HBCU GO BRINGS THE HOPE LABOR DAY CLASSIC TO PRIMETIME SEPTEMBER 5

Jackson State Hosts Edward Waters in a Saturday Night Matchup

HBCU GO continues its fifth season of football coverage with the HOPE Labor Day Classic, featuring Edward Waters University at Jackson State University.

The primetime matchup serves as Jackson State’s 2026 home opener, with the two-time defending SWAC East Division champion Tigers returning to Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium after a 9–3 campaign last season. Edward Waters comes into the matchup looking to build on a 2025 season that included one of the best starts in program history, opening 3–0 and finishing 5–5 as the Tigers continue their push to emerge as a contender in the SIAC.

The matchup brings together two HBCU football programs from the SWAC and SIAC for a Saturday night showcase of competition, tradition, pageantry, and culture.

WHEN:

Saturday, September 5, 2026

7:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM CT

WHERE:

Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium – 2531 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216