The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF), a minority educational non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), announces the 10th Annual HBCU Football and Recruitment Tour, marking a decade of celebrating Black college football while connecting prospective students with educational opportunities at HBCUs. The tour is presented through HCF’s Division of Strategic Communications and Media Relations in partnership with its Division of College Relations and Scholarships. The milestone initiative continues HCF’s commitment to highlighting the rich traditions of HBCU athletics while promoting higher education and student success.
For ten years, the Annual HBCU Football and Recruitment Tour Presented by the HBCU Campaign Fund has traveled across the country showcasing the pageantry, excellence, and culture of Black college football while engaging thousands of prospective students through college fairs, recruitment events, and campus experiences. Throughout the tour, HCF representatives work alongside HBCUs and educational partners to encourage students to pursue higher education and explore scholarship opportunities.
“Reaching our tenth year is a remarkable milestone for HCF and everyone who has supported this journey. What started as a tour visiting campuses during football season has evolved into one of our signature initiatives that celebrates the excellence of HBCUs while creating pathways for students to discover the life-changing opportunities these institutions provide. Every stadium, every campus visit, every college fair, and every conversation reinforces our commitment to advancing higher education. We are grateful to our partners, volunteers, institutions, and supporters who have helped make this tour possible over the past decade, and we look forward to another unforgettable season celebrating HBCU excellence.”
— Demetrius Johnson, Jr., Founder, President & CEO, HCF
The 10th Annual HBCU Football and Recruitment Tour presented by the HBCU Campaign Fund officially kicked off the football preseason at the 2026 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Football Media Day and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Football Media Day, bringing together coaches, student-athletes, administrators, media members, and fans to celebrate the upcoming football season.
Throughout the fall, HCF’s Division of College Relations and Scholarships will participate in select college fairs and recruitment events, providing students and families with valuable information about HBCU admissions, scholarships, financial aid, and the college selection process. Representatives will also distribute HCF’s signature College Bound Guide resources designed to help students successfully transition from high school to college.
As part of the tour, HCF will open the opportunity for college students and recent graduates to apply to the Internship Program, providing hands-on experience in sports media, journalism, photography, videography, communications and marketing, event operations, and student recruitment. Interns will travel to select tour stops, assist with media coverage, create digital content, engage with prospective students, and support the execution of the tour. The experiential learning program is designed to equip emerging professions with real-world skills, expand their professional networks, and prepare them for careers in collegiate athletics, higher education, communications, and nonprofit operations while advancing HCF’s mission to increase awareness and access to HBCUs.
2026 10th Annual HBCU Football and Recruitment Tour Schedule
‣ July 15, 2026 • SWAC Football Media Day | Birmingham, AL
‣ July 22, 2026 • SIAC Football Media Day | Macon, GA
‣ August 29, 2026 • John Merritt Classic | Nashville, TN
‣ August 30, 2026 • Red Tails Classic | Montgomery, AL
‣ September 5, 2026 • Labor Day Classic | Montgomery, AL *
‣ September 6, 2026 • HBCU Labor Day BOTB | Jackson, MS *
‣ September 11, 2026 • SHC College & Career Fair | Memphis, TN
‣ September 12, 2026 • Southern Heritage Classic | Memphis, TN
‣ September 26, 2026 • State Fair Classic | Dallas, TX
‣ October 1, 2026 • GCC College & Career Fair | Mobile, AL *
‣ October 3, 2026 • Gulf Coast Challenge | Mobile, AL
‣ October 17, 2026 • FVSU vs. Savannah State | Savannah, GA *
‣ October 24, 2026 • UAPB vs. FAMU | Tallahassee, FL
‣ October 31, 2026 • Magic City Classic | Birmingham, AL *
‣ November 21, 2026 • Soul Bowl Classic | Lorman, AL
‣ November 28, 2026 • Bayou Classic | New Orleans, LA
‣ December 5, 2026 • SWAC Football Championship | TBA
* = Pending confirmation / all games and college fair dates are subject for cancellation and will not be rescheduled.
HCF invites alumni, fans, students, and supporters to follow the tour throughout the season as the organization celebrates ten years of promoting HBCUs through athletics, education, and community engagement.
Individuals interested in supporting the 10th Annual HBCU Football and Recruitment Tour presented by the HBCU Campaign Fund through sponsorships or donations are encouraged to click here.
For inquiries regarding the Annual HBCU Football and Recruitment Tour, please contact us at communications@hbcucampaignfund.org.
About the Annual HBCU Football and Recruitment Tour
The Annual HBCU Football and Recruitment Tour Presented by the HBCU Campaign Fund is an initiative that support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and football classics that feature HBCU football teams. The tour begins in September and goes through early December, kicking off with the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Football Media Day, ending with the SWAC Football Championship game, and visiting various football classics and HBCU campuses. The Division of College Relations and Scholarships joins the tour on specific dates to assist high school students with choosing to attend an HBCU. For more information, visit
About the HBCU Campaign Fund
The HBCU Campaign Fund (HCF) is an educational non-profit and advocacy organization dedicated to supporting HBCUs and MSIs. Founded in 2012, its core mission focuses on raising funds for student scholarships, developing campus programming, and advocating for higher education equity. For more information, visit www.hbcucampaignfund.org.
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