The first weekend of HBCU football is in the books, and it delivered plenty of storylines — from star performances to dramatic finishes. Here are the five biggest takeaways from Week 1.
1. Andrew Body is back — and better than ever
Week 1 was filled with standout efforts across HBCU football. Virginia State quarterback Rahsaan Matthews threw for 343 yards and two touchdowns in his debut. Jackson State’s running back gashed Hampton for 180 rushing yards and two scores. South Carolina State linebacker Michael Lunz posted 2.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in a win over Wofford.
But none of those topped what Alabama State quarterback Andrew Body did. Facing FBS opponent UAB, Body nearly pulled off an upset while announcing his return from last year’s season-ending injury.
The Texas Southern transfer threw for 312 yards, four touchdowns, and completed 75% of his passes — while also adding 119 rushing yards and a score on the ground.
Before the season, Body boldly told the Montgomery Advertiser: “Fans can expect the greatest show on turf.” After Saturday, that prediction doesn’t seem far-fetched.
2. Nail-biting finishes defined the weekend
If you like drama, Week 1 had plenty of it.
- In the Labor Day Classic, Prairie View A&M opened the Tremaine Jackson era with a walk-off touchdown pass from Cameron Peters to Rodny Ojo to beat Texas Southern.
- Howard shocked Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic, winning on Matt Conord’s 43-yard field goal in the final seconds.
- South Carolina State sealed a win over Wofford with a go-ahead touchdown in the last minute.
- North Carolina A&T’s last-second field goal attempt to tie Tennessee State was blocked, ending the game at the buzzer.
3. Statement wins in Division II
While many FCS matchups were close, the Division II slate saw heavyweights flex their muscle.
- In the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic, Virginia Union crushed Miles 45–3.
- Virginia State nearly shut out Barton, while CIAA rival Johnson C. Smith dominated Morehouse 45–9 in the Essence HBCU Classic.
- SIAC favorite Albany State steamrolled Shaw 51–7.
- Edward Waters scored 41 unanswered points in a blowout over Savannah State.
If Week 1 is any indication, the Division II HBCU races will be tight at the top.
4. Tough debut for new coaches
The opening weekend wasn’t kind to new HBCU head coaches. Collectively, first-year skippers went 1–8 in Week 1, with Prairie View A&M the lone winner (not counting Edward Waters’ interim staff).
There were some positives in defeat — DeSean Jackson’s Delaware State squad pushed Delaware, while Shawn Gibbs’ North Carolina A&T group battled Tennessee State to the wire.
Still, many programs learned where they stand, and the question now is whether they rise or fall from here.
5. Florida Memorial nearly pulls off miracle comeback
One of the weekend’s most overlooked games came from Florida Memorial, where first-year head coach Michael Jones nearly guided his team to a historic rally against Reinhardt.
The Lions trailed 42–6 after three quarters, plagued by 17 penalties, but stormed back with touchdowns on four of their next five drives to cut the deficit to 42–35.
Reinhardt finally stopped the surge with a late touchdown to close it out, but Florida Memorial’s fight showed plenty of promise moving forward.
✅ Week 1 gave us star power, wild finishes, and programs already shaping their identity. If this is the tone-setter, the 2025 HBCU football season could be one to remember.
