By Nilea Cosley
Fall means the start of homecoming season at historically Black colleges and universities, and many HBCUs have already scheduled their annual homecoming events.
Here are more than a dozen celebrations to mark on your calendars. (All game times are Eastern.)
Alabama State University
When: Sept. 29-Oct. 5
Events: “Legacy of Gold: A Bama State Fest” will include a fashion show, the Miss ASU Coronation, a step show, day party, Battle of the DJs and a concert featuring Sexyy Red, BossMan Dlow and Rob49.
Game: 3 p.m. Oct. 5 vs. Florida A&M University
Morgan State University
When: Sept. 29-Oct. 6
Events: After a shooting led to the cancellation of festivities in 2023, students and alumni are eagerly anticipating the return of homecoming. Attendees can look forward to the Mister and Miss Morgan State University Coronation and Ball, a concert featuring Sexyy Red and Cash Cobain, the inaugural alumni basketball game, a pep rally and the homecoming gala.
Game: 1 p.m. Oct. 5 vs. Lincoln University (Pennsylvania)
Texas Southern University
When: Sept. 29-Oct. 5
Events: “H.O.T 97: Honoring Our Traditions” will include activities such as the Unplugged Gospel Experience, the crowning of Miss & Mister Texas Southern University, a step show, the Ultimate H.O.T. 97 Alumni Sneaker Party, YardFest, pregame tailgating and a parade.
Game: 3 p.m. Oct. 5 vs. Virginia University of Lynchburg
Alabama A&M University
When: Oct. 5-12
Events: The schedule for the week includes the Dusk Til Dawn Kickoff Party, the Gospel Explosion featuring Le’Andria Johnson and Pastor Mike Jr., a fashion show, comedy show, step show, parade and hip-hop concert featuring GloRilla, Boosie and Big Boogie.
Game: 3 p.m. Oct. 12 vs. Bethune-Cookman University
Tennessee State University
When: Oct. 6-12
Events: “The Big Blue Experience” will feature the coronation of Mr. and Miss Tennessee State University, the Ralph Boston and Dr. Catana Starks Golf Tournament, the Alumni Black Out mixer, the Charles Campbell Fish Fry, a step show and a scholarship gala. Football coach Eddie George will join First Take on ESPN crew as the show heads to campus a day before the homecoming game.
Game: 6 p.m. Oct. 12 vs. Eastern Illinois University
Johnson C. Smith University
When: Oct. 12-20
Events: Smithies can go “Back to the Ford” for their Golden Bulls’ homecoming celebration. JCSU, a recipient of the Home Depot “Retool Your School” grant, will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony in honor of the initiative to improve HBCUs. Comedian B. Simone will be featured during the homecoming lyceum, followed by a midweek fashion show and a fraternity cook-off and plot party. The royal court coronation, golf tournament and step show will take place before game day, and a gospel concert will conclude the week of events.
Game: 1 p.m. Oct. 19 vs. Shaw University
Grambling State University
When: Oct. 13-20
Events: The Tigers kick off homecoming week with a volleyball game followed by a gospel event. The schedule continues with the Fred D. Hearn Golf Classic, Yard Fest, a pep rally, a step show and hip-hop concert, tailgating and a cook-off party. A postgame R&B concert and farewell brunch will conclude the week of events.
Game: 3 p.m. Oct. 19 vs. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; available on HBCU Go
Howard University
When: Oct. 13-20
Events: Howard University is celebrating its 100th homecoming. The week will kick off with the Call to Chapel, followed by other activities such as the royal court coronation, student fashion show, step show and Yardfest.
Game: 3:30 p.m. Oct. 19 vs. Tennessee State
Langston University
When: Oct. 13-19
Events: Themed as “One Roar,” this year’s homecoming aims to encourage students and alumni to work together and support each other with Lion Pride. The week will feature a multitude of events, starting with the annual Gospel Fest. Langston also will host a coronation ceremony for Mister and Miss LU, the Laughing Out Loud comedy show, a step show and a homecoming concert, as well as the university’s 19th Annual President’s Scholarship Gala with singer Johnny Gill.
Game: 3 p.m. Oct. 19 vs. North American University; available on SAC Sports Network
North Carolina A&T State University
When: Oct. 13-19
Events: The 98th edition of the Greatest Homecoming on Earth (nicknamed GHOE) will be celebrated with Aggie Pride. The week will begin with the royal coronation of Mister and Miss A&T, followed by a fashion show, pep rally, gospel show, step show and the postgame hip-hop concert, which will feature Latto, Bryson Tiller, BossMan Dlow, Mariah the Scientist and Rob 49.
Game: 1 p.m. Oct. 19 vs. Hampton University; available on FloSports
Hampton University
When: Oct. 20-27
Event: Hampton will kick off its homecoming, themed “Pirates Island,” with the Mister and Miss HU Coronation. A fashion show, step show and the Escape concert, with music from R&B singer Tamia and rappers Rick Ross and Doug E. Fresh, will lead up to the homecoming parade and tailgate.
Game: 2 p.m. Oct. 26 vs. Elon University
North Carolina Central University
When: Oct. 20-26
Events: The Eagles’ “Ultimate Homecoming Experience” will feature a gospel concert, the coronation of Miss and Mister NCCU, a talent showcase and an alumni concert featuring singer Angie Stone with special guest Niito Band.
Game: 3:30 p.m. Oct. 26 vs. Morgan State University; available on ESPN+
Prairie View A&M University
When: Oct. 20-26
Events: Themed “Legends and Legacies,” homecoming will immerse the Panthers in tradition and school spirit. The week’s schedule includes a gospel fest, talent show, the coronation crowning and ball, concerts, a pep rally, tailgate and other festivities.
Game: 3 p.m. Oct. 26 vs. Texas A&M University-Commerce
Florida A&M University
When: Oct. 27-Nov. 3
Events: Themed “Remember the Times: The Experience,” homecoming include the Mister and Miss FAMU Coronation, a fashion show, pep rally, comedy show, homecoming concert, 5K, step show and tailgate. FAMU will reveal the artist for its concert Oct. 3.
Game: 4 p.m. Nov. 2 vs. Texas Southern University
Jackson State University
When: Oct. 27-Nov. 2
Events: “Thee House Party” homecoming will be filled with alumni, a parade and a homecoming concert.
Game: 3 p.m. Nov. 2 vs. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; available on ESPN+
Tuskegee University
When: Nov. 3-10
Events: Tuskegee will celebrate its 100th homecoming celebration. Featured events include the Mister & Miss Tuskegee Gala, the annual golf classic, homecoming parade and Homecoming/Charter Day Convocation, which will highlight the university’s history.
Game: 2 p.m. Nov. 9 vs. Miles College