A pair of former MEAC foes will open the 2024 football season against each other.
The return of the Prudential Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic, which will feature long-standing rivals Morgan State and Hampton University on Aug. 31 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.
Both former members of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, the two teams will meet on the gridiron for the first time since 2016.
“We are thrilled to be heading back to Harrison for the Prudential Brick City Classic against Morgan State,” said Hampton Director of Athletics Anthony D. Henderson, Sr. “The upcoming event promises to be an extraordinary experience for both players and fans, building on the exceptional hospitality we enjoyed during our last visit. Red Bull Arena is an outstanding facility that provides an atmosphere that is unrivaled. We eagerly anticipate the chance to reignite our longstanding rivalry with Morgan State.”
Morgan State is Hampton’s fourth oldest opponent. The Hampton-Morgan State rivalry dates back to 1922 and the Bears lead the series by a 37-26-2 margin. Hampton has dominated the series in recent years, winning 19 of the last 24 games between the two teams since 1982.
In the last meeting between the two teams, Hampton downed the Bears, 21-12, on Oct. 15, 2016, for Homecoming. Hampton quarterback Jaylian Williamson threw touchdown passes of 37 and 11 yards and caught a 15-yard TD pass from wide receiver Twarn Mixson on a trick play.
“We are honored to play in the Prudential Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic against Hampton University. This is a great opportunity that gives a national audience a chance to see our programs in action,” said Dena Freeman-Patton, Vice President/Director of Morgan State University. We expect the environment and other activities surrounding this great matchup will make for a very exciting weekend in New Jersey.”
Hampton played Grambling State in the Prudential Brick City Classic in 2023 when Hampton topped the Tigers, 35-31. Hampton quarterback Chris Zellous earned Player of the Game honors completing 14-of-21 passes for 155 yards and two scores while rushing for 114 yards and two TDs.
Tickets for the Classic are available through TicketMaster. Additional information on tickets and Prudential Brick City HBCU Kickoff Classic events can be found at brickcityclassic.com.
