South Carolina State, Florida A&M to Meet in 2026 Orange Blossom Classic

The annual HBCU football showcase returns to Miami Gardens on Labor Day Weekend.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The 2026 college football season will open with a high-profile matchup between the South Carolina State Bulldogs and the Florida A&M Rattlers in the 2026 Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Sunday, September 6.

Why it matters

The Orange Blossom Classic has become one of the premier opening-weekend showcases in college football, highlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on a national stage while blending competition with culture and community celebration.

The details

South Carolina State enters the matchup following a championship campaign capped by a Celebration Bowl victory, led by Head Coach Chennis Berry. Florida A&M will be under new leadership, with former Rattlers quarterback Quinn Gray Sr. returning to his alma mater as head coach. The event continues its mission of elevating HBCU athletics while investing in scholarships and student opportunities.

  • The 2026 Orange Blossom Classic will take place on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
  • Tickets for the event will go on sale on March 15, 2026.
  • The full schedule of weekend events will be announced in the coming months.

The players

South Carolina State Bulldogs

The South Carolina State Bulldogs football team, led by Head Coach Chennis Berry, are the reigning Celebration Bowl champions.

Florida A&M Rattlers

The Florida A&M Rattlers football team will be under the leadership of new Head Coach Quinn Gray Sr., a former record-setting FAMU quarterback.

Chennis Berry

The head coach of the South Carolina State Bulldogs football team.

Quinn Gray Sr.

The new head coach of the Florida A&M Rattlers football team, a former record-setting FAMU quarterback.

Kendra Bulluck

The Executive Director of the Orange Blossom Classic.

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What they’re saying

“Matchups like this define what the Orange Blossom Classic represents; excellence on the field, pride in our institutions, and a celebration of HBCU legacy.”

— Kendra Bulluck, Executive Director of the Orange Blossom Classic (ticketnews.com)

What’s next

Additional details, including kickoff time and broadcast information, will be announced in the coming months.

The takeaway

The 2026 Orange Blossom Classic will be a highly anticipated matchup between two HBCU powerhouses, showcasing the rich history and tradition of Black college football while providing a platform for student-athletes to shine on a national stage.