2025 Celebration Bowl: Prairie View A&M Battles South Carolina State for HBCU Supremacy

The 2025 Celebration Bowl kicks off today in Atlanta. The historic HBCU national championship game features Prairie View A&M against South Carolina State. Kickoff is at 12:00 PM ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

This is the tenth annual showdown between the SWAC and MEAC champions. The game will air nationally on ABC, deciding the black college football national champion for the season.

Panthers’ Remarkable Journey to Atlanta

Prairie View A&M arrives with a 10-3 record. They are the SWAC champions for the first time since 2009. According to ESPN, the Panthers secured their spot by upsetting Jackson State in the conference title game.

First-year head coach Tremaine Jackson led the stunning turnaround. The team’s defense has been a cornerstone of their success. They allowed just over 16 points per game during the regular season.

Their offense averages over 31 points per contest. This balance makes them a formidable opponent. They enter the game with significant momentum and confidence.

Bulldogs’ Defensive Dominance and Streak

South Carolina State comes in with a 9-3 overall record. They finished a perfect 5-0 in MEAC conference play. The Bulldogs are riding a seven-game winning streak into the championship.

Head coach Chennis Berry was named MEAC Coach of the Year. His team’s identity is built on a physical, stingy defense. During their winning streak, the defense consistently held opponents under 20 points.

The Bulldogs are seeking their second Celebration Bowl victory in four years. Their disciplined approach will be tested by Prairie View’s high-scoring attack. This clash of styles defines the matchup.

What to Watch in the Championship Showdown

The key battle will be Prairie View’s offense versus South Carolina State’s defense. Can the Panthers’ scoring pace break the Bulldogs’ resilient system? The line of scrimmage will be critical.

Special teams and turnover margins often decide these high-stakes games. Both teams have playmakers capable of shifting momentum in an instant. The team that controls the clock may control the outcome.

This game is a celebration of HBCU excellence and tradition. It provides a national platform for players and programs. The winner claims the ultimate bragging rights for the 2024 season.

The 2025 Celebration Bowl crown will be awarded today to the team that best executes its championship plan under the bright lights of Atlanta. This decade-old tradition continues to highlight the very best of HBCU football on a national stage.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What channel is the Celebration Bowl on?

The 2025 Celebration Bowl airs live on ABC. You can also stream the game through the ESPN app with a valid cable subscription.

Who is favored to win the Celebration Bowl?

Early betting lines show a close game. However, South Carolina State’s dominant defense has them entering as a slight favorite according to several sportsbooks.

What is the significance of the Celebration Bowl?

The game is considered the de facto HBCU national championship. It pits the champions of the two premier HBCU conferences, the SWAC and MEAC, against each other.

How can I get Celebration Bowl tickets?

Tickets are available through the Mercedes-Benz Stadium box office and official ticketing partners. Prices vary based on seating location for the game in Atlanta.

Who won last year’s Celebration Bowl?

The 2024 Celebration Bowl was won by the Florida A&M Rattlers. They defeated the Howard Bison in a thrilling game to claim the championship.