The wait is over! HBCU football is back with a bang for Week 1, bringing thrilling FCS vs. FBS showdowns and epic rivalries. New coaches are making their highly anticipated debuts, and the atmosphere will be electric across the nation. Which game are you most excited to watch this weekend?

The highly anticipated 2025 HBCU football season is set to ignite this weekend, promising an exhilarating Week 1 filled with captivating matchups across college campuses, neutral sites, and even NFL stadiums. Fans, bands, and teams alike are brimming with readiness for the gridiron battles, which will feature thrilling FCS vs. FBS contests and intense HBCU rivalries, signaling the full glory of HBCU football’s return.

One of the season’s most anticipated coaching debuts will see new Delaware State head coach DeSean Jackson lead his Hornets against FCS playoff contender Delaware in the rekindled “Route 1 Rivalry” in Newark. This early-season clash offers a significant test for Jackson and his squad as they aim to make a statement in a challenging road environment.

Further amplifying the excitement, Michael Vick, Norfolk State’s newly appointed head football coach, will host Towson, a formidable CAA title contender, in a marquee season opener. The presence of the First Take crew on campus for interviews underscores the national attention surrounding Vick’s coaching debut and the Spartans’ showcase of their new leadership and culture, with millions expected to tune into this pivotal Week 1 matchup.

Several HBCU programs are bravely confronting formidable FBS opponents in Week 1. Alcorn State, under Coach Cedric Thomas, seeks a fast start and potential upset against a Southland Conference foe, leveraging their recent history of defeating FBS teams. Similarly, Andrew Body leads Alabama State into an in-state FBS challenge against UAB, with Coach Eddie Robinson Jr.’s defense aiming to pressure Coach Trent Dilfer’s new-look Blazers in what promises to be a highly contested battle.

The Florida A&M; Rattlers face a familiar foe in the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats at South Dade Kia Field. While former FAMU coach Willie Simmons begins his new role with a focus on his new squad, Coach Raymond Woodie Jr. and Bethune-Cookman are motivated to secure an upset against an FBS opponent. Historically, Bethune-Cookman has dominated this matchup against Florida International, making this a plausible outcome.

A highly anticipated showcase event features the 2024 HBCU National Champions, Jackson State Tigers, hosting Hampton. Despite Hampton’s historical undefeated record against Jackson State, this early-season battle at the legendary Veterans Memorial Stadium strongly favors Coach TC Taylor’s talented, explosive Tigers, setting the stage for a memorable HBCU football contest.

Elsewhere, the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami Gardens pits Howard against Florida A&M;, a clash of teams with significant conference championship aspirations. Expect an electric atmosphere and a fiercely fought game at Hard Rock Stadium as both teams navigate this crucial early hurdle. Meanwhile, the Sam Shade era commences for Alabama A&M; as they travel to Fayetteville to face SEC powerhouse Arkansas, with the Bulldogs expected to demonstrate unwavering resilience.

The John Merritt Classic adds another layer of intrigue, featuring North Carolina A&T; under Coach Reggie Barlow against Coach Graves and Southern, who aim to rebound from a recent loss. Furthermore, new head coach Terrell Buckley hopes to revitalize Mississippi Valley State, though the Jaguars will have much to prove against Southern in the Delta. NCCU, fresh off an impressive offensive performance in their MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kick-Off, enters Week 1 as strong contenders for the MEAC title, having scored 31 points in their season opener.

Other notable Week 1 previews include Morgan State’s challenging FBS matchup against South Alabama, where their defense and rushing attack will be key to keeping the game close. Grambling welcomes NAIA HBCU Langston to Shreveport, with Coach Mickey Joseph’s Tigers as heavy favorites, needing focused play to avoid an upset. Finally, the 40th Labor Day Classic in Houston promises intense SWAC rivalries and bragging rights, concluding a weekend packed with compelling college football action.