Editor’s note: Only games announced on a conference’s official ESPN schedule were considered for this list
Following the MEAC’s TV schedule release for the 2025 football season, we now know every HBCU football game that will be featured on ESPN’s family of networks.
From historic rivalry games to potential conference championship previews, fans should be locked in to many games this year.
Here are the 10 HBCU football games to watch that will be featured on an ESPN platform.
North Carolina Central vs. Southern
When: August 23
Platform: ABC
We begin with the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, kicking off the 2025 HBCU football season with the traditional cross-conference matchup between North Carolina Central and Southern.
Although the MEAC leads the all-time series, holding an 11-7 record over the SWAC, the SWAC is on a three-game win streak.
Beyond adding another chapter to this historic series, this game will showcase two teams that enter the year with championship aspirations. Both teams were one win away from clinching a spot in the Celebration Bowl, with the Eagles finishing second in the MEAC standings for the past two years.
Winston-Salem State vs. Tuskegee
When: August 31
Platform: ESPNU
From a MEAC vs. SWAC contest to a matchup between the CIAA vs. SIAC, Tuskegee faces Winston-Salem State in the fifth annual Red Tails Classic. Last season, in the first cross-conference edition of the Red Tails Classic, Tuskegee fell to Johnson C. Smith.
In addition to serving as an opportunity for revenge for the Golden Tigers against the Rams, representing the CIAA, the narrative entering this contest features two teams that heavily mirror each other.
Tuskegee and WSSU each have a deep-rooted tradition of winning in their history, but have not lived up to their championship expectation in recent years. Serving as sleeper teams in their respective conference this season, neither team can afford to have anything but a strong performance.
Fort Valley State vs. Clark Atlanta
When: September 11
Platform: ESPNU
If this game is anything like their season-opening classic from last year, Fort Valley State and Clark Atlanta could have another Game of the Year contender on their hands.
In the first game under head coach Teddy Keaton, Clark Atlanta made a statement in a thrilling 45-42 win, snapping a 13-game losing streak. Now the Panthers have transitioned from a bottom-feeder in the SIAC to a top contender, being slated to finish second in the preseason pol
l. Meanwhile, Fort Valley State hopes to continue its streak of consistency, entering its first season under head coach Marlon Watson.
Alabama State vs. Jackson State
When: October 11
Platform: TBD
The homecoming series between Alabama State and Jackson State returns after a one-year hiatus, with the Hornets coming to play spoiler.
This rivalry began in 2022 when Jackson State beat Alabama State on the Hornets’ homecoming. Some postgame antics followed, ending with ASU head coach Eddie Robinson Jr. pleading to play JSU for their homecoming the following year.
Not only did the Hornets’ head coach get his wish, but he also delivered on a win, spoiling the Tigers’ homecoming in a one-possession win. In addition to defending their home field, Alabama State will have an opportunity to knock down the defending conference champs, putting themselves in position to claim the division title.
Albany State vs. Benedict
When: October 25
Platform: ESPN+
SIAC favorite Albany State has a tough test in its quest for championship glory. It will go on the road to clash with the resurging Benedict Tigers.
This matchup will serve as a battle between arguably the top offense in the SIAC (Albany State) and the top defense in the SIAC (Benedict).
The Golden Rams’ offense features six players on the Preseason First Team, led by the Preseason Player of the Year, Isaiah Knowles.
Meanwhile, the Tigers’ defense has five Preseason First-Team selections, including Preseason Player of the Year Ty’Metrius Patterson. Although Albany State was picked to finish atop the conference, and Benedict was picked to be seventh, the result on the field could tell a different story.
Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State
When: October 25
Platform: TBD
On the 85th anniversary of becoming an annual tradition, Alabama A&M faces Alabama State in the Magic City Classic. Last season, the Magic City Classic drew 69,125, seeing the Hornets escape a Bulldogs fourth-quarter comeback to win 27-19.
For the first time in 30 years, Alabama State has won three consecutive games in this series, coming within two wins of forcing a tie in the all-time record. Adding to the intrigue of this contest, both teams could also be dark-horse contenders to claim the SWAC East division title.
Delaware State vs. Norfolk State
When: October 30
Platform: ESPNU
The clash between former NFL teammates turned HBCU football coaches commences from their former home stadium when the Delaware State Hornets face the Norfolk State Spartans at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
This primetime matchup will serve as the first of possibly many between first-year head coaches DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick. Delaware State is searching for its first conference win since 2022 against a Norfolk State team that the Hornets beat that season.
Jackson State vs. Florida A&M
When: November 1
Platform: TBD
Jackson State faces a test in its road to repeating as conference champions when it travels to Tallahassee to play Florida A&M. In a matchup of the last two SWAC champions, the Rattlers are looking to have a repeat performance from the last time they played JSU in Florida.
In their final Orange Blossom Classic against the Tigers, the Rattlers picked up their first win over Jackson State since joining the SWAC.
However, the Tigers have since gotten back in the win column against FAMU, and the dynamic of both teams has completely flipped. While Jackson State will be a heavy favorite entering this contest, do not expect the Rattlers to go down quietly.
Albany State vs. Fort Valley State
When: November 8
Platform: ESPN+
In the final week of the regular season, Fort Valley State takes on Albany State in the series’ 35th anniversary. Last season, Albany State dashed Fort Valley State’s SIAC championship hopes, coming away with a 20-15 win to eliminate them from title game contention.
The Golden Rams have been a thorn in the Wildcats’ side in recent years, winning six of the last seven contests. With Albany State seen as the favorite in the SIAC and leading in the series overall (since 1990), Fort Valley State comes into this game as the heavy underdog.
South Carolina State vs. North Carolina Central
When: November 14
Platform: ESPN2
In what could be a repeat of the game that decided the MEAC champion last season, North Carolina Central seeks redemption against reigning champion South Carolina State.
In their first season under head coach Chennis Berry, the Bulldogs defied the odds, claiming the MEAC title for the first time since 2021.
Their 24-21 win over North Carolina Central was a defining win in their championship season. Tabbed as the top two contenders to win the conference, this game will be the deciding factor in determining who represents the MEAC in Atlanta.
