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Voorhees & Dillard Lead New Conference Era | HBCUAC Outdoor Track & Field

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The HBCUAC championship meet marked a new era as Voorhees and Dillard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles in defining early conference performances.

Voorhees secured the men’s championship through consistent scoring across sprints, middle distance, and field events, proving to be the most complete team in a tightly contested meet.

Dillard followed on the women’s side with a strong all-around effort, highlighted by relay execution and key individual performances that helped them control the championship race from start to finish.

The HBCUAC now begins its competitive identity with two early benchmark programs setting the standard.

We are dedicated to celebrating the rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring legacy of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Our mission is to provide a platform that honors the invaluable contributions of HBCUs to higher education, social justice, and community empowerment. Through insightful articles, engaging narratives, and meaningful dialogue, we strive to amplify the voices, experiences, and achievements within the HBCU community. By fostering awareness, appreciation, and support for HBCUs, we aspire to inspire current and future generations to pursue excellence, equity, and inclusivity in education and beyond.

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HBCU Football Classics and Homecomings Set the Stage for an Exciting 2026 Season

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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


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


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


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


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


Saturday, October 31

North Carolina A&T Aggies Homecoming

Opponent: Elon Phoenix
Location: Greensboro, North Carolina


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


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


Saturday, October 24

Bowie State Bulldogs Homecoming

Opponent: Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls


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


Birmingham Football Classic

Southern Jaguars vs. Alabama State Hornets
📍 Birmingham, Alabama


John Merritt Classic

Jackson State Tigers at Tennessee State Tigers
📍 Nashville, Tennessee


Nature State Kickoff Classic

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


Saturday, September 5

Louis Crews Classic

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


Pete Richardson Classic

Kentucky State Thorobreds at Southern Jaguars
📍 Baton Rouge, Louisiana


HOPE Labor Day Classic

Edward Waters Tigers at Jackson State Tigers
📍 Jackson, Mississippi


Labor Day Classic

Lane Dragons at Alabama State Hornets
📍 Montgomery, Alabama


Sunday, September 6

Labor Day Classic

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


Orange Blossom Classic

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


Saturday, September 12

Aggie-Eagle Classic

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


The Legacy Series

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


Southern Heritage Classic

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


Chicago Football Classic

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


Saturday, September 19

Battle for Greater Baltimore

Morgan State Bears at Towson Tigers
📍 Towson, Maryland


Battle of the Bay

Hampton Pirates at Norfolk State Spartans
📍 Norfolk, Virginia


W.C. Gorden Classic

Tuskegee Golden Tigers at Jackson State Tigers
📍 Jackson, Mississippi


Saturday, September 26

State Fair Classic

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


Boombox Classic

Southern Jaguars at Jackson State Tigers
📍 Jackson, Mississippi


Saturday, October 3

Battle of the Real HU

Truth and Service Classic

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


Gulf Coast Challenge

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


Saturday, October 31

Magic City Classic

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


Saturday, November 21

Florida Classic

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


Capital City Classic

Jackson State Tigers at Alcorn State Braves
📍 Lorman, Mississippi


Thursday, November 26

Turkey Day Classic

Tuskegee Golden Tigers at Alabama State Hornets
📍 Montgomery, Alabama


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.


Championship Events

Saturday, December 5

SWAC Championship

SWAC East Champion vs. SWAC West Champion
📍 Campus Site


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.


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.


Saturday, August 30

Red Tails Classic

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


Saturday, September 5

Port City Classic

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


Saturday, September 6

Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic

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


Saturday, October 3

Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic

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


Sunday, November 8

Fountain City Classic

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


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.


North Carolina Central Eagles at Texas Southern Tigers

📍 Houston, Texas

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


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.


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.


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.


Tennessee State Tigers at Florida A&M Rattlers

📍 Tallahassee, Florida

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


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.


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.


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.


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.


