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
Beyoncé’ Youngest Goes Viral for Hilarious Stage Antics

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

New Black TV Shows You Need to Watch This Spring

New Black TV Shows You Need to Watch This Spring

Kerry Washington, Chase Infiniti and more are starring in hot new shows that you need to tap into right now! …
The Best Black Fashion at The iHeartRadio Music Awards

The Best Black Fashion at The iHeartRadio Music Awards

The best Black fashion we saw at the iHeartRadio Music Awards …
Breaking: Tiger Woods Arrested, Charged With DUI After Rollover Crash in FL

Breaking: Tiger Woods Arrested, Charged With DUI After Rollover Crash in FL

Legendary golfer Tiger Woods was just involved in a rollover crash in Florida almost five years after a previous car accident almost cost his life …
A Latino Man Breaks Down Hispanic's ‘Polite’ Racism Black People Probably Won’t Notice Immediately

A Latino Man Breaks Down Hispanic’s ‘Polite’ Racism Black People Probably Won’t Notice Immediately

A Latino TikToker just said the quiet part out loud, explaining how Hispanics are indeed racist towards Black people and exactly how they do it in front of you …
Howard University Launches Cardi B-Inspired Hip Hop Course

Howard University Launches Cardi B-Inspired Hip Hop Course

Howard University has just announced a new Cardi B-inspired Hip Hop course for students, and we have the tea! …
Arsenio Hall Reveals Why We Have Eddie Murphy to Thank For Keeping 'Coming to America' From Getting Scrapped

Arsenio Hall Reveals Why We Have Eddie Murphy to Thank For Keeping ‘Coming to America’ From Getting Scrapped

‘Coming to America’ may be a beloved cult classic now, but according to star Arsenio Hall, it almost didn’t see the light of day. Now we know what turned things around! …
Here is Why Druski Is Winning!

Here is Why Druski Is Winning!

Druski is not avoiding controversy. He just understands the culture well enough to get it right and build an audience of millions …
Former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay Weighs in on the Show's Current Scandal

Former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay Weighs in on the Show’s Current Scandal

Former Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay speaks out on the current season’s major scandal. Let’s break it down …
A Running List of Everything President Trump Is Planning to Name After Himself

A Running List of Everything President Trump Is Planning to Name After Himself

From $100 bills with Trump’s signature on it to renaming several buildings in his honor, here’s everything President Trump has named or renamed after himself …
State Comptroller Targeted More than 15,000 Businesses Owned by Women & People of Color — And It Wasn’t an Accident

State Comptroller Targeted More than 15,000 Businesses Owned by Women & People of Color — And It Wasn’t an Accident

Texas businesses owned by women and people of color just filed a landmark lawsuit against the State …
Black Women Have Proven Their Worth. So Why Are They Being Targeted?

Black Women Have Proven Their Worth. So Why Are They Being Targeted?

Despite historic gains in degrees and entrepreneurship, nearly 600,000 Black women were “economically sidelined” in 2025 alone, according to Fortune. Credentials and hard work have not shielded them from glaring pay gaps, bias or stalled advancement …
Here's a Full Timeline of Trump's Years-Long Beef with AG Letitia James

Here’s a Full Timeline of Trump’s Years-Long Beef with AG Letitia James

If you’re not caught up with the latest beef between Trump and Letitia James, don’t worry. We have you covered with everything to know since 2022 …
HBCU Alumni Score Higher in Brain Health Than PWI Peers, New Study Finds

HBCU Alumni Score Higher in Brain Health Than PWI Peers, New Study Finds

A new study shows that the HBCU experience may actually be connected to a lifetime of well-being …
Rihanna Gives Firsthand Account of Home Shooting Incident

Rihanna Gives Firsthand Account of Home Shooting Incident

New details from Rihanna are emerging about her unfortunate home shooting from Let’s get into it …
Druski Goes Viral With Hilarious Skit on 'Conservative Women in America'

Druski Goes Viral With Hilarious Skit on ‘Conservative Women in America’

Fan-favorite comedian Druski transforms into a satirical “Christian conservative” character, sparking millions of views and a heated online debate …
82 and Fabulous: Diana Ross's Style Through the Years

82 and Fabulous: Diana Ross’s Style Through the Years

As ‘The Boss’ turns another year older, we thought it’d be fitting to revel in the fabulous fashions of the legendary singer over the years. Let’s take a look! …
TikToker Finds Jill Scott’s Family Photos at Goodwill and Launches Mission to Return Them

TikToker Finds Jill Scott’s Family Photos at Goodwill and Launches Mission to Return Them

After stumbling across Jill Scott’s family photos in Goodwill, one TikToker user has returned the precious memories back to the singer …
New Details In Kandi Burruss Divorce From Todd Tucker

New Details In Kandi Burruss Divorce From Todd Tucker

The divorce settlement details between ‘RHOA’ star Kandi Burruss and ex Todd Tucker have been released. Let’s take a look! …
Verzuz, Once Beloved, Is Now Dead. We Just Haven’t Buried It Yet.

Verzuz, Once Beloved, Is Now Dead. We Just Haven’t Buried It Yet.

Professor: It gave us everything we needed in 2020 and nothing we need now …
Why Serena Williams' Look in Her Latest Social Media Post Has Her Black Fans Going Off

Why Serena Williams’ Look in Her Latest Social Media Post Has Her Black Fans Going Off

Serena Williams has unfortunately reignited more talks of potential skin bleaching thank to new posts on social media. And folks online are not happy! …