Rising ticket prices, touring costs and changing spending habits are forcing the music industry to rethink how it reaches college students and younger fans

HBCU Original | Entertainment & Culture

The concert business in 2026 is sending two very different messages.

Some of the biggest artists in the world are selling out arenas and stadiums, while other major performers are canceling shows, reducing tours or looking at seating charts filled with unsold tickets.

Post Malone, Meghan Trainor, Zayn Malik, the Pussycat Dolls and other recognizable artists have canceled or changed portions of their 2026 touring schedules. Their publicly stated reasons have varied, including health, family responsibilities, creative timing, logistics and increased touring expenses. Industry discussion around slower ticket sales has also produced a new phrase called Blue Dot Fever, referring to the blue dots representing available seats on online ticket maps.

But this does not mean people have stopped going to concerts.

Pollstar reported that the top 100 touring artists worldwide generated approximately $3.16 billion during its 2026 midyear reporting period, up 12.3 percent from the previous year. More than 26.3 million tickets were sold.

At the same time, the average number of tickets sold per show declined 4.6 percent worldwide. In North America, average attendance per show fell 5.6 percent and average gross per concert dropped 7.8 percent.

That tells a bigger story.

Fans still want live music. They are becoming more selective about which artists are worth the money.

The Price of One Concert Is No Longer Just the Ticket

Pollstar reported an average North American ticket price of about $122 for the top 100 tours during the first half of 2026.

For a college student, however, the ticket is only part of the expense.

Add transportation, parking, food, merchandise, service fees, an outfit and possibly a hotel, and a concert can quickly become a major purchase.

That creates a different decision for a 19 or 20 year old student than it does for an established professional with significantly more disposable income.

A student might love five artists but only have enough money to see one.

That does not mean the student stopped liking music.

It means the artist now has to win the student’s money.

Gen Z Has Not Abandoned Concerts

There is an important distinction.

Current research does not support the idea that Gen Z has simply stopped attending concerts.

Luminate reported in July 2026 that Gen Z attendees were spending an average of $101 per month on live music events, actually exceeding the $94 reported by Millennials.

But price still matters.

Luminate found that 57 percent of Gen Z respondents identified ticket cost as a factor affecting whether they attended an in person music event during the first quarter of 2026.

So young people still want the experience.

They are just asking a harder question before buying.

Is this artist worth $100, $150 or $200 to me?

That question becomes even more important for college students.

The HBCU Student Factor

There currently is not enough national research to say HBCU students specifically are abandoning concerts at a higher rate than other college students.

There is, however, strong evidence that finances are a serious issue for many students attending HBCUs.

UNCF reported that 51 percent of HBCU students said their financial situation was always or often stressful. UNCF also reports that more than 70 percent of HBCU students are eligible for federal Pell Grants.

That matters when entertainment companies are trying to reach the HBCU market.

A student deciding between groceries, transportation, books, rent, tuition expenses and a $150 concert ticket has a very different purchasing calculation from someone with significant disposable income.

The Hope Center for Student Basic Needs found that 59 percent of students in its 2023 to 2024 survey experienced at least one form of food or housing insecurity. Black students were among the groups experiencing particularly high levels of basic needs insecurity.

For promoters targeting college audiences, affordability cannot be separated from entertainment.

Students Have More Entertainment Choices

Another challenge is competition.

Previous generations depended heavily on concerts, television and radio to experience their favorite performers.

Today’s students have nearly unlimited entertainment sitting in their pockets.

TikTok.

Instagram.

YouTube.

Twitch.

Streaming music.

Podcasts.

Gaming.

Campus events.

Sports.

Festivals.

Day parties.

Homecoming.

Greek events.

Students can watch hours of an artist’s performances online without spending anything.

That does not replace the experience of attending a concert, but it means concerts are competing against far more options for a student’s time and money.

Social Media Followers Do Not Automatically Fill Arenas

The music industry is also learning that millions of followers do not necessarily equal thousands of ticket buyers.

Someone can watch an artist’s video, follow the artist on Instagram, use a song on TikTok and stream a single hundreds of times without being willing to spend $150 to see that artist live.

