For the first time in decades, the Big Cat Classic football game between Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University will not close the season, moving to Sept. 5, Labor Day.
Clark College and Atlanta Baptist College (ABC, later renamed Morehouse College) first faced off in 1900, with ABC winning 56-0. The rivalry paused for 13 years before resuming, with ABC again defeating Clark, 41-0. By the 1930s, Morehouse would come to dominate the matchup.
2026 schedule changes shake tradition
Traditionally, the Big Cat Classic has been the final game of the season. The 2026 schedule marks a departure. Clark Atlanta Athletics announced the change via Instagram earlier this month.
This will be the first Big Cat Classic under new leadership for both programs. Brad Sherrod now leads Morehouse, while Terry Sims takes over at Clark Atlanta.
Moving the game to Labor Day shifts its position in the schedule. This will affect planning for both teams and event organizers.
The Maroon Tiger spoke with Director of Athletic Communications, A.D. Drew, about the schedule change and its significance for the rivalry.
“What I can tell you is that it’s something that has been discussed between the two institutions before,” Drew said. “But previous contracted games always prevented it. This was the first time there were no other contractual obligations.”
When asked if this would be a one-time event or permanent, Drew said he does not know.
Drew encouraged fans to view the game differently, particularly with it falling on Labor Day weekend.
“Let’s just think about it like this. Atlanta. The two Atlanta HBCUs on a holiday weekend. What more do I need to sell you on why this is a good game?”
For fans and alumni, Drew’s message is simple: “You get your bragging rights early. This sets the tone for the season and heightens the game.”
Branding and visibility in focus
With two new head coaches at both schools, Drew also framed the scheduling change as a reflection of institutional brand and public presence.
“We have a brand. We recognize that we have a brand,” Drew said. “When we go to places like D.C., Chicago, and Boston, it brings brand awareness.”
He added that while Morehouse’s academic reputation is nationally recognized, athletics often serve as an institution’s most visible entry point.
“Morehouse already has a name without football. But no matter how good the Morehouse name is academically, athletics is still the front porch of any institution,” Drew said.
Players weigh in on the rivalry
The Maroon Tiger spoke with football players from both schools.
David Pope, a defensive back for the Panthers who transferred from LaGrange College, said the schedule change does not affect the team.
“It feels like any other game, just with more on the line due to the historical rivalry,” Pope said. “Morehouse is a great team with great coaches, so it’s fun to compete against them.”
Coming from LaGrange, Pope had never known the intensity of the rivalry. His teammates made it clear: “It’s war with them boys from across the street.”
For Pope, the game goes beyond football.
“We love this game because it’s about culture, history, and generations,” he said. “This was something way before we existed. We are just the ones that write the story.”
When asked about preparation with the rivalry moving earlier in the season, Pope said: “It changes nothing. We’re not Batman; we don’t need prep time. If they wanted to line it up now, we would. And win again. But shoutout Morehouse.”
Senior Morehouse QB Miles Scott offered a slightly different view.
“It definitely feels different, but we’re gonna go out on the field and treat the game the same way,” Scott said.
Scott emphasized the importance of winning, especially after Morehouse lost the last two games.
“That can’t happen anymore. We have to win at home and put the AUC and the SIAC on notice,” he said.
When asked about preparation, Scott added, “It doesn’t change preparation at all. If anything, we’ll be more fresh and have fewer injurHe confirmed the team’s determination to win this year.
Supporters share their perspectives
Kaleb Motley, a senior Business Administration Management major and Presidential Ambassador at Clark Atlanta University, disagreed with the move.
“A lot of alumni come back for that specific game, and with it being on Labor Day, that just won’t happen,” Motley said.
“The same spark and excitement that usually exists won’t be there this year.”He noted that short vacations during the holiday weekend could limit attendance.
Motley said he will not be attending the game on Labor Day weekend, adding the comment with a chuckle.
For Morehouse junior Business Management major Neil Tunstall, he also stated that he will not be in attendance at the game this year, even though he attends every year, saying he usually has plans with family.
However, Tunstall does see a positive in the game taking place on Labor Day weekend.
“I will say I kind of like that the game will be going on for students who are not able to go home and spend this time with their families,” Tunstall said. “I’ll definitely have FOMO (Fear of missing out) about this game,”
Both schools will release more details on tickets, kickoff times, and game-day events in the coming months, giving fans time to plan for the Big Cat Classic and the annual rivalry game.
