After another outstanding season in 2024, the Jackson State football Tigers will make history again in 2025 as part of the newly launched Las Vegas HBCU Classic.
JSU will square off against a familiar foe in SWAC mate Grambling State on October 25 later this year. The two proud programs will take center stage in America’s entertainment capital at Allegiant Stadium in a celebration of their individual history and the legacy of HBCU athletics.
See you in Vegas @GSUFootball01 😒@LVHBCUClassic #GuardTheeYard #TheeILove pic.twitter.com/knwyhwcuMB
— Jackson State Football (@gojsutigersfb) January 30, 2025
“The Las Vegas Raiders and Allegiant Stadium are proud to host the HBCU Classic, celebrating the rich legacy, talent, and culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” Raiders President Sandra Douglass Morgan said.
“The Raiders organization has a deep and long-standing connection to HBCU football that dates to the early years of the franchise under Al Davis and includes three Pro Football Hall of Famers from HBCU programs, the first Black quarterback selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, the first Black head coach in modern NFL history, and dozens of outstanding players, coaches, and administrators. We eagerly anticipate the pride and passion of HBCU football visiting Las Vegas in October.”
The inaugural Las Vegas HBCU Classic will also feature the school’s celebrated marching bands, Jackson State’s internationally renowned Sonic Boom of the South and Grambling’s Tiger Marching Band.
Jackson State and head coach T.C. Taylor will aim to use participation in the game as another surge of momentum after capturing a SWAC title and an HBCU national championship in 2024.
“This game is more than just a competition – it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and community that resonates far beyond the field,” Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority President Steve Hill said. “We look forward to showcasing the excitement and hospitality Las Vegas has to offer to the teams, alumni, and fans.”
Jackson State most recently played in Las Vegas in 2016 when the Tigers squared off against UNLV. The game will also be the 73rd all-time meeting between JSU and Grambling State.
Kickoff time and broadcast details will be released at a later date. Tickets for the game, fan experiences, and travel packages are set to go on sale on March 3.