That difference becomes critical when promoters book arenas containing 15,000 to 20,000 seats or stadiums holding tens of thousands of people.

Going viral and developing a touring fan base are not necessarily the same thing.

The strongest touring artists tend to have something more powerful than online attention.

They have fans who consider seeing them live an event they cannot miss.

The Superstar Economy Is Getting Stronger

There is another unusual development.

While some tours struggle, superstar tours continue generating enormous demand.

Pollstar’s 2026 midyear numbers show record total ticket sales among the top 100 touring artists even while average attendance per performance declined.

SeatGeek also found intense demand for reunion and nostalgia acts, with returning artists receiving a roughly 50 percent resale price premium in its marketplace data.

This suggests the concert market may increasingly be separating into two groups.

There are artists fans feel they must see.

Then there is everybody else competing for whatever entertainment money remains.

College Students May Be Choosing Experiences Over Artists

For the HBCU market, promoters should also understand that the overall experience matters.

A student may hesitate to spend $150 for one artist performing at an arena but spend money during Homecoming because Homecoming provides several experiences at once.

There are concerts, football games, parties, Greek activities, alumni events, vendors, food, fashion and campus culture.

The value proposition is different.

This could explain why college focused entertainment may need to move beyond simply putting a popular artist on a stage and expecting students to purchase expensive tickets.

Students increasingly want an experience surrounding the performance.

Touring Costs Are Also Increasing

Fans are not the only ones dealing with higher expenses.

Touring requires transportation, hotels, production crews, lighting, sound equipment, staging, security, insurance and venue personnel.

Artists and promoters have cited rising logistics and production expenses when changing touring plans.

Roxette, for example, cited logistics and substantially higher touring costs when dates were canceled in 2026.

This creates a difficult situation.

Promoters need higher revenue to cover expenses.

Fans want affordable tickets.

Artists want profitable tours.

Something eventually has to give.

Are Concerts Too Expensive for College Students?

For some students, yes.

For others, it depends entirely on the artist.

That distinction may define the future of live entertainment.

Gen Z has demonstrated that it will spend money on concerts. The same generation is simply becoming more strategic about where that money goes.

For HBCU students dealing with tuition, housing, transportation, food and other college expenses, buying a concert ticket may require sacrificing something else.

The entertainment industry should pay attention.

Lower student pricing, group ticket packages, campus transportation, smaller venues, HBCU partnerships, student ambassador programs and college focused concert experiences could become increasingly important.

Because the problem may not be that young people no longer love concerts.

The bigger issue is that every concert is fighting to prove that it deserves a place in their budget.

And in 2026, having a famous name may no longer be enough.

Courtesy of the Women’s Sports Foundation

ATLANTA — The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference mourns the loss of Benedict College Director of Athletics and SIAC Hall of Famer Willie Washington, whose decades of leadership, service and achievement left an indelible mark on the SIAC, Benedict College and generations of student-athletes, coaches and administrators. Washington passed away Monday, Aug. 31.

Washington was one of the most respected and accomplished administrators in SIAC history, with a career defined by competitive excellence, program development and student-athlete success.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Coach Willie Washington,” said SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman, Ed.D. “Coach Washington was held in high regard by all whose lives he touched during his career. His leadership, wisdom and commitment helped shape generations of student-athletes, coaches and administrators. His induction into the SIAC Hall of Fame and the award that now bears his name speak to the respect he earned and the legacy he leaves behind.”

Washington became Benedict’s full-time director of athletics in 1998-99 and helped guide the institution’s transition back to NCAA Division II competition and the SIAC while expanding the athletics program from eight to 14 sports, including the return of football.

Following Benedict’s return to the SIAC, Washington helped establish the Tigers as one of the conference’s most successful athletics programs, as Benedict captured more than 50 SIAC championships across multiple sports during his tenure.

Benedict won five SIAC Men’s Commissioner’s Cups under Washington’s leadership, claiming the honor in 2014-15, 2015-16, 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24. The Tigers also captured five SIAC Women’s Commissioner’s Cups in 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Benedict swept the men’s and women’s awards four times: 2014-15, 2015-16, 2021-22 and 2022-23.

