The Grambling State Tigers and Jackson State Tigers will play in the inaugural Las Vegas HBCU Classic in 2025, it was officially announced Thursday.
New of the matchup in Las Vegas was first reported on Wednesday by HBCU Sports.
Grambling State and Jackson State will square off at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. With the game in Las Vegas, it could get a national broadcast on an ESPN network.
“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,” said Raiders President Sandra Douglass Morgan. “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.”
Grambling State University and Jackson State University are rivals in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The two schools first met on the gridiron in 1956 and Grambling currently leads the overall series, 43-27.
The game will also showcase the bands of both schools, Grambling’s “World Famed” Tiger Marching Band and Jackson State’s internationally renowned “Sonic Boom of the South.”
“We are proud to welcome Grambling and Jackson State to Las Vegas in October for this historic HBCU matchup,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA. “This game is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and community that resonates far beyond the field. We look forward to showcasing the excitement and hospitality Las Vegas has to offer to the teams, alumni, and fans.”
In their most recent matchup, Grambling State defeated Jackson State at home in Grambling, La., 41-20, on Sept. 21, 2024.
Jackson State is coming off of a 12-2 season, its second under head coach T.C. Taylor. The Tigers won the SWAC Championship and defeated South Carolina State in the Cricket Celebration Bowl in 2024, which earned them their fourth black college national championship and first since 1996.
Jackson State is currently scheduled to open the 2025 season at home against the Hampton Pirates on Saturday, Aug. 30.
Grambling State finished its 2024 campaign 5-7 overall, its fifth consecutive season with a losing record. The Tigers, led by head coach Mickey Joseph, were 5-5 midway through November, but dropped their final two contests against Alabama A&M and Southern.
Currently, a 2025 season-opener for Grambling has yet to be announced. In Week 2 of the season, the Tigers are scheduled to visit the Ohio State Buckeyes for a $1 million payday.
Quotes from Grambling
“We are excited about the opportunity to compete in the inaugural Las Vegas HBCU Classic. This game provides us with a tremendous opportunity to not only compete on a premier stage in front of a national audience, but also allows us to further showcase our great institution while also allowing us to reconnect with Grambling alumni, supporters, and friends on the west coast.” – Dr. Trayvean D. Scott, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics
“There is a lot of buzz around the alumni base and around the team; everybody is really excited about having this opportunity to take our team to Vegas and play on this stage. We have a large alumni base out there in California, Vegas, on the West Coast. To play a team like Jackson State, who has a strong following, the same with us, that we’re going to have a strong following, so it’s a great opportunity for both teams to go out there and show what we have. You got to take your hat off to the SWAC and to both athletic directors for putting their heads together and coming up with this idea. This is a great idea. We accept the challenge, and I’m sure Jackson State’s excited.” – Mickey Joseph, Grambling Head Football Coach
Quotes from Jackson State
“We are excited about the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas. This trip will give us an opportunity to bring the Jackson State experience out West. Our student-athletes will get the chance to play in a first-class venue in front of a national audience and showcase our university.” – Ashley Robinson, VP/Director of Athletics
“We are excited about the opportunity to play in Las Vegas. This is a chance for our players to play in a world-class stadium in front of a national audience. I can’t wait to see Tiger Nation show up in Vegas for the game.” – T.C. Taylor, Head Football Coach
Note: This article was updated on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 following the official announcement of the game.
Football Schedules
If I lived in Las Vegas I’d show up to this
Given how financially strapped most of the HBCU programs are (certainly including Grambling), wondering who’s footing the bill for this jaunt. It’s a great idea and a fantastic experience for the kids – just hoping they’re covering their bases.