LIVE FROM SOFI STADIUM: Loreal Sarkisian Shows Her “Aggie Pride” at 2025 Honda Battle of the Bands
LOS ANGELES, CA – When the sound of an HBCU marching band fills the air, it’s more than just music—it’s a movement. And for Loreal Sarkisian, the First Lady of Texas Longhorns football and a proud North Carolina A&T alumna, that movement is deeply personal.
Sarkisian brought her “Aggie Pride” to the 2025 Honda Battle of the Bands at SoFi Stadium, where six powerhouse HBCU bands took center stage for an electrifying showcase. But one battle in particular had her full attention: NCAT’s legendary Blue and Gold Marching Machine vs. Texas A&M’s Maroon and White Band. Her response? A simple but powerful Instagram post with two words: “Aggie Pride.”
For those unfamiliar, “Aggie Pride” is more than just a chant—it’s a symbol of excellence, community, and legacy. Some trace it back to NCAT’s agricultural roots, while others see it as a declaration of achievement, embodied in the acronym AGGIE: Achieve Great Goals In Everything. Whatever the origin, one thing is certain: Aggies are built for greatness.
And that greatness was on full display as NCAT’s Blue and Gold Marching Machine took the field with a show-stopping performance inspired by the 2002 classic Drumline. The iconic film, which starred Nick Cannon and Orlando Jones, introduced the world to the unmatched energy of HBCU bands. Adding to the moment, Orlando Jones himself was in the crowd, vibing alongside thousands of fans.
Under the leadership of Dr. Kenneth Ruff, BGMM has cemented itself as one of the top HBCU bands in the country. Their list of accolades is nothing short of impressive—just this year, they performed at the Rose Parade, claimed ESPN’s Division I Band of the Year title, and dominated the Red Lobster Band of the Year Battle in Atlanta. The Honda Battle of the Bands is just another stage where they continue to shine.
But North Carolina A&T isn’t just about the music—it’s a powerhouse across the board. Holding the title as the largest HBCU in the nation for the 11th straight year, NCAT has produced elite athletes and trailblazers, including Carolina Panthers RB Tarik Cohen and Detroit Lions executive Brad Holmes. Robert “Stonewall” Jackson made history as the first HBCU player drafted into the NFL in 1977, while Dwaine Board became a four-time Super Bowl champion with the San Francisco 49ers.
For HBCU alumni, band culture is more than halftime entertainment—it’s an unmatched experience, a family reunion, and a celebration of Black excellence and tradition. Whether you’re a first-year student or a proud alum like Loreal Sarkisian, moments like these remind the world why HBCUs are special.
So, the next time you hear someone shout “Aggie Pride,” know that it’s more than just a phrase—it’s a legacy.
