🔗 HBCU Football Staple in Jeopardy For over 30 years, the Southern Heritage Classic was one of the most anticipated HBCU football matchups, showcasing the fierce rivalry between Jackson State University and Tennessee State University. 🏈 However, the future of this iconic game now hangs in the balance. Tennessee State recently announced its 2025 football schedule, and the Southern Heritage Classic is not on it. TSU had been a consistent participant since the event’s inception in 1990, but after changes in matchups and payout disputes — including Jackson State’s controversial exit after the 2022 game — the Classic’s foundation seems shaky. In 2023 and 2024, Arkansas Pine-Bluff stepped in to play TSU, but attendance reportedly took a hit. Now, with TSU’s absence looming, the Southern Heritage Classic faces an uncertain future. Fred Jones, the founder of the Classic, has stated that communication with TSU is ongoing. What does the future hold for this once-celebrated HBCU football tr...