Week two of the 2025 HBCU football season brings some exciting non-conference games that fans will want to be in tune with.
Among the intriguing matchups on tap this weekend are a pair of FCS rivalries renewed, an upset-minded SWAC team looking for a historic FBS victory, two teams with unfinished business after their matchup last year, and a Division II contender welcoming a powerhouse program into its home field.
Here are the 5 Games to Watch in Week 2 of the HBCU football field.
Johnson C. Smith vs. Valdosta State
When: September 6; Time: Noon ET
How to Watch: CIAA Sports Network
Johnson C. Smith looks to build off its strong season debut win over Morehouse, welcoming Division II powerhouse Valdosta State to Charlotte.
The Golden Bulls opened their 2025 campaign in the inaugural Essence HBCU Classic at Harvard Stadium, beating Morehouse 45-9.
Meanwhile, Valdosta started the 2025 season, squeezing past Clark Atlanta in a 31-28 win in the Week Zero Labor Day Classic.
Both Johnson C. Smith and Valdosta are expected to be two of the top teams in the Division II Super Region Two rankings at the end of the year.
As a result, the winner of this game could go a long way in determining who has the best case to get a first-round bye in the Division II playoffs.
Florida Memorial vs. Clark Atlanta
When: September 6; Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: SIAC Network
Clark Atlanta and Florida Memorial have unfinished business to attend to when they meet in the Sunshine Showdown.
When these two teams met last season, they engaged in an offensive shootout in the first half, combining for 607 total yards (527 passing yards).
However, with the score tied 28-28 at halftime, the game would end prematurely as inclement weather forced it to be postponed.
In addition to wanting to finish what they started in their matchup last year, both teams are also looking to recover after suffering close losses last weekend.
Jackson State vs. Southern Miss
When: September 6; Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Jackson State is upset-minded heading into week two when they travel down the road to Hattiesburg, Mississippi for a matchup with FBS opponent Southern Miss.
The Tigers started its bid for back-to-back Black College Football National Championships with a 28-14 win over Hampton in the HOPE Labor Day Classic.
They will now enter a clash with a Southern Miss team that has lost 14 of its last 15 games since 2023 (lone win came against FCS opponent Southeastern Louisiana in September 2024).
Jackson State’s high-powered offense could pose problems for a Southern Miss team that allowed 182 yards on six yards per carry the last time they played a SWAC team (Alcorn State).
Do not be surprised to see the Tigers give their in-state foe some significant problems, with a win not being outside the realm of possibility either.
Virginia State vs. Norfolk State
When: September 6; Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Norfolk State searches for its first win in the Michael Vick era when they welcome in-state rival Virginia State for the Battle of the States.
The Spartans’ season debut did not go according to plan, falling 27-7 on their home field against Towson.
On the other hand, Virginia State was dominant in its 2025 kickoff, laying waste to Barton College in a 35-7 victory.
These two teams have split their last two matchups, each of which having come down to the final minutes.
While this may appear as a great opportunity for the Spartans to get in the win column, the Trojans are far from an easy out and could come away victorious if NSU does not take them seriously.
Morgan State vs. Towson
When: September 6; Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
The Battle for Greater Baltimore between Morgan State and Towson returns to the Bears’ home in Hughes Stadium.
While Morgan State lost in a valiant effort against FBS opponent South Alabama, Towson comes into this game following a 27-7 demolition of Norfolk State.
While they have come close in recent years, a win has been hard to come by for the Bears in this series, losing seven straight against Towson.
Two of their last three losses against Towson have been one-score games, including a 14-9 loss last season.
A win would mark Morgan State’s first over Towson since 2009.
