Jackson State, Grambling State to play first HBCU Classic football game in Las Vegas

Posted by author January 30, 2025 Football

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Jackson State football will play in Las Vegas during the 2025 season.

JSU will face Grambling State on Oct. 25 at Allegiant Stadium during the inaugural HBCU Classic game, Jackson State announced on Thursday.

Kickoff time has not been announced.

“We are excited about the opportunity to play in Las Vegas,” JSU coach T.C. Taylor said in a press release. “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.”

Advanced ticket and fan experience travel packages will go on sale March 3, and the public sale will begin on March 7.

“We are excited about the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas,” JSU athletic director Ashely Robinson said in the release. “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.”

JSU (12-2, SWAC 8-0) lost 41-20 to Grambling State (5-7, 2-6) on Sept. 21, its only FCS defeat of the 2024 season. The game did not count toward the team’s SWAC record.

The 2025 matchup will mark the 73rd all-time meeting between the two SWAC programs, with Grambling leading 43-27-2.

The Tigers head into the 2025 season off their first Celebration Bowl win in program history 28-7 over South Carolina State on Dec. 14. JSU was ranked No. 15 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll.

JSU will also face Southern Miss (1-11, 0-8 Sun Belt) on Sept. 6 at M. M. Roberts Stadium. Kickoff time has not been announced.

JSU will release its full 2025 schedule on Saturday.

Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez.