The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions outperformed the Alcorn State Braves 24-20 on Saturday at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, delivering big plays and a strong finish.
The annual event, founded in 1990, has become one of the premier showcases for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), pairing football with a weekend of culture, tradition, and community celebration in Memphis. The Classic has long been known for its spirited halftime shows, tailgates, and capacity crowds, drawing tens of thousands each year to celebrate not just the game but the pageantry of HBCU life. This year, 21,442 fans filled the stadium, according to Classic Memphis, bringing the signature energy that has defined the Classic for more than three decades.
The Southern Heritage, which been around for almost four decades, celebrate the sports and culture of HBCUs/The Commercial Appeal
On the field, running back Jacorian Sewell stole the spotlight for UAPB, racking up 225 yards and scoring twice, including a momentum-shifting touchdown that energized Golden Lions fans draped in black and gold. Quarterback Jaylon Tolbert added 207 yards through the air, connecting for one touchdown despite tossing an interception.
The Braves leaned on quarterback Christian Peters, who piled up 323 passing yards and a touchdown in a determined effort to keep Alcorn State in the fight. But despite several late drives, the Braves fell short, remaining winless at 0-4—sitting at the bottom of the SWAC West division. UAPB improved to 2-2, now just behind Prairie View A&M in the division race.
For UAPB and Alcorn State, Saturday’s clash added another chapter to the legacy of the Southern Heritage Classic, a tradition that has spotlighted HBCU athletics, culture, and pride for more than 30 years.
Christian Peters, Alcorn State Quarterback, on the field; Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal
Meanwhile in Tallahassee, the Alabama State Hornets left no doubt about their SWAC East supremacy. Playing on the road at Bragg Memorial Stadium, quarterback Andrew Body commanded the offense with two touchdown passes as the Hornets cruised past the Florida A&M Rattlers 42-14. RJ Johnson III (quarterback) and Thaddius Franklin Jr. (running back) both tried to move the offense for the Rattlers, but it wasn’t enough as the Hornets defense, led by Jalil Lenore, Deonte Morris, and Rhoody Jean-Louis, held Florida A&M at 14 points. The win lifted Alabama State to 3-1, cementing their spot at the top of the SWAC East standings. Florida A&M falls to 1-3, slipping to fifth place in the division, just ahead of Mississippi Valley State.
Both games aired on HBCU Go, through Allen Media Group, which is a proud promoter of HBCU sports. Amazon Prime also aired the Southern Classic game. Be sure to catch more upcoming games, including the upcoming Gulf Coast Challenge between Jackson State University and Alabama A&M on October 4th in Mobile, Alabama; the Las Vegas Classic between Grambling State University and Jackson State University on October 25th; and the CIAA football championship game on November 15th in Durham, NC.
HBCU Go is available to stream, free of charge, on iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, as well as online at HBCUGoTV, and on The Grio (through selected markets).
