The 2025 Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic will feature a new channel and kickoff time for the matchup between Florida A&M and Howard. ESPN U will broadcast the event at 3 PM CT/4 PM ET on Saturday, Aug. 30, from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
The later time projects to boost the OBC ratings as the game leads into the LSU vs. Clemson game at 6:30 PM CT/7:30 PM ET.
“It’s an hour later than our usual time start,” Kendra Bulluck-Major, Executive Director of the Orange Blossom Classic, told HBCU Legends. “We’re still on linear TV, and we’ve got an hour later kick-off, we’re happy with it. The viewership is still good. I think we are the main thing is to have us in a time slot where we’re not competing against too many featured matchups. Coming on before LSU and Clemson is great.”
“This weekend is more than a game — it’s a tradition, a reunion, and a platform for purpose,” Kendra Bulluck-Major said. “We’re proud to once again host a dynamic lineup of events that bring together students, alumni, families, and fans to experience the legacy of HBCUs in living color.”
Currently, ticket sales for the Orange Blossom Classic are higher than in previous years, which is a sign that the FAMU and Howard fan bases are engaged and ready for the epic battle.
“As a Florida native, this is a full-circle moment for me – bringing my team back to South Florida. I know the special significance of the Orange Blossom Classic to HBCU football and our culture, and it’s an honor to be a part of this historic Black college football game. I look at games like this as an opportunity to put our young men on a platform that not only reflects the talent and pride of HBCUs, but also allows them to see what it’s like to play on an NFL field – something that these young men will carry with them for years and years to come. This is more than a game; it’s a moment to celebrate our culture, uplift our institutions, and support our student-athletes,” Larry Scott, Howard University Head Coach, said.
The Orange Blossom Classic Committee announced that Invesco QQQ has signed on as the title partner in a new three-year agreement, ushering in a dynamic new era under the name Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic.
This partnership marks more than just a naming rights milestone — it represents a shared commitment to innovation, empowerment, and financial education. As part of the agreement, Invesco QQQ will also serve as the exclusive partner in the asset, wealth, and investment management products and services category, strengthening its position as a national leader in financial empowerment and collegiate engagement.
“The Orange Blossom Classic is more than a football game—it’s a celebration of education, culture, and community impact,” Kendra Bulluck, Executive Director of the Orange Blossom Classic, said. “We’re proud to partner with Invesco QQQ to bring these values to life through meaningful programming that equips students and student-athletes for success on and off the field. Together, we’re building a legacy that’s rooted in empowerment, access, and long-term growth.”
A leading investment management firm, Invesco is dedicated to delivering value and long-term positive outcomes for clients through a broad range of investment strategies and a culture of innovation. As the official ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) of the NCAA, Invesco’s presence within college athletics continues to grow. Through this expanded relationship with the Orange Blossom Classic, Invesco deepens its commitment to students and student-athletes of all backgrounds by promoting investment education and championing financial independence.
Beyond the football field, Invesco QQQ will also serve as the title partner of two cornerstone OBC professional development programs that empower the next generation of leaders. Through the Professional Business Combine, participants will engage in immersive sessions with top business executives and industry leaders focused on financial planning, innovation, and market insights.
In addition, Invesco QQQ will be the title partner of the Careers in Sports & Entertainment Symposium, a marquee experience designed to expose students and early-career professionals to the business side of the sports and entertainment industries—including marketing, management, media, and operations—through networking, mentorship, and career exploration.
Now entering its fifth year since re-establishment, the Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic continues to serve as a premier HBCU football and cultural celebration. The 2025 edition will feature Howard University and Florida A&M University, two of the most storied institutions in HBCU history, as they face off at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, August 30, 2025, during Labor Day Weekend. Official ancillary events begin on Tuesday, August 26.