HBCU GO, the free-streaming digital platform from Allen Media Group and the leading media provider for the nation’s 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), will premiere the HBCU GO Sports Kickoff Show with a two-hour special on Saturday, Aug. 23, at noon ET.
Back for its fourth year, the special sets the stage for the 2025 college football season, which officially launches on Aug. 30 with a weekly doubleheader format that will showcase two HBCU matchups every Saturday throughout the season. Opening weekend kicks off with a marquee showdown between Hampton University and Jackson State University followed by Fayetteville State University at Benedict College.
The Kickoff Show is anchored by Tolly Carr. He is joined by co-host Nicole Hutchison. Veteran journalist and Howard University Grad Steve Wyche, known nationally for his NFL reporting and deep ties to HBCU athletics, will serve as reporter, delivering exclusive interviews and insights that frame the storylines of the upcoming season.
This year’s Kickoff Show takes viewers inside the 2024 season’s biggest highlights and previews the road ahead for 2025, with exclusive coverage from CIAA, SIAC, MEAC and SWAC Media Days, plus schedule reveals for cable and syndication that spotlight where fans can catch every big matchup.
The program honors the newest legends from the Black College Football Hall of Fame, breaks down HBCU GO’s Player of the Year predictions on both sides of the ball, and ranks the Preseason Top 10 and Top Defenses. Also, viewers will see candid conversations with Sean Payton, NFL Super Bowl-winning coach, and HBCU rising star Carson Vinson, offering perspectives that bridge championship pedigree with the next generation of talent.
This season, fans can go beyond the field each week with Victory Formation, hosted by Jeff Lightsy Jr., a sports journalist, broadcaster, and HBCU advocate. After debuting this past weekend with a special one-hour premiere, the 30-minute weekly series takes viewers inside HBCU football rivalries, culture and traditions.
