Grambling State and Jackson State are gearing up to renew their historic rivalry this Saturday at the inaugural Las Vegas HBCU Classic at Allegiant Stadium.
Both teams expressed excitement about playing on such a grand stage, while emphasizing the importance of focus and preparation to handle the distractions of Las Vegas.
Jackson State head coach T.C. Taylor highlighted the importance of treating the trip as a business trip, saying, “Vegas is still Vegas. It’s just my staff and myself, we just got to do a good job of keeping these guys locked in.”
He stressed the team’s goal of controlling its own destiny to win the SWAC East division and compete for the conference title.
Taylor praised the opportunity for his players to showcase their talents on a national stage.
“This is a chance for our players to play in a world-class stadium in front of a national audience. I can’t wait to see Tiger Nation show up in Vegas for the game.
Grambling State head coach Mickey Joseph echoed the mental and physical challenges of travel to Vegas.
“We got to make sure that they listen to what we’re telling them, what the medical staff’s telling them, so their bodies will come back and get back in sync come Saturday.”
Joseph acknowledged the tough task ahead against a highly ranked Jackson State squad, calling it “a great opportunity to see how far we’ve come and compete against the best.”
Joseph also reflected on his team’s unique 2025 schedule, which includes matchups against two top-tier programs.
“It was the same thing. You played Ohio State, the No. 1 team in the country, and now you’re playing the No. 1 team in HBCU football,” he said. It’s games like this you look forward to. That’s why you come to Grambling. “How many times in football do you get to play two No. 1 teams … that’s your measuring stick.”
Both coaches recognize the significance of this rivalry, especially on such a prominent stage.
Beyond the game itself, the event showcases the culture and tradition of HBCU football, including performances by Grambling’s “World Famed” Tiger Marching Band and Jackson State’s renowned “Sonic Boom of the South” band. The Las Vegas Raiders organization, with deep roots in HBCU football, proudly hosts the event, aiming to elevate the national prominence of HBCU programs.
Fans in Las Vegas can expect an intense, closely contested game marked by strong defensive battles and key individual matchups, like Jackson State’s focus on containing Grambling’s dual-threat quarterback C’zavian Teasett.
Both coaches have emphasized the mental toughness required to stay focused amidst the city’s bright lights and distractions.
As Coach Taylor summarized, “It’s all about business for us. We’re locked in and ready to go.”