In 2024, Washington became the second Benedict representative inducted into the SIAC Hall of Fame, joining Dr. Leroy Walker, whom he considered a mentor.

In July 2026, the SIAC further honored Washington’s legacy by presenting the inaugural SIAC Willie Washington Athletic Director of the Year Award. Named in recognition of his remarkable contributions to intercollegiate athletics, the award honors athletic directors who demonstrate exceptional leadership, competitive excellence, innovation and a commitment to advancing their institutions and the conference. Tuskegee University Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Reginald Ruffin was selected as the inaugural recipient.

Washington’s contributions to the conference extended well beyond Benedict’s competitive success. He served as chairman of the SIAC Athletic Directors Council, contributing to the leadership and advancement of athletics throughout the conference.

At the national level, Washington served on the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Committee and was a member of the NCAA Division II Management Council, NCAA Honors Committee and NCAA Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Washington arrived at Benedict in 1988 as head men’s basketball coach and assistant athletic director after 12 years at Allen University, where he served as head men’s basketball coach and director of athletics.

During his tenure as Benedict’s head men’s basketball coach, the Tigers never experienced a losing season. Washington led Benedict to nine consecutive Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (EIAC) championships, earned eight EIAC Coach of the Year honors and guided the Tigers to four National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national tournament appearances during the 1990s. He reached the 200-win plateau during the 1997-98 season.

Benedict also won six of the seven EIAC Commissioner’s Cups presented during its time in the conference.

Washington was named the NAIA Southeast Region Athletic Director of the Year in 1999.

Washington’s influence also extended to academics and student-athlete well-being. Under his leadership, Benedict student-athletes consistently maintained a cumulative grade-point average above 3.0. The institution produced its first two Academic All-Americans in 2015, followed by additional Academic All-Americans in 2017, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Washington was instrumental in securing NCAA grants to assist student-athletes, and in 2010, Benedict received the NCAA Division II National Community Engagement Award of Excellence.

His commitment to service extended beyond college athletics. Washington received the Presidential Citation Civic Leadership Award from the South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP in 2012 and served as chairman of the board of the Laurinburg Institute, a historic African American preparatory school in Laurinburg, North Carolina.

Washington’s career earned him recognition in several halls of fame. In addition to his 2024 SIAC Hall of Fame induction, he was inducted into the EIAC Hall of Fame in 1998 and Benedict College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004. He was also inducted into the Renaissance Foundation’s Finney Hall of Fame in 2018 and the Allen University Athletic Hall of Fame and the Laurinburg Hall of Fame in 2016.

Washington graduated from Tougaloo College in 1974 with a degree in health, physical education and recreation and was a member of the men’s basketball team. He later earned a master’s degree in health and physical education from Jackson State University. Following his collegiate career, Washington played professionally for the Carlos Basketball Club in Brussels, Belgium.

Washington’s influence reached far beyond wins and championships. The standard he set through leadership, mentorship and service leaves an enduring legacy at Benedict College, throughout the SIAC and across collegiate athletics.

The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference extends its deepest condolences to Washington’s family, friends, colleagues, former student-athletes and the entire Benedict College community.

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Former Mister Howard Chequan Lewis is bringing lessons in leadership, ambition and legacy from Howard University into his new role leading one of the world’s largest fitness brands.

Howard University alumnus Chequan Lewis has reached another major milestone in a career that has taken him from Washington, D.C. classrooms to executive leadership.

Lewis, a 2005 Howard graduate, has been named CEO of Crunch Fitness after previously serving as the company’s president. He now leads a global fitness organization with more than 550 locations and millions of members around the world.

It is a path Lewis admits he did not originally picture for himself.

When he graduated from Howard, Lewis had his sights set on politics and even dreamed of one day becoming President of the United States. Business leadership was not part of his original plan.

Still, the same ambition that pushed him toward politics eventually helped him build a career that included leadership roles at Pizza Hut and Crunch Fitness.

For Lewis, Howard University played a major role in preparing him to take advantage of opportunities he could not have predicted.

From Howard to Corporate Leadership

Lewis studied political science and economics at Howard, where he built an impressive record as a student.

