One of the oldest HBCU classic games in the country is going back to its roots. At least from a time standpoint.
The Southern Heritage Classic announced that the 2026 edition of the game will be played on Sept. 12 at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee.
The “Second Saturday in September” was the traditional SHC date prior to Jackson State and Tennessee State’s departure.
The 37th Southern Heritage Classic returns to its historic time slot, “the second Saturday in September” – September 12, 2026 — with ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF and ALCORN STATE #UAPB #AlwaysAlcorn #SHC37 #HBCU #karimepodcast pic.twitter.com/h1WHayU9QJ
— Southern Heritage Classic (@ClassicMemphis) January 29, 2026
This year’s SHC will featuring Alcorn State vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff for the second straight year. This mark’s UAPB’s fourth year in a row while this will be the Braves’ second Southern Heritage Classic appearance.
The Golden Lions won a close 24-20 matchup last season.
Jackson State and Tennessee State both departed the SHC for financial/scheduling reasons, but will renew their rivalry Saturday Aug. 29 in the John A. Merritt Classic at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.
