From the sound of marching bands filling the air to the electric energy on the yard, Homecoming at Historically Black Colleges and Universities is more than tradition. It’s ...
It’s a cultural home base — a joyful return, a celebration of legacy, and a reminder that HBCUs continue to thrive, inspire and shape the future. Whether you’re a freshman, a Golden Class alum, or just rolling deep with your crew, HBCU Homecoming is where the vibes never miss.
A Legacy That Lives Loud
Homecoming at HBCUs is not just a football game — it’s a full-blown cultural reunion. Tailgates, step shows, fashion, alumni mixers, scholarship breakfasts, concerts, and coronations fill campuses across the country with Black excellence and pride.
In a time when tradition is sacred and community is everything, these weekends are about more than a win on the field — they’re about coming home.
North Carolina Central University, for instance, is making changes this year to prioritize safety, including limited campus parking, designated tailgate areas, and early shutdowns for outdoor events.
Publicized 2025 HBCU Homecoming Dates
Below is a list of HBCUs that have announced their 2025 Homecoming dates. Expect more to drop throughout August and September:
|
Date
|
School
|
Opponent
|
|
Sept. 27
|
Johnson C. Smith
|
Bluefield State
|
|
Oct. 4
|
Alabama State
|
Bethune-Cookman
|
|
Oct. 4
|
South Carolina State
|
Savannah State
|
|
Oct. 11
|
North Carolina A&T
|
South Carolina State
|
|
Oct. 11
|
Fayetteville State
|
Livingstone
|
|
Oct. 11
|
Alabama A&M
|
Mississippi Valley State
|
|
Oct. 11
|
Jackson State
|
Alabama State
|
|
Oct. 11
|
Morgan State
|
Virginia University of Lynchburg
|
|
Oct. 18
|
Florida A&M
|
Alcorn State
|
|
Oct. 18
|
Southern University
|
Prairie View A&M
|
|
Oct. 18
|
Tennessee State
|
Howard University
|
|
Oct. 25
|
Howard University
|
Morgan State
|
|
Oct. 25
|
North Carolina Central
|
Delaware State
|
|
Oct. 25
|
Norfolk State
|
South Carolina State
|
|
Oct. 25
|
Bethune-Cookman
|
Arkansas-Pine Bluff
|
|
Nov. 1
|
Livingstone College
|
Shaw University
|
|
Nov. 1
|
Tuskegee University
|
Lane College
|
|
Nov. 8
|
Bowie State University
|
Elizabeth City State
|
Dates and matchups are subject to change.
Classic Games Set the Stage
In addition to Homecoming weekends, fans can catch several classics that kick off the HBCU football season and highlight school pride across the country:
- MEAC/SWAC Challenge – Southern vs. North Carolina Central, Aug. 23, Atlanta
- John Merritt Classic – North Carolina A&T vs. Tennessee State, Aug. 30, Nashville
- Orange Blossom Classic – Florida A&M vs. Howard, Aug. 30, Miami Gardens, Fla.
- Labor Day Classic – Prairie View A&M vs. Texas Southern, Aug. 30, Houston
- Southern Heritage Classic – Alcorn State vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Sept. 27, Memphis
- Magic City Classic – Alabama A&M vs. Alabama State, Oct. 25, Birmingham
What to Expect on Campus
Homecoming weekends are full of high-energy events both on and off the field. Here's what you’ll typically find:
- Pep rallies, parades and step shows
- Alumni reunions and Greek life festivities
- Homecoming concerts and comedy shows
- Student fashion shows and vendor marketplaces
- Tailgates that feel like family cookouts
- And of course, football games with crowds full of school spirit
Stay Tuned for Updates
More HBCUs will be releasing their Homecoming schedules over the coming weeks. Keep your eyes on HBCUWeekNow.com for regular updates, full event lineups, concert announcements and travel tips.
Whether you’re booking your flight, buying your outfit, or practicing your stroll, just know this — Homecoming 2025 is on deck, and you won’t want to miss it.
