HBCU GO Unveils 2026 Football Schedule: 13 Games, 3 Classics, 3 Homecoming Showdowns

HOUSTON, Tx. — The 2026 HBCU college football broadcast season will kick off on Aug. 29 in Houston, Texas, for HBCU GO, as the Allen Media Group subsidiary enters year five, which could become its biggest and most entertaining yet.

The 13-game schedule will be anchored by a majority of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) slate of games, including three classics, three Homecoming showdowns, and a season-opening prime-time matchups. The full schedule, obtained by HBCU Legends on SI, covers SWAC, MEAC, CAA, SIAC, and OVC conference teams.

This season, HBCU football fans will have an opportunity to watch games across Amazon Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Local Now, with the HBCU GO mobile app, or on HBCUGO.TV, free of charge.

HBCU GO is on a mission to give Black college sports the global stage it deserves, and this season we’re doing exactly that,” Byron Allen, chairman and CEO of Allen Media Group, said. With expanded distribution, we are bringing the pageantry, the rivalries, and the pure excellence of HBCU football into millions of living rooms across America, for free.

Curtis Symonds, president of HBCU GO, called the schedule a direct answer to the culture's demand for elevated HBCU broadcast coverage.

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Curtis Symonds, president of HBCU GO, called the schedule a direct answer to the culture’s demand for elevated HBCU broadcast coverage.

“This schedule speaks for itself, from the Southern Heritage Classic to the Truth & Service Classic in Washington, D.C., where Howard and Hampton meet in the latest chapter of their ‘Real HU’ rivalry, to homecoming weekends across the country, every week delivers something unforgettable,” Symonds said. “HBCU football is more than a game, it’s a shared experience rooted in tradition, pride, and community, brought to life every Saturday. With expanded distribution, we’re reaching a much bigger audience, making year five our strongest season yet.”

2026 HBCU GO FOOTBALL BROADCAST SCHEDULE

■   Week 1 | Aug. 29 | 7 p.m. ET – North Carolina Central vs. Texas Southern at W. Thorne Stadium in Houston, Texas

■  Week 2 | Sept. 5 | 7 p.m. ET – Hope Labor Day Classic — Edward Waters @ Jackson State [Classic] Veterans Memorial Stadium

■   Week 3 | Sept. 12 | 7 p.m. ET – Southern Heritage Classic — Alcorn State vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff [Classic], Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

■   Week 4 | Sept. 19 | 7 p.m. ET – Tennessee State @ Florida A&M, Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium

■   Week 5 | Sept. 26 | 7 p.m. ET – South Carolina State @ Bethune-Cookman, Daytona Stadium

■   Week 6 | Oct. 3 | 3 p.m. ET – Truth and Service Classic — Howard vs. Hampton [Classic], Audi Field

■   Week 7 | Oct. 10 | 4 p.m. ET – Florida A&M @ Alabama State [Homecoming], ASU Stadium

■   Week 8 | Oct. 17 | 3 p.m. ET – Alcorn State @ Prairie View A&M [Homecoming], Panther Stadium at Blackshear Field

■   Week 9 | Oct. 24 | 3 p.m. ET – Arkansas-Pine Bluff @ Florida A&M [Homecoming], Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium

■   Week 10 | Oct. 31 | 3 p.m. ET – Southern University @ Florida A&M, Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium

■   Week 11 | Nov. 7 | 3 p.m. ET – Mississippi Valley State @ Jackson State, Veterans Memorial Stadium

■   Week 12 | Nov. 14 | 3 p.m. ET – Alcorn State @ Southern University, A.W. Mumford Stadium

■   Week 13 | Nov. 21 | 3 p.m. ET – Arkansas-Pine Bluff @ Texas Southern, W. Thorne Stadium in Houston, Texas

KEY SWAC GAMES TO WATCH

The SWAC is the backbone of the 2026 HBCU GO schedule, where 12 broadcasts will be from SWAC home sites, carrying significant conference weight.

Southern Heritage Classic: Alcorn State vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Sept. 12, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis): One of the crown jewel events of HBCU football returns to Memphis. Alcorn and UAPB bring history, rivalry, and an entire city’s worth of culture to the stadium. The Southern Heritage Classic is appointment viewing every year, and with HBCU GO cameras rolling, it reaches its widest audience.

Florida A&M vs. Alabama State (Oct. 10, ASU Stadium, Montgomery): The Rattlers roll into Montgomery for what doubles as a high-stakes SWAC matchup and Bama State’s Homecoming game. Florida A&M is rebuilding under Coach Gray. The host team, Alabama State with Andrew Body at quarterback, hopes to make this one a statement game with plenty of energy on both sidelines. HBCU Legends was there two years ago when the Rattlers spoiled homecoming for the Hornets…is it time for revenge? We shall see!

Alcorn State vs. Prairie View A&M (Oct. 17, Panther Stadium at Blackshear Field, Prairie View): Alcorn will take on the 2025 SWAC champions in Prairie View, Texas. The Panthers under head coach Tremaine Jackson have been building momentum this offseason toward being consistent contenders for the conference title, with plans to return to the Celebration Bowl.

“Always excited to host a SWAC opponent for homecoming because of the excitement that homecoming brings at PV,” Coach Jackson told HBCU Legends. “While we know it will be a tough game, we look forward to continuing the preparation for all our opponents in 2026.”

With this game serving as Prairie View’s Homecoming, the Panthers will have every advantage—crowd, energy, and momentum. A strong test for both programs with conference implications attached.

Southern vs. Florida A&M (Oct. 31, Bragg Memorial Stadium, Tallahassee): The Halloween showdown will have new Jaguars head coach Marshall Faulk making his first trip to Bragg Stadium versus Quinn Gray Sr. and the Rattlers. This late SWAC battle may have postseason implications for Southern, who plan to fight for the top spot in the West division.

Mississippi Valley State vs. Jackson State (Nov. 7, Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson): Late-season SWAC football in Mississippi. Coach TC Taylor and Jackson State have continued to define the expectations for HBCU football programs in the modern era, having the most 10-win seasons since 2010. The Tigers always attract national attention, and a Valley-Jackson matchup in November is a game that matters in the SWAC.

Texas Southern vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Nov. 21, Simmons Bank Field, Pine Bluff): The season finale. Texas Southern closes the HBCU GO slate on the road in Pine Bluff. Both programs know what a late-November win means for seeding and positioning. This one could be pivotal for both programs.