JCSU in Boston | Johnson C. Smith University

Johnson C. Smith University kicks off its 2025 football campaign in a marquee matchup at the Inaugural Essence HBCU Classic, taking place this Saturday, August 30, at 4:00 PM in Boston, Massachusetts. The Golden Bulls will face off against the Morehouse College Tigers in a season-opening clash set on the historic campus of Harvard University. The game can be seen on ESPN+.

This high-profile event marks a significant opportunity for both programs to showcase their talent on a national stage, as part of a broader celebration of HBCU excellence, culture, and athleticism.

"We're excited to begin the season at the Essence Classic," said JCSU head coach Maurice Flowers. "It’s a great chance for our student-athletes to compete in a unique environment and represent Johnson C. Smith University on a major platform."

Game Info:
📅 Saturday, August 30
🕓 4 p.m. (EST)
📍 Harvard University – Boston, MA

Series History

All-Time Record: Morehouse leads series 8-3-2
Series Started: 1901
Last Meeting: JCSU won 35–13 (2024)

Go to the Golden Bulls Athletics website

Friday's Photos

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Dwanna Glover and Darlene Dorceus in Boston

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President Kinloch signs the agreement with Roxberry Community College

JCSU and Roxbury College Announce Historic Partnership at Worth Wealthcon in Boston

World leaders in entertainment, education, journalism and business took the stage at Wealthcon in Boston during Essence HBCU Classic Weekend! In a panoply of high-profile panels, community leaders - including Chief Content Officer of Essence Ventures, Michele Ghee, Valerie Mosley of BrightUp and Dr. Valerie Kinloch, 15th President of Johnson C. Smith University - tackled educational empowerment, financial literacy and community engagement. Leaders engaged in candid conversation about the transformative role of education in shaping opportunity, mobility, and leadership.

Coach Flowers speaking at the press conference in Boston before the Essence Classic

JCSU Football Heads To Harvard For Historic Matchup Against Morehouse

Johnson C. Smith University football is preparing for a history-making moment this weekend when the Golden Bulls face Morehouse College at Harvard University in the first-ever Essence Classic featuring two HBCUs on August 30, 2025.

Dr. Valerie Kinloch, JCSU's 15th President, sets the table for what's to come. "What you will see of our football program is nothing short of excellence," she said. This is a pinnacle moment for JCSU.

JCSU's Head Football Coach Maurice Flowers said the matchup is about more than football. “It’s history. Being a part of history. To be the first HBCU game played at this venue, on national television—we don’t take it lightly,” Flowers said. “We have an opportunity to show the best of Johnson C. Smith University.”

ESSENCH HBCU lassic Morehouse College SCORE YOUR SEATS VS. Johnson C. Smith University HARVARD STADIUM SATURDAY AUGUST 30 3:30 PM SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT: WWW.ESSENCEKICKOFF.COM

ESSENCE HBCU lassic Celebrate a Weekend of Unforgettable Events Thursday, August 28 The OpportuniTE Golf Classic 10 AM - 2 PM Braintree Municipal Golf Course Friday, August 29 WorthWealthCon 9 AM - 3 PM HBCU Kickoff Classic Pep Rally 4 PM - 5 PM Roxbury Community College City Hall Plaza Saturday, August 30 Fan Fest & Stroll Off 12 PM - 3 PM 79 N. Harvard Street Allston, MA 02134 The Essence HBCU Classic 3:30 PM - 6 PM 79 N. Harvard Street Allston, MA 02134 Sunday, August 31 25th Annual Gospel Fest 5 PM - 8