What To Watch: HBCU Football Week 3 Viewer's Guide & Picks

Howard vs. Morehouse – HBCU NY Classic (HBCU GO)

The HBCU NY Classic promoters dub the games as the World's Largest Homecoming...some truth, but it's Morehouse (0-1) vs. Howard (1-1). Period. The annual clash at MetLife Stadium is more than just another HBCU game; it features two storied programs competing for bragging rights as the most elite HBCUs in the country.

Founder Albert Williams launched the annual HBCU NY Classic with Morehouse and Howard in 2022, showcasing two tradition-rich programs on a big stage.

Howard is looking to capitalize again to become one of the MEAC's power programs, as they took down Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic.  

Last season, the Howard defeated Morehouse, 35-21, as they held off a late rally by the Maroon Tigers. Coach Terance Mathis and his squad are eager to battle throughout the contest, giving their faithful a statement win before a national audience on HBCU GO.  

GAME INFO

EVENT: HBCU NYC Football Classic

VENUE: MetLife Stadium at East Rutherford, N.J.

TEAMS: Howard (Bison) vs. Morehouse (Maroon Tigers)

DATE: Sept. 13, 2025

TIME: 1 PM ET

COACHES: Larry Scott (Howard); Terance Mathis (Morehouse)

LAST GAMES 

• On Sept.6, Howard (1-1) is coming off a 55-7 loss at Temple.
• Morehouse (0-1) dropped its season opener, 45-9, to Johnson C. Smith in the Essence HBCU Classic (Aug. 30) at Harvard Stadium.

PREDICTION: MY MOREHOUSE GIVES A VALIANT EFFORT

TOP FIVE GAMES TO WATCH

Alabama A&M (1-1) at Tennessee State (1-1) | The Legacy Series | 4:30 PM ET | ESPN+

This is the inaugural Legacy Series game featuring Alabama A&M and Tennessee State. Both teams have historic reputations and boast two new coaching staffs, with Sam Shade leading the Bulldogs and Reggie Barlow guiding the Tigers.  

It marks the 24th meeting between the two programs, but the first since 2010. The Tigers lead the all-time series, 15-8. Tennessee State has yet to play a road game, having four straight contests at home to begin the 2025 season.  

Watch HBCU Legends Co-Player of the Week 2, quarterback Conelius Brown IV, as he puts pressure on Gregg Williams' defense throughout the game.

Last week, the Tigers' defense struggled to manage the diverse scoring threat from North Dakota State, and Week 3 could present a similar challenge.

TOO CLOSE TO CALL

No. 13 Virginia Union (1-0) vs. Edward Waters (2-0) | Unity Classic | 4:00 PM ET | ESPN+

Virginia Union meets Edward Waters in the Unity Classic. The game features a matchup between top SIAC and CIAA contenders. Each team is aiming for an early-season résumé boost and valuable momentum in black college football's DII landscape.

The reunion of offensive-minded Eric Dooley and quarterback Noah Bodden (421 yards, 5 TDs) has given a lift to the Edward Waters offense. Dr. Alvin Parker's Panthers are continuing their winning ways, expecting to take care of business against the Wildcats.

FYI: Saturday's game marks the first matchup ever between these two HBCUs

Scoring: VA Union - 45 PPG; Edward Waters - 43.5 PPG

COACHING RECORDS: Brian Jenkins (EWU): 2-0, 1st season; Dr. Alvin Parker (VVU): 56-16, 8th season

Channel: ESPN+; Broadcasters: Todd Corder and Symone Stanley

EDWARD WATERS IN AN UPSET

Miles (0-2) at Alabama State (1-1) | 5:00 PM | HBCU GO/TheGrio

Can anyone contain the magic of Andrew Body? The redshirt junior has 510 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, and 135 rushing yards with one touchdown. He's leading an Alabama State offense averaging 441.5 yards per game while scoring 36 points per contest.

Head coach Chris Goode inherited a championship team from Sam Shade, but most of the talent has either graduated or hit the NCAA transfer portal during the offseason—time to rebuild.

ALABAMA STATE WINS BIG

Lamar (1-1) at Texas Southern (0-2) | 7:00 PM | SWAC TV

Texas Southern welcomes Southland Conference foe Lamar to Houston at Shell Energy Stadium in a prime evening tilt. Last season, the Tigers were several penalties away from upsetting Lamar in Beaumont.   

Texas Southern cannot afford to go down 0-3 early in the season. Defeating Lamar could be the statement game for Coach Chris Dishman, quarterback K.J. Cooper, and the Tigers.   

TSU GETS THE DUBB

Hampton (1-1) at North Carolina A&T (0-2) | 7:00 PM | FloFootball

CAA rivals face off in an HBCU battle, with both teams desperately needing a victory. Both teams lost in Week 2. New Aggies head coach Shawn Gibbs will be playing their first home game of the season.  

The Pirates are smarting from losing to a physical and strategically compelling matchup.

NC A&T WINS HOME OPENER

HBCU LEGENDS SCOREBOARD

PREVIOUS COVERAGE ON WEEK 2 FOOTBALL GAMES

HOUSTON - Week 2's HBCU football broadcast programming will feature several high-profile games, all of which are scheduled for fans and avid sports enthusiasts.

