HBCU Football Fans, Mark Your Calendars: 2025 Homecomings & Classics You Can’t Miss
RALEIGH, NC – There’s nothing quite like HBCU football, where the energy of a classic matchup meets the unmatched spirit of a homecoming celebration. Whether it’s the rich traditions, historic rivalries, or packed stadiums full of alumni and fans, HBCU classics and homecomings are the pinnacle of Black college football culture.
For 2025, fans can expect a loaded schedule featuring some of the most highly anticipated games of the season. From the MEAC/SWAC Challenge to the Celebration Bowl and legendary battles like the Bayou Classic, Magic City Classic, and Florida Classic, this year’s lineup is set to deliver unforgettable moments.
2025 HBCU Homecoming Schedule
Each fall, HBCUs welcome alumni back to campus for homecoming, combining football, step shows, tailgates, concerts, and pure school pride. Here are the confirmed homecoming games for 2025:
October 4
- Alabama State vs. Bethune-Cookman (Montgomery, AL)
- South Carolina State vs. Savannah State (Orangeburg, SC)
October 11
- Alabama A&M vs. Mississippi Valley State (Huntsville, AL)
- Alcorn State vs. Lincoln (CA) (Lorman, MS)
- Grambling State vs. Texas Southern (Grambling, LA)
- Jackson State vs. Alabama State (Jackson, MS)
- North Carolina A&T vs. South Carolina State (Greensboro, NC)
October 18
- Florida A&M vs. Alcorn State (Tallahassee, FL)
- Mississippi Valley State vs. Lincoln (CA) (Itta Bena, MS)
- Southern vs. Prairie View A&M (Baton Rouge, LA)
- Tennessee State vs. Howard (Nashville, TN)
- Texas Southern vs. Virginia-Lynchburg (Houston, TX)
October 25
- Hampton vs. Monmouth (Hampton, VA)
- North Carolina Central vs. Delaware State (Durham, NC)
- Prairie View A&M vs. North American (Prairie View, TX)
FCS teams yet to announce homecoming dates: Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Bethune-Cookman, Delaware State, Howard, Morgan State, Norfolk State.
Notable DII homecoming games:
- Johnson C. Smith (Sept. 27)
- Fayetteville State (Oct. 11)
- Winston-Salem State (Oct. 18)
- Shaw University (Oct. 18)
- Livingstone College (Nov. 1)
- Elizabeth City State (Nov. 8)
2025 HBCU Classic Schedule
HBCU classics are more than just football games—they are major cultural events featuring marching bands, historic rivalries, and fan-favorite matchups. These neutral-site showdowns bring out thousands of fans every year. Here’s a look at some of the biggest classics on the 2025 schedule:
- August 23 – MEAC/SWAC Challenge (Southern vs. North Carolina Central – Atlanta, GA)
- August 30 – Orange Blossom Classic (Florida A&M vs. Howard – Miami Gardens, FL)
- September 6 – Louis Crews Classic (Alcorn State @ Alabama A&M – Huntsville, AL)
- September 13 – Boombox Classic (Jackson State @ Southern – Baton Rouge, LA)
- September 20 – Aggie-Eagle Classic (North Carolina Central @ North Carolina A&T – Greensboro, NC)
- October 25 – Magic City Classic (Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State – Birmingham, AL)
- November 22 – Florida Classic (Bethune-Cookman vs. Florida A&M – Orlando, FL)
- November 29 – Bayou Classic (Grambling State vs. Southern – New Orleans, LA)
- December 6 – SWAC Championship (SWAC East Champ vs. SWAC West Champ – TBD)
- December TBD – Celebration Bowl (MEAC Champ vs. SWAC Champ – Atlanta, GA)
Notable DII Classics:
- Morehouse-Tuskegee Classic (Oct. 4 – Columbus, GA)
- Fountain City Classic (Nov. 8 – Albany, GA)
- Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic (TBD)
Get Ready for an Epic HBCU Football Season!
Whether you plan to tailgate with alumni, march with the band, or cheer for your favorite team, HBCU homecomings and classics are a can’t-miss experience. Mark your calendars, book your tickets, and get ready for another exciting season of HBCU football!
🔥 Which game are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments!