Best Moments From the First And Most Watched HBCU Homecoming Football Game So Far

HBCU Homecoming 2024: Alabama State University and Florida A&M University set the tone for this homecoming season.

It’s officially October which means pumpkin spice, fall leaves, and most importantly: HBCU Homecoming season! Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) always put on a show for homecoming, but this year’s football season is already tuning up to be one for the history books.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Meet the Masterminds Behind the Beats: Celebrating Black Music Producers by Region

Alabama State University (ASU) kicked off homecoming with a week’s worth of celebrations and events, but we’d be lying if we said the highly anticipated face-off between ASU and Florida A&M University (FAMU) wasn’t the real reason we were tuning in.

In the sixth week of the HBCU football season, FAMU blew ASU out the water on their own home field (28-13), according to HBCU Sports. And with over 30,000 people present, it’s safe to say the energy was electric and the vibe was simply unmatched. There’s nothing like a HBCU football game. Let’s take a look at exactly how it all played out…

Right Before the Game

ASU going against FAMU was an interesting matchup considering the Florida Rattlers were the reigning SWAC champions. “It’s homecoming for them, and normally, you put a team on your homecoming that you think you can beat,” said FAMU head coach James Colzie III said with a smile.

The History Between ASU and FAMU

Photo: Getty Images Don Juan MoorePhoto: Getty Images Don Juan Moore

The FAMU Rattlers are clearly the team to beat. Last year, they went up against ASU, and to no one’s surprise, FAMU completely mopped the floor (23 to 10).

Coaches Shake Hands

No matter who wins, football is all about good sportsmanship and homecoming is all about community!

The Coin Toss

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘@alabamastate1867 on Instagram’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘@alabamastate1867 on Instagram’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

You can just feel the tension in the air…

ASU Stingrettes

Check out ASU’s rendition of this Sade classic!

FAMU Showing Up and Out!

If it’s one thing to know about the Rattlers is that they’ll show up to support their boys despite the travel time, weather, or any other inconvenience. Even a hurricane couldn’t throw supporters off their course to ASU’s home field.

Let the Game Begin!!

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘@alabamastate1867 on Instagram’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘@alabamastate1867 on Instagram’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

Currently, the NCAA ranks the ASU Hornets no. 10 heading into week seven of the SWAC power rankings.

Setting A Crowd Record

Over 30,000 fans flooded the ASU stands this year, setting a record!

FAMU Halftime Show

From a Mary J. Blige tribute to the formation changes and witty announcer, FAMU’s band certainly left it all on the field.

ASU Halftime Show

ASU showed out with a Rich Homie Quan tribute and some impressive takes on R&B hits from our favorite singers!

Celebration Dance

Arguably some of the best parts of HBCU football are the celebration dances!

Even the Kids Get Active!

Photo: Getty Images Don Juan MoorePhoto: Getty Images Don Juan Moore

We know homecoming is a family affair, but even at the football games, the little ones tend to steal the shine.

Lovers Reunite for ASU Homecoming

These college sweethearts met on ASU’s campus. Now they’re back on their old stomping grounds, supporting the Hornets!

Another Touchdown?!

By the fourth quarter, the Hornets were in big trouble. FAMU score another touchdown, widening the gap (21-10).

Getting Active!!

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘@alabamastate1867 on Instagram’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘@alabamastate1867 on Instagram’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}]

The NCAA currently puts the FAMU Rattlers no. 1 heading into week seven of the SWAC power rankings.

Rattlers Celebrate

FAMU sure wasted no time celebrating their victory this time around. Players were spotted on ASU’s field showing off their best dance moves.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Black Stars Who Slayed at 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' New York Red Carpet Premiere

Black Stars Who Slayed at ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ New York Red Carpet Premiere

The Devil Wears Prada sequel is about to make its way into theaters soon, but before it does—the New York premiere gave us a good glimpse at some serious looks. Let’s get into it! …
Exclusive: Scott Evans, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

Exclusive: Scott Evans, More Black Leaders, Celebs Share Life-Changing Lessons

The Root Exclusive Series: Black History Month was established 100 years ago, in February 1926. To commemorate this momentous occasion, 100 Black thought leaders and creators share their collective wisdom and insight for the culture in this ongoing series …
New Development in Rihanna Home Shooting Suspect—And Things Aren't Looking Good

New Development in Rihanna Home Shooting Suspect—And Things Aren’t Looking Good

Things are steadily going on a downward spiral for Ivana Ortiz, the woman accused of shooting Rihanna’s LA home in March. Here’s the latest …
Exclusive: Scott Evans Breaks Down How He Created a Safe Space For Black Stars on His Viral YouTube Series

Exclusive: Scott Evans Breaks Down How He Created a Safe Space For Black Stars on His Viral YouTube Series

In an exclusive interview, Scott Evans details his journey as an influential Black media figure and his ultimate duty to the Black community …
Why You Should Not Listen To The Critics Of Michael