HBCU FOOTBALL IN WEEK 2

• Johnson C. Smith vs. Valdosta State | 12:00 PM ET
• Lincoln (PA) at Duquesne | 12:00 PM ET
• Bluefield State vs. Concord | 1:00 PM ET
• Bowie State at Shippensburg | 1:00 PM ET
• UAlbany at Delaware State | 1 PM | ESPN+
• Albany State at Kentucky State | 2:00 PM ET | SIAC Network
• Howard at Temple | 2 PM | ESPN+
• North Dakota State at Tennessee State | 2:30 PM | ESPN+
• Florida Memorial at Clark Atlanta | 3:00 PM ET | SIAC Network
• Lincoln (Mo.) at Lane | 3:00 PM ET | School stream
• Grambling State at Ohio State | 3:30 PM | Big Ten Network
• Miles at Edward Waters | 4:00 PM ET | ESPN+
• Jackson State at Southern Miss | 5 PM | ESPN+
• North Carolina Central at Old Dominion | 6 PM | ESPN+
• Texas Southern at California | 6 PM | ACC Network X
• Florida A&M at FAU | 6 PM | ESPN+
• Elizabeth City State at Hampton | 6:00 PM ET | FloCollege
• Virginia State at Norfolk State | 6:00 PM ET | ESPN+
• Fayetteville State at UNC Pembroke | 6:00 PM ET
• Livingstone at Allen | 6:00 PM ET | School stream
• Shorter at Savannah State | 6:00 PM ET | SIAC Network
• Bethune-Cookman at Miami (FL) | 7 PM | ACC Network X
• South Carolina State at South Carolina | 7 PM | SEC Network+
• North Carolina A&T at UCF | 7 PM | ESPN+
• Central State at Tuskegee | 7:00 PM ET | TheGrio
• Alcorn State at Alabama A&M | 7 PM | HBCU GO
• Mississippi Valley State at Tarleton State | 7 PM | ESPN+
• Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Central Arkansas | 7 PM | ESPN+
• Alabama State at Southern | 7 PM | ESPN+
• UTRGV at Prairie View A&M | 7 PM | SWAC TV
• Towson at Morgan State | 7 PM | ESPN+
• Winston-Salem State at Mars Hill | 6:30 PM ET

Here are HBCU Legends' recommendations of five contests that should be intriguing for the college football diehards:

Johnson C. Smith vs. Valdosta State

In the early window of games, one matchup to watch is Johnson C. Smith versus Valdosta State at 12:00 PM ET. This game will be televised on the  CIAA Sports Network. Last weekend, at the Essence HBCU Classic held at Harvard University, Johnson C. Smith defeated Morehouse College with a score of 45-9. Meanwhile, Valdosta State narrowly defeated Clark Atlanta in Week 1 with a score of 31-28, successfully staving off an upset.

North Dakota State at Tennessee State OR Grambling State at Ohio State

This will be a pick'em as two HBCU football teams face off against top-ranked opponents from FBS and FCS football on the same day. First, the Tennessee State University (TSU) Tigers will host the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison at 2:30 PM, which will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Later, the G-Men will travel to Columbus, Ohio, to take on the top team in college football, the Ohio State Buckeyes. These contests hold historical significance, and while Tennessee State may have a chance to upset the Bison, the Tigers are likely to face a challenging afternoon. The game against Ohio State kicks off at 3:30 PM on the Big Ten Network.

Miles at Edward Waters

The matchup between Miles and Edward Waters is set to be one of the most exciting games in the 4:00 PM ET time slot on the ESPN+ app. Expect plenty of action as Coach Eric Dooley, the offensive coordinator, has reunited with his former quarterback, Noah Bodden, to revitalize their careers in Florida.

Miles is looking to secure their first victory under new head coach Chris Goode after losing to Virginia Union at the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic in Week 1.

Virginia State at Norfolk State

The VSU Trojans will face off against the Spartans of Norfolk State at 6:00 PM ET, with the game being broadcast on ESPN+.

Will Michael Vick secure his first win for Norfolk State, or will the old veteran HBCU coach, Dr. Henry Frazier, welcome the rookie head coach to HBCU football with another loss?

Alabama State at Southern

The Alabama State vs. Southern game is shaping up to be an epic clash, scheduled to air on ESPN+ at 7 PM. Quarterback Andrew Body leads the charge into Baton Rouge after an impressive Week 1 performance, in which he recorded 431 yards of total offense against UAB.

Will this be the moment that SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Ckelby Givens steps up and delivers a strong performance? Or will the Hornets seize the opportunity to secure a SWAC road victory in a challenging environment? It feels like a must-win for Coach Graves and the Jaguars, while the pressure seems to be less on Coach Robinson's Hornets.  KEY PLAYERS OF THE GAME: ANDREW BODY AND THE HORNETS' WIDEOUTS.

Other notable broadcasts you may consider for Week 2:

• Florida Memorial at Clark Atlanta | 3:00 PM ET | SIAC Network
• Texas Southern at California | 6 PM | ACC Network X
• UTRGV at Prairie View A&M | 7 PM | SWAC TV
• South Carolina State at South Carolina | 7 PM | SEC Network+
• Central State at Tuskegee | 7:00 PM ET | TheGrio
• Alcorn State at Alabama A&M | 7 PM | HBCU GO