HBCU Homecoming & Football Classic Schedule 2025

Get ready to dust off your school colors and reconnect with cherished traditions! The fall season brings the excitement of HBCU homecomings and football classics, drawing alumni back to their alma maters for a week of festivities, fundraising, and celebration. These events not only honor the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities but also highlight the vibrant community and athletic talent they foster.

A Season of Classics and Homecomings

Beyond the traditional homecomings, HBCU football classics offer significant matchups that uplift institutions through sport and community engagement. With growing interest in programs like Norfolk State University, now coached by former NFL player Michael Vick, and Tuskegee University, gaining attention through Love Island star Olandria Carthan, HBCUs are increasingly capturing conversations both on and off the field.

These events are more than just games; they are a testament to the enduring importance of HBCUs. So, prepare for undergrad-inspired parties, reunions with former classmates, and the chance to proudly display your school spirit. Here’s a look at the exciting schedule for HBCU classic football matchups and homecoming celebrations throughout the fall.

September 2025: Kicking Off the Season

The season kicks off on September 6th with several compelling matchups: The Eddie McGirt Classic features Johnson C. Smith vs. Valdosta State, while the Sunshine Showdown pits Clark Atlanta against Florida Memorial. Other notable games include the Louis Crews Classic (Alabama A&M vs. Alcorn State), the Battle of the States (Norfolk State vs. Virginia State), and the Battle for Greater Baltimore (Morgan State vs. Towson).

The following week, September 13th, brings the Legacy Series (Tennessee State vs. Alabama A&M), the W.C. Gorden Classic (Jackson State vs. Tuskegee), the HBCUNY Classic (Howard vs. Morehouse), and the HBCU Unity Classic (Virginia Union vs. Edward Waters).

September 20th features matchups like the Down East Viking Classic (Fayetteville State vs. Elizabeth City State), the Prince Hall Americanism Classic (Miles vs. Savannah State), the Aggie-Eagle Classic (North Carolina Central vs. North Carolina A&T), and the Battle of the Real HU (Howard vs. Hampton). The month concludes with September 27th classics including the Frederick Douglass Classic (Central State vs. Lane College), Circle City Classic (Morgan State vs. Miles College), Southern Heritage Classic (Alcorn State vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff), and the State Fair Classic (Grambling State vs. Prairie View A&M). Johnson C. Smith also hosts Bluefield State for homecoming.

October and November: Continued Rivalries and Traditions

October continues the excitement with classics like the S.C. HBCU Classic (Benedict vs. Allen), Battle of the Bay (Norfolk State vs. Hampton), Gulf Coast Challenge (Jackson State vs. Alabama A&M), and Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic (Tuskegee vs. Morehouse). Several homecomings also take place, including Fort Valley State vs. Central State, Bluefield State vs. Shaw, South Carolina State vs. Savannah State, and Alabama State vs. Bethune-Cookman.

The schedule for October 11th includes homecomings for South Carolina State vs. Savannah State, Alabama A&M vs. Mississippi Valley State, Alcorn State vs. Lincoln (CA), Grambling State vs. Texas Southern, Jackson State vs. Alabama State, Morgan State vs. Virginia-Lynchburg, and Delaware State vs. Southern Connecticut State. October 18th brings the Good Trouble Heritage Classic (Fort Valley State vs. Savannah State), the Caribbean HBCU Puerto Rico Bowl (Kentucky State vs. Franklin Pierce), the Magic City Classic (Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State), and the Las Vegas HBCU Classic (Jackson State vs. Grambling State). Homecomings include Florida A&M vs. Alcorn State, Southern University vs. Prairie View A&M, and Tennessee State vs. Howard University.

October 25th features homecomings for Bethune-Cookman vs. UAPB, Howard vs. Morgan State, Norfolk State vs. South Carolina State, and North Carolina Central vs. Delaware State. November 1st includes homecomings for Livingstone College vs. Shaw University, Bowie State University vs. Elizabeth City State University, Lincoln University of Missouri vs. Truman State, Benedict College vs. Virginia University of Lynchburg, Edward Waters College vs. Central State University, and Tuskegee University vs. Lane College. November 8th brings the Commemorative Classic (Johnson C. Smith vs. Livingstone), AME Football Classic (Edward Waters vs. Allen), Battle of the AUC (Clark Atlanta vs. Morehouse), and homecomings for Elizabeth City State University vs. Bluefield State University, Allen University vs. Edward Waters University, and Fisk University vs. University of Maryland Eastern Shore. November 22nd features the Florida Classic (Florida A&M vs. Bethune-Cookman University), and November 27th is the Turkey Day Classic (Alabama State vs. Tuskegee University). The season concludes with the Bayou Classic (Southern vs. Grambling State) on November 29th.