By Renada JaNae Toyer
On August 30, 2025, Hard Rock Stadium overflowed with HBCU glory. The Orange Blossom Classic gathered Howard Bisons and Florida A&M Rattlers in a hard-fought game for the crown.
Starting in the parking lot, many joined together through tailgating where alumni, students, families, sorors, and frats were dripped down head to toe in orange, green, blue, and white to celebrate something more than just an annual football game. The sky filled with the sensational scents of ribs, fried chicken, and fish, created a vibe for long awaited reunions. Artists like Ball Greezy and Majornine set the atmosphere for everyone to vibe and let loose.
The Classic is the one time a year that you can forget about the competition and anticipation from the football game but instead focus on blossoming new connections.
Once the teams took the field, the electricity throughout the stadium was undeniable. The game was a battle, with FAMU outgaining Howard 272 to 195 yards and having control over the ball for more than 33 minutes. FAMU’s kicker, Daniel Porto, kept the team in striking distance with three clutch field goals, one on the 37-yard line before halftime, then 33 and 18 yards in the fourth quarter eventually giving FAMU a 9-7 lead.
Bisons’ fourth year quarterback Tyriq Starks, displaying such control while under pressure–completing 17 out of 28 passes within 145 yards, rushing about 30 more, and finishing out 2-yard touchdowns to wide receiver CJ Neely during the second quarter. With only a couple of seconds left running on the clock and the Bisons only two points away from the Rattlers, second year transfer kicker Matt Conord kicked a 43-yard field goal at the final time mark. Howard’s sideline was filled with nothing less of excitement as the scoreboard ended with a score of 10-9 Bison victory.
With such an ecstatic finish to the Classic for Bison fans, nothing can take our minds off the phenomenal halftime show. The Marching “100” from FAMU marched with such poise, precision, and confidence. Their electrifying brass and coordinated choreography set the stadium on fire. The capacity to unify did nothing less than command the audience’s attention, but Howard’s Showtime Marching Band, even though their smaller in size, did nothing less than match the energy and creativity, creating a performance with such swag, formation, and flair.
Not only was the scoreboard a reflection of a hard-fought win for the Bisons, but the day was unforgettable for many. The history behind HBCU culture and how we as a community made this happen. We continue to be proud of something we have of our own that gives us individuality. Our culture, Black excellence and spirit. The Orange Blossom Classic gave us the space to celebrate Sororities and Fraternities, legacies, Rattler and Bison communities. This is a reminder that whether it’s a victory or loss, you can’t top the Black college supremacy.
“HBCUs have been a bedrock of the Black community since their founding, evolving into institutions of prodigious scholarship and activism, and educating African-Americans nationwide” – Jaime Harrison
