This weekend marks the beginning of the HBCU football season, a time when tradition, community pride and emerging talent converge on the gridiron. From the Birmingham Football Classic to the Red Tails Classic in Montgomery, fans are gearing up for a slate of high‑stakes games that promise both drama and celebration.
A Season of Promise
Alabama State University’s quarterback Andrew Body is already drawing national attention. The senior was named the preseason Southwestern Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year and placed on the Stats Perform HBCU National Player of the Year Watch List after a season that saw him throw for 1,770 yards, 20 touchdowns and just one interception.
Body’s performance has been complemented by standout efforts from teammates such as safety Ta’Shaun Sims, who earned preseason All‑SWAC first‑team honors with five interceptions and 36 total tackles, and wide receiver Jordan Chambers Smith of Alabama A&M, whose route‑running and catching ability could prove decisive in the upcoming MEAC/SWAC Challenge.
Head coaches add another layer of intrigue. Eddie Robinson, Jr. continues to steer Alabama State with a reputation for fielding some of the conference’s strongest units, while Southern University’s first‑year leader Marshall Faulk, a Hall of Fame running back, brings Hall‑of‑Fame experience to his offensive schemes. At Miles College, Chris Goode will rely on defensive lineman Javontae Cooper, who recorded 33 tackles last season.
The opening weekend features several marquee matchups. Alabama A&M will meet Howard University in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge on August 29 at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta, a game that will showcase not only Body’s arm but also a defensive front anchored by linebacker Wyatt Wright, defensive back Keon Handley Jr. and lineman Arenza Davis. Meanwhile, Miles College will host Alcorn State, and Tuskegee University will take on West Alabama in the Red Tails Classic on August 30 at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery.
Tuskegee’s offense will also lean on preseason all‑conference selections EJ Hall and running back Johnny Morris, while defensive lineman Massiah Wells contributed 55 total tackles and 24 solo stops a year ago, underscoring the depth of talent across the league.
Beyond the statistics, the season represents a cultural milestone for HBCU communities, offering alumni networks, marching bands and local businesses a shared experience that extends far beyond the final score.