For the first time ever, an HBCU football game will be played on one of the Ivy League’s most historic campuses.
Johnson C. Smith of the CIAA and the SIAC’s Morehouse College will face off on the campus of Harvard University Saturday Aug. 30 in the Inaugural Essence HBCU Kickoff Classic.
🚨 SAVE THE DATE 🚨
Johnson C. Smith University takes on Morehouse College in the Essence HBCU Kickoff Classic at Harvard Stadium in Cambridge, MA — August 30, 2025!
Be there for the FIRST-EVER HBCU football game on Harvard’s campus. Let’s paint the Yard gold and blue! 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/1FroI9IjIU
— JCSU Athletics (@JCSUSports) July 10, 2025
The Golden Bulls went 8-2 in 2024, leading the CIAA for most of the season until a two-game losing streak against rivals Fayetteville State and Livingstone College ended their championship dreams.
The Maroon Tigers went 1-9 in their first season under former NFL wide receiver Terance Mathis. Their lone victory was a 31-28 win over Kentucky State in the Chicago Football Classic Sept. 21.
Why??? Money that could go into the local economy, int showcasing the campus and getting alums back on campus is going into Boston’s & Harvard’ coffers.