slavery and Freedom exhibits to the vibrant galleries celebrating African American music, art, sports, and innovation, this museum showcases the resilience, brilliance, and culture of Black Americans throughout history. 📍 Located on the National Mall, this Smithsonian institution is a must-visit destination for everyone seeking to understand the full scope of American history. Plan your visit: National Museum of African American History and Culture Official Website ✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more HBCU-inspired adventures and cultural insights. Stay original, stay proud! #NMAAHC #AfricanAmericanHistory #BlackExcellence #HBCUOriginal #Smithsonian #BlackCulture #WashingtonDC #MuseumTour #AmericanHistory #CulturalHeritage
HBCU ORIGINAL
Morehouse and Clark Atlanta Receive New Helmets from Arthur M. Blank Foundation and Atlanta Falcons

ATLANTA — Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University Football Programs Receive New Helmets Through Arthur M. Blank Foundation Grant
Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University are kicking off the 2025 football season with a major boost to player safety. Thanks to a generous grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, in partnership with the Atlanta Falcons, both HBCU programs have received brand-new football helmets featuring cutting-edge technology designed to enhance student-athlete health and safety.
Chris Millman, Senior Vice President of Community Engagement and Sports Philanthropy at AMB Sports and Entertainment, emphasized the importance of this initiative:
“We are proud to support the football programs at these historic institutions through this grant. Player health and safety is paramount at every level of the game, and the technological advancements in helmet design over the last five years have been remarkable. We’re pleased to help these teams prioritize the well-being of their student-athletes.”
Harold Ellis, Director of Athletics at Morehouse College, expressed deep appreciation for the gift:
“Morehouse Athletics is grateful for this opportunity. The new helmets will significantly enhance player safety and provide our Maroon Tigers with top-level protection as they take the field this season. We thank the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Atlanta Falcons for their generosity and for forming a meaningful partnership that supports our commitment to a safe and empowering student-athlete experience.”
Clark Atlanta University Head Coach Teddy Keaton also acknowledged the broader impact of the donation:
“This is more than just new gear—it’s an investment in the future and well-being of our young men. We are thankful to the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Atlanta Falcons for recognizing the importance of protecting our players both on and off the field. These helmets symbolize progress, purpose, and the strength of partnership.”
About the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
Founded in 1995 by Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation works to transform lives and communities by bringing people together to address critical issues. The foundation has awarded over $1.5 billion to causes across its core focus areas: Atlanta’s Westside, Democracy, Environment, Mental Health & Well-Being, and Youth Development.
The foundation also supports essential Atlanta institutions such as Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Shepherd Center, along with founder-led initiatives focused on veterans, military families, and individuals who stutter. For more information, visit www.blankfoundation.org.
Photo Credit: David Collins, Morehouse College Office of Institutional Advancement.
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