Saturday, August 29

Howard Bison vs. Alabama A&M Bulldogs

📍 Atlanta, Georgia

Conference Matchup: MEAC vs. SWAC


Saturday, August 29

North Carolina Central Eagles vs. Texas Southern Tigers

📍 Houston, Texas

Conference Matchup: MEAC vs. SWAC


Sunday, September 6

South Carolina State Bulldogs vs. Florida A&M Rattlers

📍 Miami Gardens, Florida

Conference Matchup: MEAC vs. SWAC


Saturday, September 26

South Carolina State Bulldogs at Bethune-Cookman Wildcats

📍 Daytona Beach, Florida

Conference Matchup: MEAC vs. SWAC


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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HBCU Athletic Conference Celebrates 988 Student-Athletes on 2025–26 Commissioner’s Honor Roll

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Alabama State Receives Reduced NCAA Infractions Ruling, Will Serve Three Years of Probation

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Alabama State University’s long-running NCAA infractions case ended with a reduced classification after the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions ruled the matter as a Level I Mitigated case instead of the more severe aggravated designation.

The decision carries the minimum financial penalty allowed for a Level I violation: a $30,000 fine plus one percent of the football program’s budget, along with three years of probation. University officials said they accept the ruling and will not file an appeal, though they remain convinced the case never warranted one of the NCAA’s highest classifications.

“This confirms what we have maintained from the outset — this case was improperly elevated,” Alabama State representative Dr. Jason Cable said. “The underlying conduct, tied to the former Sports Information Director and head coach, simply does not justify placement among the most severe cases in collegiate athletics.”

The case centered on the alteration of competition statistics for one student-athlete during the 2019 football season. Alabama State acknowledged that a former sports information director changed the athlete’s statistics on the school’s athletics website, allegedly at the direction of the former head football coach.

However, after a contested hearing, the NCAA Committee on Infractions determined there was not enough evidence to hold the former coach personally responsible for directing the changes. Alabama State said its acceptance of responsibility was based solely on the actions of its employee and not on any finding against the former coach.

University officials also emphasized that the NCAA found no lack of institutional control or failure to monitor within the athletics department.

Despite the reduced classification, Alabama State President Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr. questioned the consistency of the NCAA’s enforcement process.

“While today’s decision is a downgrade from the Level I aggravated classification, we still believe that the scope of the penalty does not reflect the university’s involvement, or lack thereof, in this matter,” Ross said.

Ross pointed to what he called a significant disparity between Alabama State’s penalties and those issued to the University of Arizona. According to the university, Arizona, which certified the student-athlete’s eligibility and benefited competitively, received a Level III violation and a $500 fine, while Alabama State was assessed a Level I violation despite not certifying the player’s eligibility or receiving a competitive advantage.

“We believe the standards should be applied consistently across all institutions,” Ross said. “This case underscores the importance of fairness and accountability throughout the NCAA governance process.”

Ross also credited Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics and General Counsel Kenneth Thomas for helping secure a reduction in what could have been more severe sanctions.

To address the issues identified during the investigation, Alabama State said it has already implemented several compliance measures, including revised statistical reporting procedures, expanded auditing practices, enhanced postgame reviews, and additional NCAA compliance education for athletics staff.

The university said those measures will remain in place throughout its probationary period.

With the case now officially resolved, Alabama State plans to move forward without an appeal.

“The institution is ready to begin its probationary period, fulfill all associated obligations, and direct its full energy to its student-athletes, its programs, and its future,” the university said.

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Tuskegee University Introduces New Student Policies Focused on Professionalism and Career Readiness

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TUSKEGEE, Ala. Tuskegee University is introducing new student policies focused on professionalism, academic success, and career readiness as the university prepares to welcome its largest incoming class in 32 years.

In a message to parents of incoming students, President Dr. Mark A. Brown announced updated expectations covering student attire, classroom attendance, and cellphone use.

