MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Tuskegee football program is set to open its 2025 season on Sunday, August 31, at 6 p.m. CT in the fifth annual Red Tails Classic against Winston-Salem State inside the historic Cramton Bowl.
The highly anticipated matchup will be nationally televised on ESPNU, showcasing two proud HBCU programs honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. (CT)
Location: Montgomery, Ala. (Cramton Bowl)
TV: ESPNU
Live Stats: goldentigersports.com/sidearmstats
Audio: Golden Tiger Sports Network
Tickets: Red Tails Classic Tickets
Sunday's contest marks the eighth all-time meeting between Tuskegee and Winston-Salem State, with the Golden Tigers leading the series 5-3. The two programs last met in 2019 in Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium, while their first matchup took place in 1999 in the Pioneer Bowl.
ABOUT TUSKEGEE (0-0, 0-0 SIAC)
The Golden Tigers enter the 2025 season looking to build on a 5-6 finish in 2024, which included a 4-3 record in SIAC play.
Under third-year head coach Aaron James, Tuskegee returns a mix of experienced veterans and key newcomers eager to make an impact. Last season, the Golden Tigers showcased an improved offensive balance, averaging 318.6 total yards per game, including 137.5 rushing yards and 181.2 passing yards per contest.
Defensively, Tuskegee proved to be one of the league's most opportunistic units, forcing 12 turnovers and holding opponents to just 23.0 points per game. Standouts such as Kaquan Kimber, Mikael King Jr., and Masiah Wells anchor a unit that recorded 21 sacks and consistently delivered timely stops in critical moments.
The Golden Tigers also feature a dangerous special teams group led by All-SIAC kicker Lorcan Ryans, who connected on 13-of-18 field goals, including a long of 47 yards, while averaging 34.6 yards per punt and consistently flipping field position.
ABOUT WINSTON-SALEM STATE (0-0, 0-0 CIAA)
WSSU enters the Red Tails Classic riding momentum from a strong 7–3 overall season and a 5–2 record in the CIAA.
Offensively, the Rams displayed a balanced attack with 149.4 rushing yards per game (15 touchdowns) and an effective air game, recording 170 total first downs for the season. Defensively, WSSU held opponents to 18.8 points per game, a testament to their stout defensive line and disciplined secondary. This performance earned them a newfound confidence and respect across the conference.
Tuskegee looks to start the 2025 season on a high note while honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen during this nationally televised game. With the all-time series close and both programs eager to establish early-season momentum, Sunday's clash sets the stage for an exciting battle under the lights at Cramton Bowl.
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