During his time on campus, he served as Mister Howard, participated in student government, became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and graduated with a perfect GPA.

He credits the university with teaching him not to place limits on what he could accomplish.

That mindset became important as his career moved in directions far different from what he imagined as a college student.

Lewis later attended Harvard Law School before building experience in business and corporate leadership. He began his professional career at McMaster Carr Supply Company before eventually joining Pizza Hut U.S.

At Pizza Hut, Lewis served as chief operating officer and also became the company’s first chief equity officer. His responsibilities included operations, workplace culture, talent development and community impact.

Those experiences eventually helped lead Lewis to Crunch Fitness.

He joined Crunch as president in 2024 and helped oversee a major period of expansion for the company. Crunch grew into a systemwide business valued at approximately $1.5 billion before Lewis moved into the CEO position.

Building the Next Chapter of Crunch Fitness

As CEO, Lewis is responsible for the overall direction of Crunch Fitness.

His responsibilities include operations, branding, marketing, member experience, franchise relationships, innovation and global expansion.

Crunch currently operates clubs in the United States and international markets including Australia, Canada, Costa Rica and India.

Lewis expects the company to continue expanding rapidly, with hundreds of additional locations possible in the coming years.

But his vision goes beyond simply opening more gyms.

Lewis wants Crunch to become a brand that plays a meaningful role in people’s lives.

For him, fitness centers can become places where people improve their health, gain confidence, find employment opportunities and begin working toward a better version of themselves.

That larger purpose is something Lewis considers central to the next stage of Crunch’s growth.

Howard Remains at the Center of His Story

Although Lewis later attended Harvard, he continues to describe Howard as the institution that had the greatest influence on the leader he became.

Howard gave him more than an education.

It exposed him to Black history, culture, achievement and leadership while surrounding him with people who pushed him academically and personally.

Lewis has said the leadership qualities he carries today were shaped primarily by his family, his faith and Howard University.

His connection to the university remains strong.

In 2024, Lewis returned to Howard’s School of Business as part of its Executive Lecture Series. His presentation, Legendary: Powered by Legacy, gave him an opportunity to speak directly with students sitting in the same classrooms and walking the same campus he once did.

The moment carried special meaning because Lewis remembered visiting the School of Business as an undergraduate.

Although he was not a business student, he would notice the photographs of executives and business leaders displayed as part of the school’s Executive Lecture Series.

Years later, Lewis returned as one of the leaders invited to share his own journey.

For Lewis, leadership is also connected to what a person leaves behind.

He views legacy as more than what previous generations provide. It also includes what today’s leaders create and pass to the people coming behind them.

Choosing Howard

Lewis’ connection with Howard began before he ever arrived in Washington.

He grew up in an HBCU family with strong ties to Tougaloo College in Mississippi, where his parents met.

Many members of his family expected him to continue that tradition.

Lewis chose another direction.

His interest in politics attracted him to Washington, D.C., while Howard’s history attracted him to the university itself.

The accomplishments of Howard figures such as Thurgood Marshall, Charles Hamilton Houston, Andrew Young and Donny Hathaway helped Lewis see the university as a place where he could become the person he wanted to be.

As a top student coming out of Haltom High School in Texas, Lewis had several academic options. Still, he believed Howard was the right place to begin his college journey.

Looking back, he considers choosing Howard at 17 years old one of the most important decisions of his life.

A Message for the Next Generation

Lewis now uses his platform to encourage young people and future leaders to think beyond the careers they currently imagine.

His own journey demonstrates why.

The political science and economics student who once dreamed about running the country eventually became the leader of a billion dollar fitness organization.

Lewis encourages students to dream big while also developing the skills needed to turn opportunity into results.

He emphasizes preparation, authenticity, humility, intentional leadership and substance.

He also challenges younger leaders to aim beyond the accomplishments of the people they admire.

For Howard students, Lewis’ career represents another example of how an HBCU experience can prepare graduates to lead across industries they may never have originally considered.

His career has taken him from Howard University to Harvard Law School, Pizza Hut and now the top position at Crunch Fitness.

Through every chapter, Howard remains part of the foundation.