Under the new dress code, students will not be permitted to wear bonnets, du rags, bedroom shoes, or revealing clothing in classrooms, the university cafeteria, or during official campus events, including Convocation. Students attending business meetings and other professional events will also be expected to wear business attire with appropriate footwear.

Brown said the goal is to help students prepare for life after graduation, not to limit their college experience.

“The goal here is not meant to restrict students from enjoying the Tuskegee Experience, but to prepare them with a solid foundation for the workforce they will enter once they leave Tuskegee.”

The university is also strengthening its classroom expectations. Cellphones must remain off during class unless an instructor allows their use, and attendance will be monitored more closely to encourage academic success.

As part of its expanded career readiness initiative, students will be expected to complete internships, identify professional certifications related to their career goals, and build a professional resume before graduation. Tuskegee currently offers more than 30 professional certification opportunities at no additional cost.

The new policies have already sparked conversations throughout the HBCU community. Some believe the changes continue the long standing tradition of preparing students for professional careers, while others question whether banning items such as bonnets and du rags reinforces outdated views of professionalism.

Founded in 1881, Tuskegee University has built a legacy of developing leaders in business, education, science, engineering, the military, and public service. University leaders say these updated expectations are intended to strengthen that tradition while helping students transition successfully into the workforce.

As students return to campus this fall, many will be watching to see how the new policies shape the student experience and whether they become a model for other HBCUs across the country.

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Miles College Electrifies the Field by Welcoming Recent Graduate Daja Gratton as Steaming Flags Instructor

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The rhythm is about to get even hotter at Miles College as the institution proudly announces Class of 2025 powerhouse Daja Gratton as the newest instructor for the legendary Steaming Flags!

From 2021 through 2025, Gratton brought unmatched fire and precision to the field as a standout performer with both the Purple Marching Machine and the Steaming Flags. Throughout her dynamic collegiate career, she mastered the complex art of color guard performance while representing Miles College with fierce pride and undeniable excellence. Her journey stands as a testament to elite discipline, synchronized teamwork, and the gold standard of the university band program.

During her time as a student performer, Gratton was the heartbeat of one of the most thrilling traditions at Miles College. Her work with the Steaming Flags injected high energy, stunning visual artistry, and pure school spirit into halftime shows and competitions that mesmerized crowds and uplifted the entire campus community.

Now, she steps into a leadership role ready to ignite the next generation of performers! Gratton brings a deep passion for mentorship and coaching, transforming her direct field experience into powerful instruction. She is dedicated to building confidence, elite sportsmanship, and sharp technical skills in aspiring auxiliaries, proving her impact extends far beyond the stadium lights.

Miles College celebrates Daja Gratton for her phenomenal accomplishments and welcomes her back to lead the Steaming Flags into an unforgettable new era of excellence!

About the Miles College Steaming Flags

The Steaming Flags serve as the official color guard and visual auxiliary unit for the famous Miles College Purple Marching Machine in Fairfield, Alabama. They are widely celebrated as one of the most dynamic and visually captivating performance groups in collegiate marching band culture.

  • Visual Heartbeat of the Band: The Steaming Flags transform the musical power of the Purple Marching Machine into synchronized physical art. They add vibrant color, motion, and theatrical flare to every halftime show, parade, and stadium performance.

  • Dynamic Performance Style: In the celebrated tradition of historically Black colleges and universities, the Steaming Flags go far beyond standard flag spinning. Their routines blend intricate flag manipulation, rapid tosses, sharp marching techniques, and expressive dance choreography that matches the driving tempo of the band.

  • Elite Training and Tradition: Performing with this unit requires intense stamina, rhythm, technical precision, and flawless coordination. Members undergo rigorous conditioning to execute complex visual routines while maintaining peak energy and showmanship from the first beat to the final whistle.

  • Leadership and Pride: As premier ambassadors for Miles College, the flag line embodies school spirit and cultural pride. The unit fosters lifelong sisterhood and leadership development, making experienced alumni instructors like Daja Gratton essential for preserving their rich standards of excellence.

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