By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS — August 2025
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — HBCU football arrives at the national stage this year as ESPN’s flagship debate show, “First Take”, will broadcast live from Legion Field during the Magic City Classic—one of the most celebrated events in college football.
The move marks ESPN’s largest HBCU fall tour to date, with hosts Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim front and center for the broadcast. Smith, a proud HBCU graduate of Winston‑Salem State University, brings personal and professional passion to the iconic games.
“Any time I have the opportunity to assist in promoting HBCUs in any way … I’m going to take advantage of that opportunity,” Smith told local media, highlighting the influence of his alma mater and his commitment to showcasing HBCU excellence on a national platform.
The Magic City Classic, featuring annual rivals Alabama A&M and Alabama State, is widely recognized as one of the largest HBCU football classics in the nation. Its reach and reputation made it a perfect match for “First Take’s” live coverage.
“First Take” usually broadcasts from ESPN’s New York studios, but during the football season, the cast hits the road. Past tour stops have included Howard University and Tennessee State, and now Birmingham is on the roster.
With its historic legacy and vibrant atmosphere, this year’s Magic City Classic promises to merge sports, culture, and media influence, putting HBCU traditions in the national spotlight through a top-tier sports show.