Black college football classics showcase fierce rivalries with a side of fellowship

By Sydney Cullier

The tradition of classic football games between historically Black colleges and universities began with the 1919 Thanksgiving Day game between Howard University and Lincoln University. Featuring lively marching bands, intense rivalries and a strong sense of community, these classic games showcase the enduring legacy of HBCU football.

Here are 13 key HBCU football matchups to mark on your calendar this season.

Circle City Classic 

The matchup: Norfolk State University vs. North Carolina Central University
When and where: 3 p.m. Sept. 28; Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
How to watch: ESPNU
2023 score: North Carolina Central 45, Mississippi Valley State 3
The rundown: The Circle City Classic, now in its 40th year, is one of the oldest HBCU games in the country. The Miss Circle City Classic Coronation and a parade are among the festivities leading up to the main event.
Information: circlecityclassic.com

Magic City Classic 

The matchup: Alabama A&M University vs. Alabama State University
When and where: 3:30 p.m. Oct. 26; Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama
How to watch: ESPN+
2023 score: Alabama State 31, Alabama A&M 16
The rundown: In a rivalry that has existed since 1940, these two Alabama HBCUs will go head-to-head for bragging rights. Look for Alabama A&M to lean on running back Donovan Eaglin, who was selected to the Boxtorow Preseason All-America team.
Information: www.magiccityclassic.com

Florida Blue Florida Classic 

The matchup: Florida A&M University vs. Bethune-Cookman University
When and where: 3:30 p.m. Nov. 23; Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
How to watch: ESPN
2023 score: Florida A&M 24, Bethune-Cookman 7
The rundown: The Florida HBCUs will face off on the turf in Orlando to claim the Florida Classic title. The reigning SWAC champion Rattlers have a new coach this season, James Colzie III. The Wildcats will need to find their rhythm as they are coming off a 3-8 record overall last year, following back-to-back losing seasons since joining the SWAC in 2021.
Information: floridaclassic.org

Bayou Classic 

The matchup: Southern University vs. Grambling State University
When and where: 2 p.m. Nov. 30; Caesars Superdome, New Orleans
How to watch: NBC and Peacock
2023 score: Southern 27, Grambling 22
The rundown: The yearly meeting of these two schools is the biggest HBCU rivalry game, drawing an average of 250,000 people to New Orleans each year. The 51st annual Bayou Classic will consist of a week’s worth of activities to get fans hyped before the game, including a Thanksgiving Day Parade, Greek step show, battle of the bands and fan festival. Southern leads the series 26-24.
Information: mybayouclassic.com

Complete schedule of Black college classics 

Aug. 24

7:30 p.m.: Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge, Atlanta
Florida A&M University vs. Norfolk State University

Aug. 31

6 p.m.: John A. Merritt Classic, Nashville, Tennessee
Mississippi Valley State University vs. Tennessee State University

6 p.m.: Prudential Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic, Harrison, New Jersey
Morgan State University vs. Hampton University

7 p.m.: Labor Day Classic, Prairie View, Texas
Texas Southern University vs. Prairie View A&M University

Sept. 1

3 p.m.: Orange Blossom Classic, Miami Gardens, Florida
Alabama State University vs. North Carolina Central University

4 p.m.: Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic, Canton, Ohio
Benedict College vs. Virginia State University

7 p.m.: Red Tails Classic, Montgomery, Alabama
Johnson C. Smith University vs. Tuskegee University

Sept. 7

1 p.m.: Big Cat Classic, Miami Gardens, Florida

Edward Waters University vs. Florida Memorial University

7 p.m.: Louis Crews Classic, Huntsville, Alabama
Kentucky State University vs. Alabama A&M University

7 p.m.: W.C. Gorden Classic, Jackson, Mississippi
Lane College vs. Jackson State University

Sept. 14

1 p.m.: Eddie McGirt Classic, Charlotte, North Carolina

Lincoln University (Pennsylvania) vs. Johnson C. Smith University

2 p.m.: Battle of the Bay, Norfolk, Virginia
Hampton University vs. Norfolk State University

3 p.m.: Toyota HBCU NY Classic, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Howard University vs. Morehouse College

7 p.m.: BoomBox Classic, Jackson, Mississippi
Southern University vs. Jackson State University

7 p.m.: Southern Heritage Classic, Memphis, Tennessee
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff vs. Tennessee State University

Sept. 21

2 p.m.: Down East Viking Classic, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Elizabeth City State University vs. Fayetteville State University

3:30 p.m.: Truth and Service Classic, Washington
Hampton University vs. Howard University

4:30 p.m.: Chicago Football Classic, Chicago
Kentucky State University vs. Morehouse College

7 p.m.: Aggie-Eagle Classic, Durham, North Carolina
North Carolina A&T State University vs. North Carolina Central University

Sept. 28

1 p.m.: Willard Bailey Classic, Richmond, Virginia
Shaw University vs. Virginia Union University

3 p.m.: Circle City Classic, Indianapolis
Norfolk State University vs. North Carolina Central University

7 p.m.: State Fair Classic, Dallas
Grambling State University vs. Prairie View A&M University

Oct. 5

2 p.m.: Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic, Columbus, Georgia
Morehouse College vs. Tuskegee University

Oct. 26

3:30 p.m.: Magic City Classic, Birmingham, Alabama
Alabama A&M University vs. Alabama State University

Nov. 2

5 p.m.: Port City Classic, Mobile, Alabama
Alcorn State University vs. Alabama State University

Nov. 9

2 p.m.: Commemorative Classic, Salisbury, North Carolina

Johnson C. Smith University vs. Livingstone College

2 p.m.: Fountain City Classic, Columbus, Georgia
Fort Valley State University vs. Albany State University

2 p.m.: AME Football Classic, Jacksonville, Florida
Allen University vs. Edward Waters University

Nov. 23

3:30 p.m.: Florida Blue Florida Classic, Orlando, Florida
Bethune-Cookman University vs. Florida A&M University

Nov. 28

2 p.m.: Turkey Day Classic, Montgomery, Alabama

Tuskegee University vs. Alabama State University

Nov. 30

2 p.m.: Bayou Classic, New Orleans
Grambling State University vs. Southern University

Dec. 14 

Noon: Cricket Celebration Bowl, Atlanta
TBD