Why You Should Not Listen To The Critics Of Michael

Critics are arguing with a movie that was never trying to be what they wanted …
Black Woman Chased by Zara Employees Speaks Out After Viral Mall Incident

Black Woman Chased by Zara Employees Speaks Out After Viral Mall Incident

“Shopping while Black” strikes again after a Black woman went viral being chased out of a Zara store for alleged theft, which police later determined was baseless …
Janet Jackson Responds to Teyana Taylor's Recreation of One of Her Iconic '90s Looks

Janet Jackson Responds to Teyana Taylor’s Recreation of One of Her Iconic ’90s Looks

Teyana Taylor has paid homage to Janet Jackson before, but this time around she’s recreating yet another iconic look! And now Janet herself and fans all over are speaking out about it …
How Trump’s Budget Cuts Are Directly Linked to Hundreds of Thousands of Preventable Deaths

How Trump’s Budget Cuts Are Directly Linked to Hundreds of Thousands of Preventable Deaths

16.5 million uninsured. Toxic air. Global famine. The high price of Trump’s 2026 budget is paid in American lives— and its only getting worse …
DOJ Indictment of Southern Poverty Law Center Sends Shockwaves Across the Country

DOJ Indictment of Southern Poverty Law Center Sends Shockwaves Across the Country

After the FBI severed ties with SPLC in October, an 11-count indictment against the civil rights nonprofit is now raising serious alarms …
No, Janet Jackson Isn't In the New Michael Movie and Here's Why

No, Janet Jackson Isn’t In the New Michael Movie and Here’s Why

Michael and Janet Jackson shared a close relationship, but she won’t be featured in his highly-anticipated biopic. We’re breaking down why! …
Exclusive: Scott Evans Spills the Tea on His Viral Interview with Mary J. Blige and That Infamous Burger King Ad

Exclusive: Scott Evans Spills the Tea on His Viral Interview with Mary J. Blige and That Infamous Burger King Ad

Scott Evans spoke with The Root about his viral interview with Mary J. Blige and why that infamous Burger King commercial is not a laughing matter …
Amid Recent Deaths of Black Women, Expert Details How to Support a Friend in a Harmful Relationship

Amid Recent Deaths of Black Women, Expert Details How to Support a Friend in a Harmful Relationship

In the wake of a number of devastating tragedies, Dr. LaNail Plummer, a mental health expert, breaks down how to safely help loved ones facing domestic violence—and how to support them when they need it most …
The Real Meaning of 'Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It' Song Was Just Revealed, and Some Black Folks are Not OK

The Real Meaning of ‘Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It’ Song Was Just Revealed, and Some Black Folks are Not OK

The real meaning of a popular dance song has finally been revealed, and Black people online are too stunned to accept it. Let’s get into it! …
Why Gerrymandering Efforts From Both Parties Are Targeting Black Voting Districts

Why Gerrymandering Efforts From Both Parties Are Targeting Black Voting Districts

On the surface, redrawing the maps– although unprecedented– seems like a purely political scheme. In truth, however, redrawing urban district lines has already led to consequences for Black folks …
Floetry's Long Awaited Reunion Tour Has Fans Emotional

Floetry’s Long Awaited Reunion Tour Has Fans Emotional

Fans of Floetry got more than they paid for when the concert turned into an unexpected yet moving moment between the two lead singers! …
Top 10 2026 NFL Draft Picks You Should Know

Top 10 2026 NFL Draft Picks You Should Know

The 2026 NFL Draft is set to transform the “Steel City” of Pittsburgh into the epicenter of the football world as the city hosts the event for the first time since 1948. Scheduled for April 23–25 at the iconic Acrisure Stadium and the scenic Point State Park, this year’s event …
Tracee Ellis Ross Reacts to Vogue's 'Cloud Bob' Controversy

Tracee Ellis Ross Reacts to Vogue’s ‘Cloud Bob’ Controversy

After a Vogue photo that described the Afro as a “cloud bob” sparked outrage online, the subject of the now-viral pic has entered the chat …
Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for D4vd Following Discovery of Teen's Remains in Tesla

Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for D4vd Following Discovery of Teen’s Remains in Tesla

Here’s more chilling details in the growing case against D4vd after being charged with the first degree murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas …
Why Black Women Face Higher Infertility Rates And What Real, Affordable Options Are Within Reach

Why Black Women Face Higher Infertility Rates And What Real, Affordable Options Are Within Reach

This National Infertility Awareness Week, The Root spoke with an expert who broke down early red flags, barriers to treatment and affordable options that can make a difference …
The Today Show's Sheinelle Jones Opens Up About Death of Husband

The Today Show’s Sheinelle Jones Opens Up About Death of Husband

TODAY Show cohost Sheinelle Jones is keeping it transparent when it comes to how she’s dealing with her first birthday since the death of her husband in May 2025 …