Event Recap
Bulldogs Roll: South Carolina State Tops FAMU 31-13 in the Orange Blossom Classic
South Carolina State beat FAMU 31-13 to win the 2026 Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium, capping another big HBCU weekend in Miami Gardens.
The Orange Blossom Classic returned to Hard Rock Stadium over Labor Day weekend, and South Carolina State made the trip to Miami Gardens well worth it. The Bulldogs dominated Florida A&M for a decisive 31-13 win, powered by a punishing ground game, in front of a big crowd that came for the football and stayed for the full HBCU celebration. Here is a recap of the game and the weekend.
South Carolina State 31, Florida A&M 13, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on September 6, 2026. The Bulldogs controlled the game on both sides of the ball to spoil the Rattlers' day in front of a big Labor Day weekend crowd.
How it unfolded
The Orange Blossom Classic returned to Hard Rock Stadium over Labor Day weekend, and this year it was South Carolina State that seized the moment. The Bulldogs, recent Celebration Bowl champions, looked the part, dominating Florida A&M on the way to a decisive 31-13 win.
The story of the game was South Carolina State's ground attack. Running back Mason Pickett-Hicks had a huge afternoon, powering the Bulldogs' offense and finding the end zone as SC State piled up yardage and kept the FAMU defense on its heels. By the final whistle, the Bulldogs had badly outgained the Rattlers, a lopsided edge that told the story of a game controlled from the trenches out.
Adding to the day's drama, the action was interrupted by a weather delay, a familiar feature of early-September football in South Florida. When play resumed, South Carolina State picked right back up where it left off, never letting FAMU find the rhythm it needed to climb back into the game.
More than a game
As always, the Orange Blossom Classic was about far more than the final score. The weekend delivered the full HBCU experience that has made the Classic a Miami Gardens tradition: the electric battle of the bands between FAMU's famed Marching 100 and South Carolina State's Marching 101, the pregame Fan Fest, and a stadium full of alumni, families, and fans celebrating HBCU culture and pride.
For many in attendance, halftime and the tailgates were every bit as memorable as the game itself. That blend of football, music, and community is exactly what the Classic is all about, and it filled Hard Rock Stadium with energy all weekend long.
A win for Miami Gardens
No matter which team you came to cheer, the Orange Blossom Classic is a victory for Miami Gardens every year it is played. The event draws thousands of visitors to the city over a holiday weekend, filling local restaurants, hotels, and businesses, and it puts a national spotlight on the largest city in Florida with a majority Black population.
Coming just weeks after the city hosted World Cup matches, the Classic is another reminder that Miami Gardens is a premier destination for major cultural and sporting events. The Rattlers will look to bounce back, and the Bulldogs will savor a signature win, but the real winner, as always, was the city that hosts this beloved tradition.
The Orange Blossom Classic is just one of the marquee events Miami Gardens hosts each year. See our guide to the city's annual events you can't miss, and explore local restaurants and businesses in our directory.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the 2026 Orange Blossom Classic?
South Carolina State defeated Florida A&M by a score of 31-13 in the 2026 Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on September 6. Running back Mason Pickett-Hicks led the Bulldogs with a big day on the ground.
Where is the Orange Blossom Classic played?
The Orange Blossom Classic is played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, over Labor Day weekend. The historic HBCU football game and cultural celebration returned to Miami Gardens in 2021.
What is the Orange Blossom Classic?
The Orange Blossom Classic is a historic HBCU college football game and cultural celebration first played in 1933. It features a marquee matchup, legendary marching bands, a Fan Fest, and a full weekend of festivities honoring HBCU culture.
Game details based on reporting on the 2026 Orange Blossom Classic. Published: September 8, 2026.
