HBCU Pride on Full Display as Orange Blossom Classic 2026 Launches in Miami Gardens
The stage is officially set for one of HBCU football’s most anticipated matchups, as leaders, coaches, and community stakeholders gathered Wednesday to launch the 2026 Orange Blossom Classic during a kickoff press conference at Miami Gardens City Hall.
The Labor Day Weekend showdown will feature the South Carolina State University Bulldogs facing off against the Florida A&M University Rattlers, continuing the Classic’s legacy as a premier early-season showcase of HBCU athletic excellence and cultural pride.
Held inside the chambers of City Hall in Miami Gardens, the press conference brought together a cross-section of civic leaders and football leadership, underscoring the event’s significance beyond the field. Speakers emphasized the Classic’s role as both a sporting event and a community-driven platform centered on scholarships, economic impact, and cultural celebration.
“This is more than a game—it’s a movement,” organizers reiterated throughout the program, pointing to the Classic’s continued growth since its re-establishment in 2021 and the historic significance of this classic is the only HBCU Classic game in South Florida
Among those addressing attendees were Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris, who highlighted the city’s pride in hosting the annual event and its contribution to local tourism and economic development.
Event leadership, including Orange Blossom Classic Executive Director Kendra Bulluck, provided insight into the weeklong programming surrounding the game, which will again include community activations, fan experiences, and scholarship initiatives.
From the gridiron, both programs signaled competitive intent. South Carolina State head coach Chennis Berry and Florida A&M head coach Quinn Gray Sr. shared early perspectives on the matchup, with each program aiming to open the season with a statement win on a national stage.
Gray, a South Florida native, also extended the Classic’s impact beyond the podium. Following the press conference, he returned to his alma mater, Dillard High School, to speak with students about leadership, perseverance, and opportunity—reinforcing the event’s commitment to youth engagement and community connection.
Founded in 1933, the Orange Blossom Classic remains one of the most storied traditions in HBCU sports. Since its revival, the event has drawn thousands of fans to South Florida each year while generating more than $500,000 in scholarships, blending athletics with access and advancement.
As anticipation builds toward Labor Day Weekend, organizers say the 2026 edition will continue to elevate the Classic’s national profile—celebrating not only the game, but the enduring legacy and future of HBCU excellence.
