Florida A&M, Howard to play in 2025 Orange Blossom Classic

By Kevin Kelley -

The Florida A&M Rattlers and Howard Bison will play in the 2025 Orange Blossom Classic, Florida A&M announced Wednesday.

Florida A&M and Howard will square off at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. The game will likely be televised nationally by an ESPN network.

Florida A&M has appeared in the Orange Blossom Classic 48 times overall, but did not play in the game last season for the first time in its history. In the 2024 contest, the North Carolina Eagles defeated the Alabama State Hornets, 31-24.

“This year’s matchup is not only a rematch of their 2023 Celebration Bowl showdown, but it also takes us back to the very beginning,” said Kendra Bulluck-Major, Executive Director of the Orange Blossom Classic. “The inaugural Orange Blossom Classic in 1933 featured these two historic programs—Florida A&M and Howard—facing off at the Black Only’s Ballpark in Jacksonville, Florida, in front of 2,000 fans. To see this rivalry come full circle, while celebrating the rich history and legacy of HBCUs, is truly special. We are excited to bring this experience to fans during Labor Day Weekend 2025.”

Florida A&M was previously scheduled to open the 2025 season at the South Alabama Jaguars on Saturday, Aug. 30. That game will likely be rescheduled or postponed to a future season.

Howard is the fifth announced opponent for Florida A&M next season. The Rattlers are also scheduled to host the Albany State Golden Rams in a non-conference contest on Sept. 13.

Two Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) contests for the Rattlers have also been announced by the opposing teams. Florida A&M will host the Alcorn State Braves on Oct. 18 and visit the Southern Jaguars on Oct. 25.

Howard’s 2025 schedule has also not yet been revealed. The Bison are slated to face the Hampton Pirates in the Truth & Service Classic on Sept. 20 at Audi Field in Washington, DC. Other non-conference games announced include Richmond and South Carolina State on the road on Sept. 27 and Oct. 18, respectively, and a road tilt at Temple on a date to be announced.

The Bison will also travel to face Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) foe South Carolina State on Nov. 8.

Football Schedules