Alabama State Hornets Selected for Two Nationally Televised Games as HBCU GO Shines Spotlight on Rising HBCU Football Programs
Alabama State football will be stepping into the national spotlight this fall, as the Hornets have been selected for two nationally televised games on the HBCU GO network. The announcement comes as part of HBCU GO’s continued investment in elevating Historically Black Colleges and Universities on a major media stage. For Alabama State, this exposure represents more than just a chance to showcase football—it’s an opportunity to shine a light on tradition, progress, and pride.
The Hornets, one of the premier programs in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), will be featured on HBCU GO’s national broadcast slate as part of a 2025 season schedule that is already full of anticipation. With a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the program under head coach Eddie Robinson Jr., the televised matchups give Alabama State a chance to display its talent, toughness, and championship aspirations to viewers across the country.
The two selected games are marquee matchups in the Hornets’ schedule. First, Alabama State will host rival Alabama A&M in the Magic City Classic, one of the most celebrated HBCU rivalries in the nation. The second game will be a pivotal conference showdown against Jackson State, a game with massive implications in the SWAC standings and a test of the Hornets’ growth under Coach Robinson.
Both games will air live on HBCU GO, the free-streaming platform that has quickly become a leader in HBCU sports broadcasting. The network has expanded its reach significantly in recent years, now available on multiple digital platforms and local broadcast affiliates. The goal is simple—amplify HBCU athletics and give these programs the visibility they’ve long deserved.
For Alabama State, this opportunity is the latest step in a growing journey to return to SWAC prominence. The Hornets have been building steadily under Robinson, a former ASU and NFL standout who took over as head coach in 2021. Known for his discipline-first mentality and passion for the school, Robinson has injected energy and accountability into the program.
“I always tell the guys: every time you step on that field, you represent more than just a jersey,” Robinson said following the announcement. “Being on national television gives us a platform not just to play football, but to tell the story of Alabama State—our culture, our history, and our mission.”
The timing of the televised matchups couldn’t be better. Alabama State enters the 2025 season with one of its most talented rosters in recent memory. Quarterback Demetrius Davis returns to lead the offense, providing a dual-threat presence that has continued to develop under Robinson’s tutelage. Davis showed flashes of brilliance last season, and with improved consistency, he could become one of the top quarterbacks in the SWAC.
The backfield will be anchored by senior running back Jacory Merritt, a powerful runner with breakaway speed and vision. Wide receiver Kisean Johnson, coming off a breakout season, is expected to be the go-to target, while a revamped offensive line brings needed size and experience.
Defensively, the Hornets will once again lean on their aggressive, physical style of play. Linebacker Colton Adams is the heart of the defense, a sideline-to-sideline presence who excels at reading offenses and making plays in the backfield. The secondary, led by ball-hawking safety Keenan Isaac, will be key to slowing down high-powered SWAC offenses.
Special teams, often overlooked, could be the X-factor in both televised matchups. Alabama State has one of the top punters in the conference and a return game that can flip field position in an instant. In close games, these hidden yardage plays can make all the difference.
The first of the two featured games, the Magic City Classic, is more than just a football game—it’s a cultural event. Held annually in Birmingham’s Legion Field, the game between Alabama State and Alabama A&M draws tens of thousands of fans, and with the added boost of national television coverage, this year’s edition is expected to reach new heights. The rivalry dates back over 80 years and includes marching band battles, alumni gatherings, and community celebrations that last all weekend long.
“The Magic City Classic is one of the best atmospheres in college football, period,” said Robinson. “To have it broadcast nationally on HBCU GO is huge. It’s not just a win for Alabama State—it’s a win for HBCU football.”
The second game against Jackson State carries a different kind of weight. While the Magic City Classic is rooted in tradition and pride, the Jackson State game is all about competition and positioning. Since the departure of former coach Deion Sanders, Jackson State has remained a strong contender in the SWAC, and their clash with Alabama State will likely have postseason implications.
For HBCU GO, selecting Alabama State for these two games reflects the network’s belief in the program’s potential and marketability. It also highlights the growing demand for HBCU sports content across mainstream audiences. The network has committed to broadcasting dozens of football games throughout the season, giving fans access to top-tier HBCU matchups, coaching stories, and student-athlete spotlights.
By showcasing Alabama State, HBCU GO continues its mission to not only grow the profile of these programs but also to invest in their long-term sustainability. Increased visibility means increased opportunities—for players seeking NIL deals, for the school’s enrollment numbers, and for fundraising efforts that support academics and athletics alike.
“We’re proud to partner with HBCU GO,” said Alabama State Athletic Director Dr. Jason Cable. “These games are about more than television—they’re about exposure, equity, and empowerment. Our student-athletes deserve to be seen. Our band deserves to be heard. And our alumni deserve to feel that pride when they watch their school on a national stage.”
Indeed, the opportunity extends beyond football. When Alabama State is featured on national television, it elevates the entire university. The broadcasts will highlight campus life, student achievements, and the broader impact of HBCU education. With college football acting as a cultural connector, these games are a chance to introduce a wider audience to what makes Alabama State special.
The players, too, are embracing the moment. For many, playing in front of a national audience is a dream come true—and a motivator to perform at their best. It’s also a chance to showcase the quality of football being played at HBCUs, something that has long been overlooked by major sports media outlets.
“We’ve got dogs on this team,” said linebacker Colton Adams. “People are going to see that. We play fast, we play smart, and we’re coming to make a statement.”
Coach Robinson echoed that sentiment, adding that the goal is not simply to show up—but to show out.
“People are going to see that we’re serious,” he said. “We’re building something real here at Alabama State, and now the rest of the country gets to see it.”
The momentum behind HBCU football is undeniable. From increased media coverage to growing interest from sponsors and former NFL players investing in coaching roles, HBCUs are entering a new era of relevance and recognition. The selection of Alabama State for two nationally televised games is just one example of that progress.
But for the Hornets, the task now becomes delivering on the field. With a tough schedule ahead, including matchups against Florida A&M, Southern, and Texas Southern, Alabama State must be sharp from the opening whistle. Every week matters, and the national stage only raises the stakes.
Still, there’s a confidence within the program that’s hard to ignore. A belief that they’re not just happy to be seen—they’re ready to be respected.
As the 2025 season kicks off, Alabama State football finds itself with a powerful spotlight. Thanks to HBCU GO, the Hornets will have two chances to tell their story, to honor their legacy, and to inspire the next generation of student-athletes and fans.
And as Coach Robinson put it best, “This is our time. Let’s make the most of it.”
