From Tallahassee to Richmond, 10 HBCU games with kickoff times, TV info and real stakes
By David Kesiena
RollingOut
https://rollingout.com/
More than twenty HBCU football games fill today’s slate, with kickoffs stretching from noon to late afternoon and broadcasts that range from network TV to streaming apps and school portals but we have narrowed down to this ten games. Homecoming weekends bring alumni, marching bands and full stands, and several matchups also carry weight in the SWAC, MEAC, CIAA and SIAC. Here is what fans need to know before kickoff.
Noon kickoffs
Bowie State vs. Johnson C. Smith. Nationally ranked Johnson C. Smith (6-1) looks to extend its historic momentum as it visits a tough Bowie State (3-4) squad. This highly anticipated matchup highlights a packed CIAA slate, and the CIAA Sports Network carries the game live.
Virginia Union vs. Bluefield State. High-powered Virginia Union (6-1) returns to Hovey Field in Richmond for a pivotal conference showdown. A win keeps the Panthers in complete control of their division as they march toward another potential CIAA championship berth.
Lincoln (Pa.) vs. Elizabeth City State. Lincoln (Pa.) looks to protect its home turf and bounce back from a tough stretch in front of an energetic crowd. Both programs are hungry for a signature conference victory, and the CIAA Sports Network streams the action.
Fort Valley State vs. Lane. Fort Valley State is celebrating Homecoming, Senior Day, and a Gold Out at Wildcat Stadium. Coming off a strong road victory in their last outing, the Wildcats aim to keep the momentum going against a struggling Lane squad that has dropped eight straight games. The SIAC Network carries the matchup live.
Florida Memorial vs. Thomas. Florida Memorial hosts Thomas University for a highly anticipated Sun Conference battle at the Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar. The school’s athletics portal lists live video options, but fans should confirm the stream details before kickoff.
12:30 to 2 p.m. kickoffs
South Carolina State vs. Norfolk State (1:30 p.m. CT, ESPN+). Expect absolute fireworks in Orangeburg. The Bulldogs (5-2) lead the FCS in scoring offense at 43.6 points per game, and head coach Chennis Berry still holds a flawless, unblemished record in MEAC play. But they are flying right into a trap: Norfolk State (4-3) brings 11 interceptions into town, tied for the most in the FCS.
Add in the ultimate motivation—the Spartans are looking to avenge last year’s homecoming heartbreak by spoiling South Carolina State’s own homecoming party today—and this stands as a must-watch chess match between an unstoppable offense and a ball-hawking defense.
Edward Waters vs. Clark Atlanta (1 p.m. CT, SIAC Network). This Florida vs. Georgia rivalry has massive bounce-back implications. Edward Waters (5-2, 4-1 SIAC) looks to defend home turf in Jacksonville behind gunslinger Tavion Faulk, whose 2,238 passing yards rank third in all of NCAA Division II.
The Tigers have only one home game left after this, making it a crucial window to protect their stadium. They face a gritty Clark Atlanta (2-5, 2-3) squad that just snapped a four-game losing streak with a thrilling, last-second touchdown last week. If Clark Atlanta’s defense can’t slow down Faulk, the Tigers will march one step closer to the top of the SIAC.
Hampton vs. Monmouth (1 p.m. CT, FloCollege). This high-stakes CAA clash doubles as Hampton’s highly anticipated Homecoming weekend. The Pirates (1-6) are desperate to snap a brutal six-game losing streak, but they have a mountain to climb against No. 18 Monmouth (5-2, 4-0 CAA), who sits all alone at the top of the conference standings.
The visual match-up to watch: Hampton’s defense must find a way to contain Monmouth’s explosive offensive attack if they want to avoid a massive homecoming heartbreak in front of a sold-out alumni crowd.
Florida A&M vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (2 p.m. CT, HBCU GO). Expect an electric atmosphere at Bragg Memorial Stadium as Florida A&M (2-5) looks to extend its historic seven-game homecoming winning streak to an even eight. Both squads enter the afternoon matching a 1-2 record in SWAC play, making this a critical cross-divisional elimination game for postseason hope.
The deciding factor: Pine Bluff (3-3) is eager to bounce back after a tight 21-15 loss to Alabama State, and if their defense can force FAMU’s passing game into early mistakes, the Golden Lions have a prime opportunity to silence the legendary Rattler marching band.
Texas Southern vs. Southern (2 p.m. CT, SWAC TV). Texas Southern (1-5) hosts its 99th homecoming at NRG Stadium against Southern (3-4). The Jaguars are emotionally rallying behind coach Marshall Faulk following his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Where the debate starts
Opinion: Homecoming crowds raise the stakes for teams already in a slump, and this weekend will show which programs respond. South Carolina State’s offense looks too strong for Norfolk State to contain for four quarters, but the Spartans’ takeaways could keep the score closer than the numbers suggest.
Florida A&M’s streak is a good story, yet a 2-5 team cannot run on tradition alone. Texas Southern’s narrow losses have become a pattern, and the Tigers must prove they can close games on a professional-sized stage.
Scores will follow once the games finish. Until then, treat these times and broadcast details as pregame information.