And as Lewis begins his tenure as CEO, his story continues to show that the path from an HBCU campus can lead almost anywhere.

HBCU football is more than just a game. Homecoming represents tradition, family, alumni pride, campus culture, and generations of memories coming together. Every fall, thousands of fans return to their campuses to celebrate their schools while supporting student-athletes on the field.

The 2026 HBCU football season will once again feature a strong lineup of homecomings across the country, including conference matchups, rivalry games, and special campus celebrations.

Here is the complete 2026 HBCU FCS Homecoming schedule.

Saturday, September 19

Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Homecoming

Opponent: Virginia University of Lynchburg
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida

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Saturday, October 3

Grambling State Tigers Homecoming

Opponent: Alcorn State Braves
Location: Grambling, Louisiana

Southern Jaguars Homecoming

Opponent: Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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Saturday, October 10

Morgan State Bears Homecoming

Opponent: Robert Morris Colonials
Location: Baltimore, Maryland

North Carolina Central Eagles Homecoming

Opponent: William & Mary Tribe
Location: Durham, North Carolina

Alabama State Hornets Homecoming

Opponent: Florida A&M Rattlers
Location: Montgomery, Alabama

Delaware State Hornets Homecoming

Opponent: Franklin Pierce Ravens
Location: Dover, Delaware

Alcorn State Braves Homecoming

Opponent: Arkansas Baptist Buffaloes
Location: Lorman, Mississippi

Texas Southern Tigers Homecoming

Opponent: Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils
Location: Houston, Texas

Norfolk State Spartans Homecoming

Opponent: Virginia University of Lynchburg
Location: Norfolk, Virginia

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Saturday, October 17

Howard Bison Homecoming

Opponent: Morehouse Maroon Tigers
Location: Washington, D.C.

Tennessee State Tigers Homecoming

Opponent: Morgan State Bears
Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Alabama A&M Bulldogs Homecoming

Opponent: Grambling State Tigers
Location: Huntsville, Alabama

Prairie View A&M Panthers Homecoming

Opponent: Alcorn State Braves
Location: Prairie View, Texas

Jackson State Tigers Homecoming

Opponent: Florida A&M Rattlers
Location: Jackson, Mississippi

Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions Homecoming

Opponent: Alabama State Hornets
Location: Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils Homecoming

Opponent: Bethune-Cookman Wildcats
Location: Itta Bena, Mississippi

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Saturday, October 24

Hampton Pirates Homecoming

Opponent: Monmouth Hawks
Location: Hampton, Virginia

South Carolina State Bulldogs Homecoming

Opponent: Norfolk State Spartans
Location: Orangeburg, South Carolina

Florida A&M Rattlers Homecoming

Opponent: Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions
Location: Tallahassee, Florida

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Saturday, October 31

North Carolina A&T Aggies Homecoming

Opponent: Elon Phoenix
Location: Greensboro, North Carolina

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Section 1B: Division II HBCU Homecoming Games to Watch

The HBCU football tradition continues beyond the FCS level. CIAA and SIAC programs will also host major homecoming celebrations featuring historic rivalries and conference competition.

Saturday, October 10

Morehouse Maroon Tigers Homecoming

Opponent: Savannah State Tigers

Albany State Golden Rams Homecoming

Opponent: Lane Dragons

Virginia State Trojans Homecoming

Opponent: Livingstone Blue Bears

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Saturday, October 17

Clark Atlanta Panthers Homecoming

Opponent: Allen Yellow Jackets

Savannah State Tigers Homecoming

Opponent: Fort Valley State Wildcats

Fayetteville State Broncos Homecoming

Opponent: Elizabeth City State Vikings

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Saturday, October 24

Bowie State Bulldogs Homecoming

Opponent: Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls

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Saturday, November 7

Winston-Salem State Rams Homecoming

Opponent: Fayetteville State Broncos

Tuskegee Golden Tigers Homecoming

Opponent: Miles Golden Bears

Saturday, August 29

MEAC/SWAC Challenge

Alabama A&M Bulldogs vs. Howard Bison
📍 Atlanta, Georgia

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Birmingham Football Classic

Southern Jaguars vs. Alabama State Hornets
📍 Birmingham, Alabama

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John Merritt Classic

Jackson State Tigers at Tennessee State Tigers
📍 Nashville, Tennessee

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Nature State Kickoff Classic

