Virginia State Defeated Lincoln in HBCU Classic

The Trojans secured a 42-32 victory at the third annual event in Rochester.

Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Football

Expressive editorial sports illustration of two football players in motion during the HBCU Classic, using crimson and navy paint. — Virginia State University defeated Lincoln University 42-32 during the third annual Baldwin Richardson Foods HBCU Classic in Rochester. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Virginia State University bested Lincoln University with a final score of 42-32 at the third annual Baldwin Richardson Foods HBCU Classic. The football game was hosted at the Rochester Community Sports Complex.

Why it matters

The event was designed to celebrate the culture and legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities while connecting local students with higher education opportunities.

Virginia State University finished the contest with 42 points against 32 for Lincoln University. This marks the third consecutive year the annual event has been held.

The players

Virginia State University

This public land-grant research university in Ettrick, Virginia, is a prominent HBCU known for its academic programs and athletic history.

Lincoln University

Founded in 1854 as the first degree-granting HBCU in the United States, this institution is located in Pennsylvania and maintains a historic athletic rivalry.

Varick Baiyina

He is the event organizer and representative of Xperience Live, the group responsible for producing the showcase.

The details

The game, held at the Rochester Community Sports Complex, featured a full tailgate atmosphere and live performances. Following the football game, the venue hosted a Battle of the Bands to conclude the day's festivities.

October 3, 2026: The third annual HBCU Classic Football Game took place.

Season Trajectory

This game highlights the growing trend of bringing HBCU-focused athletic showcases to non-traditional markets to broaden the reach of these institutions. The success of the event in Rochester helps cement its place on the regional sports calendar for future seasons.

Attendees and community members gained direct exposure to college recruitment initiatives and marching band performances throughout the day. The result secures the winning streak record for this specific annual classic matchup.

The takeaway

Events like the HBCU Classic demonstrate how intercollegiate sports can serve as a conduit for community outreach and student recruitment. Fans can look for future annual iterations of this event to continue bridging the gap between local regions and national university systems.