When the Ohio State Buckeyes take the field Saturday, they will not be the only team with a storied football legacy and renowned marching band. The Grambling State Tigers, who have claimed 15 national championships, are also recognized for their acclaimed band, considered one of the most notable in the country.
Grambling State University, a historically Black university in Grambling, Louisiana, is perhaps best known for its annual rivalry game against Southern University in the Bayou Classic, which is often nationally televised.
“It’s very exciting, and it’s historic,” said John Pace, president of Classic for Columbus. “Anyone who follows HBCU football knows you cannot talk about HBCU football without first mentioning the marching bands. Grambling’s marching band is stellar—it’s one of the best in the country.”
Pace has worked with historically Black colleges and universities for decades, raising funds and supporting efforts to increase educational opportunities for Black students.
“HBCUs were founded post-slavery; the original purpose was to educate mixed-race slaves who were freed, and then it was expanded to include all freed slaves,” Pace said. “The majority of physicians, engineers, attorneys, and many educators who are Black are graduates of historically Black colleges and universities. HBCUs provide a unique experience that helps students succeed, especially those who may not thrive at a non-HBCU.”
Ohio is home to two HBCUs, both in Wilberforce: Central State University, a public institution, and Wilberforce University, the nation’s first private historically Black university. Both schools share a bond with Ohio State’s next opponent.
“We’re definitely rooting for Grambling, even though I live in Columbus,” said Kimberly Jones, Central State director of strategic partnerships and external affairs.
Jones, a Central State graduate who grew up in Detroit, originally wanted to attend the University of Michigan but was encouraged by a teacher to attend Central State.
“You can get lost at large universities, but at an HBCU, you find family,” Jones said. “There are people who feel like aunts and uncles, who want the best for you, and you make lifelong friends.”
A central part of the culture and spectacle at an HBCU football game is the marching band.
“The parents come for the football game to see their kids, but everybody else comes for the band, because you never know what the band is going to do,” Jones said.
“If you go to some of the larger HBCU football classics, you might see about 70,000 fans, but the stadium can seem empty until halftime when the marching bands take the field,” Pace said. “It’s all about the halftime show.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s performances, Pace said, “I’m excited to see the Best Damn Band in the Land go up against Grambling—with all their flash, color and pageantry. They’re excellent musicians. They move, they dance. The halftime show is going to be spectacular.”
Central State athletic director Kevicia Brown has been with the university for more than two years. A Jacksonville, Florida, native and graduate of Florida A&M, also an HBCU, Brown came to Central State from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.
“Central State has been more like home—it’s an HBCU,” Brown said. “I went to an HBCU, so it’s good to be back in that environment, with all the culture that comes with it. It’s like a heartbeat, from the arts to the band to sports and academia. You’re able to identify and find a sense of belonging with those in leadership and those coaching you.”
Saturday’s game between Grambling State and Ohio State offers national exposure for HBCUs to showcase their schools, culture and future.
“I feel like we should get more exposure than we have had in the past,” Brown said.
Even though they are just an hour from Columbus, Central State staff said they will be pulling for Grambling.
“We all root for each other,” Brown said. “I can never go against another university with the same mission.”