Morehouse Maroon Tigers vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions
📍 Little Rock, Arkansas

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Saturday, September 5

Louis Crews Classic

Miles Golden Bears at Alabama A&M Bulldogs
📍 Huntsville, Alabama

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Pete Richardson Classic

Kentucky State Thorobreds at Southern Jaguars
📍 Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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HOPE Labor Day Classic

Edward Waters Tigers at Jackson State Tigers
📍 Jackson, Mississippi

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Labor Day Classic

Lane Dragons at Alabama State Hornets
📍 Montgomery, Alabama

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Sunday, September 6

Labor Day Classic

Texas Southern Tigers at Prairie View A&M Panthers
📍 Prairie View, Texas

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Orange Blossom Classic

Florida A&M Rattlers vs. South Carolina State Bulldogs
📍 Miami Gardens, Florida

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Saturday, September 12

Aggie-Eagle Classic

North Carolina A&T Aggies at North Carolina Central Eagles
📍 Durham, North Carolina

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The Legacy Series

Tennessee State Tigers at Alabama A&M Bulldogs
📍 Huntsville, Alabama

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Southern Heritage Classic

Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions vs. Alcorn State Braves
📍 Memphis, Tennessee

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Chicago Football Classic

Lincoln University (PA) Lions vs. Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils
📍 Chicago, Illinois

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Saturday, September 19

Battle for Greater Baltimore

Morgan State Bears at Towson Tigers
📍 Towson, Maryland

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Battle of the Bay

Hampton Pirates at Norfolk State Spartans
📍 Norfolk, Virginia

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W.C. Gorden Classic

Tuskegee Golden Tigers at Jackson State Tigers
📍 Jackson, Mississippi

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Saturday, September 26

State Fair Classic

Grambling State Tigers vs. Prairie View A&M Panthers
📍 Dallas, Texas

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Boombox Classic

Southern Jaguars at Jackson State Tigers
📍 Jackson, Mississippi

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Saturday, October 3

Battle of the Real HU

Truth and Service Classic

Hampton Pirates vs. Howard Bison
📍 Washington, D.C.

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Gulf Coast Challenge

Alabama A&M Bulldogs vs. Jackson State Tigers
📍 Mobile, Alabama

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Saturday, October 31

Magic City Classic

Alabama A&M Bulldogs vs. Alabama State Hornets
📍 Birmingham, Alabama

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Saturday, November 21

Florida Classic

Bethune-Cookman Wildcats vs. Florida A&M Rattlers
📍 Orlando, Florida

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Capital City Classic

Jackson State Tigers at Alcorn State Braves
📍 Lorman, Mississippi

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Thursday, November 26

Turkey Day Classic

Tuskegee Golden Tigers at Alabama State Hornets
📍 Montgomery, Alabama

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Saturday, November 28

Bayou Classic

Grambling State Tigers vs. Southern Jaguars
📍 New Orleans, Louisiana

The Bayou Classic remains one of the most recognizable HBCU football events in the country, combining football, marching band traditions, alumni celebrations, and community events.

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Championship Events

Saturday, December 5

SWAC Championship

SWAC East Champion vs. SWAC West Champion
📍 Campus Site

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Saturday, December 12

Celebration Bowl

MEAC Champion vs. SWAC Champion
📍 Atlanta, Georgia

The Celebration Bowl will once again bring together the champions of the MEAC and SWAC in a nationally recognized postseason matchup celebrating HBCU football excellence.

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Section 2B: Division II HBCU Classics to Watch

The HBCU football tradition continues throughout Division II with several major CIAA and SIAC events featuring historic programs.

