Frederick Douglass HBCU Classic Sets 2025 Football Showdown Between Central State and Lane College
Rochester, NY – The Frederick Douglass HBCU Football Classic returns for its second year on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Rochester Community Sports Complex with a highly anticipated Division II matchup featuring Central State University and Lane College. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Eastern Time, and tickets are available for $25.
Last year’s inaugural Frederick Douglass Classic made an immediate impact, drawing thousands of fans and spotlighting the rich tradition of HBCU football in a city eager to embrace Black college athletics. Central State Marauders, representing Ohio, are coming back for their second appearance after falling to Georgia’s Albany State 28-7 in 2024. Lane College Dragons from Tennessee will make their debut in this classic, adding fresh excitement to the competition and expanding the event’s footprint within the SIAC conference[1][4][7].
Both Central State and Lane College enter the 2025 contest under new leadership. Central State has appointed Tony Carter, a seasoned NFL defensive back turned college assistant coach, as their head coach. Carter’s arrival signals a renewed focus on defensive toughness and discipline, qualities he honed over his professional career and coaching stints. Lane College has turned to Stanley Conner, a respected longtime assistant coach and former standout at Jackson State, whose insider knowledge of Black college football culture and player development is expected to elevate the Dragons’ program[7].
This matchup is more than just a football game – it is embedded in a broader cultural and community mission. The Frederick Douglass Classic weekend is designed to connect Rochester’s youth and families with the legacy of HBCUs, offering educational opportunities through college fairs featuring representatives from over twenty Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Additional festivities include pep rallies, tailgate parties with live music, and the much-anticipated post-game battle of the bands – a musical showdown between Central State’s Invincible Marching Marauders and Lane College’s Quiet Storm. These events celebrate HBCU culture while inspiring local students to envision themselves succeeding in higher education and beyond[4][5].
Erin Tolefree, president and CEO of Baldwin Richardson Foods, the event’s sponsor, emphasizes the impact of such gatherings: “If even one student who attends these events is inspired to attend an HBCU and becomes a future entrepreneur, who builds something meaningful and creates jobs here in Rochester, then the mission we all share is advanced.” Mayor Malik Evans underscored the tradition and importance of HBCU classics, noting they represent both fierce on-field competition and deep communal bonds built over a century[4].
Central State arrives with a chip on its shoulder after last year’s loss but also with momentum from its new coaching direction. Led by Tony Carter’s defensive expertise, the Marauders aim to challenge Lane’s offense and improve their standing. Lane College, with Stanley Conner at the helm, looks to make a strong statement in its first Frederick Douglass Classic appearance. Their 2025 schedule includes competitive games in the SIAC, ranging from local rivals to strong opponents such as Alabama A&M and Albany State, positioning the Dragons as a team to watch in Division II football circles[6].
The game’s location at Rochester Community Sports Complex continues to symbolize the city’s commitment to bridging law enforcement, community relations, and youth development through the platform of HBCU athletics. Last year’s classic drew over 6,500 spectators, and organizers expect the 2025 matchup to build on that momentum with strong community engagement and spirited competition[4].
Fans will have the chance to experience not only a compelling football game but also rich cultural traditions that hallmark HBCU sports. The marching bands, tailgates, and community events weave a narrative of pride, resilience, and excellence that define these institutions far beyond the gridiron. The event serves as a beacon, showcasing the athletic talent, academic opportunities, and vibrant culture of HBCUs to the Rochester region and beyond.
Looking ahead, the 2025 Frederick Douglass HBCU Classic is poised to solidify its place as a marquee event on the HBCU sports calendar. It also highlights the growing visibility and significance of Division II HBCU programs, which often fly under the mainstream radar but produce exceptional athletes and foster deeply rooted traditions. The involvement of new coaches like Carter and Conner indicates fresh energy and ambition for both Central State and Lane College, promising an exciting contest that blends competition and community uplift.
This classic offers a meaningful platform for HBCU programs to expand their reach, build recruiting pipelines, and celebrate the enduring legacy of Black college athletics. For alumni, current students, and fans, the Frederick Douglass Classic is a powerful reminder of what HBCUs represent—athletic excellence, cultural pride, and a pathway to opportunity.
Upcoming developments for the weekend include a college fair beginning September 25 at Rochester’s Blue Cross Arena, where prospective students can engage directly with HBCU recruiters and learn about admissions and financial aid. Additional events such as pep rallies and media days will energize players and fans alike, culminating in the 1 p.m. kickoff and followed by the electrifying battle of the bands, a hallmark of HBCU football culture that is as competitive and vibrant as the game itself.
With tickets available now at $25, fans and supporters are encouraged to secure their spot early and be part of what promises to be a celebration of Black excellence in sports and education.
This year’s Frederick Douglass HBCU Football Classic not only carries forward a growing tradition but also fuels a vital connection between athletics, culture, and community empowerment—an enduring legacy befitting the name of one of America’s greatest champions of freedom and equality. Central State University and Lane College will provide both thrilling football and a meaningful reminder of the power of HBCUs in shaping futures.
Written by a veteran HBCU sports journalist with deep roots in Black college athletics coverage.