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Saturday, August 30

Red Tails Classic

Tuskegee Golden Tigers vs. West Alabama Tigers
📍 Montgomery, Alabama

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Saturday, September 5

Port City Classic

Tuskegee Golden Tigers vs. Fort Valley State Wildcats
📍 Mobile, Alabama

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Saturday, September 6

Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic

Albany State Golden Rams vs. Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls
📍 Canton, Ohio

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Saturday, October 3

Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic

Morehouse Maroon Tigers vs. Tuskegee Golden Tigers
📍 Montgomery, Alabama

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Sunday, November 8

Fountain City Classic

Fort Valley State Wildcats vs. Albany State Golden Rams
📍 Columbus, Georgia

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Saturday, November 14

CIAA Championship

📍 Durham, North Carolina

SIAC Championship

📍 Location TBD

2026 Nonconference HBCU Matchups to Watch

Saturday, August 29

Morgan State Bears at North Carolina A&T Aggies

📍 Greensboro, North Carolina

The Bears and Aggies open the season with a matchup featuring two programs with strong HBCU football traditions.

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North Carolina Central Eagles at Texas Southern Tigers

📍 Houston, Texas

A MEAC-SWAC matchup that brings together two programs looking to establish early momentum.

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Howard Bison vs. Alabama A&M Bulldogs

📍 Atlanta, Georgia

This matchup also serves as the 2026 MEAC/SWAC Challenge, bringing together two conference champions with national attention on opening weekend.

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Sunday, September 6

South Carolina State Bulldogs vs. Florida A&M Rattlers

📍 Miami Gardens, Florida

Two traditional HBCU football powers meet in a matchup featuring championship-level history and conference pride.

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Saturday, September 19

Hampton Pirates at Norfolk State Spartans

Battle of the Bay

📍 Norfolk, Virginia

One of the most anticipated rivalries in HBCU football returns as Hampton and Norfolk State battle for regional bragging rights.

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Tennessee State Tigers at Florida A&M Rattlers

📍 Tallahassee, Florida

Two nationally recognized HBCU programs meet in a matchup featuring two proud football traditions.

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Saturday, September 26

South Carolina State Bulldogs at Bethune-Cookman Wildcats

📍 Daytona Beach, Florida

A MEAC matchup featuring two programs with a history of competitive conference battles.

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Saturday, October 3

Hampton Pirates vs. Howard Bison

Battle of the Real HU / Truth and Service Classic

📍 Washington, D.C.

A historic rivalry matchup between two universities that both proudly carry the Howard/Hampton “HU” identity.

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Saturday, October 17

Morgan State Bears at Tennessee State Tigers

📍 Nashville, Tennessee

A late-season nonconference matchup bringing together two programs from different HBCU football traditions.

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Regular Season MEAC vs. SWAC Matchups

The MEAC and SWAC will continue their historic conference rivalry during the 2026 season. Along with the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, four additional regular-season games will feature teams from both conferences.

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Saturday, August 29

Howard Bison vs. Alabama A&M Bulldogs

📍 Atlanta, Georgia

Conference Matchup: MEAC vs. SWAC

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Saturday, August 29

North Carolina Central Eagles vs. Texas Southern Tigers

📍 Houston, Texas

Conference Matchup: MEAC vs. SWAC

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Sunday, September 6

South Carolina State Bulldogs vs. Florida A&M Rattlers

📍 Miami Gardens, Florida

Conference Matchup: MEAC vs. SWAC

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Saturday, September 26

South Carolina State Bulldogs at Bethune-Cookman Wildcats

📍 Daytona Beach, Florida

Conference Matchup: MEAC vs. SWAC

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2026 HBCU Football Season Storylines

The 2026 season will once again showcase what makes HBCU football special: historic rivalries, passionate alumni, legendary marching bands, community celebrations, and nationally recognized football events.

From Labor Day classics to October homecomings and championship weekend, HBCU football will provide fans with opportunities to celebrate the culture and tradition that have defined Black college football for generations.

HBCU Original will continue following the season with game coverage, schedules, highlights, photos, and stories from across the HBCU football landscape.

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2026 HBCU Football Homecomings and Classics Schedule: Complete List of Games, Dates, Rivalries and Locations

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The 2026 season is loaded with legendary classics, unforgettable homecomings, historic rivalries, and championship moments.

From the MEAC/SWAC Challenge to the Bayou Classic, Florida Classic, Magic City Classic, Celebration Bowl, and everything in between, HBCU football tradition will once again take center stage.

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