VERO BEACH, Fla. – Baseball fans can tune in today as Texas Southern University (TSU) faces off against Jackson State University (JSU) in the opening game of the 2026 Andre Dawson Classic. The game, scheduled for 11 a.m. Eastern Time, marks the start of this annual showcase highlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their baseball programs.
The Andre Dawson Classic, taking place at the Jackie Robinson Training Center in Vero Beach, Florida, is a key event in the early season for HBCU baseball. This year’s tournament features seven HBCU teams – Florida A&M, Alabama State, Bethune-Cookman, Grambling State, Jackson State, Southern, and Texas Southern – along with Yale University, which will compete against Jackson State on Saturday. The event aims to celebrate and elevate the tradition of Black college baseball, providing a platform for these athletes and programs to gain exposure.
Jackson State enters the game following a successful opening day victory against Texas Southern on Friday, winning 3-2. Hederick Torres led the Tigers with a two-run single in the bottom of the sixth inning, securing the win. Fans can watch the game live on MLB.com, providing access to the action for those unable to attend in person. The tournament as a whole will stream live on MLB.com, with select late games also airing on MLB Network and available via Fubo.
Dawson Classic Schedule & Viewing Options
The Andre Dawson Classic offers a full weekend of baseball action. Here’s a look at the schedule:
- Friday, Feb. 20: Texas Southern vs. Jackson State (11 a.m. ET) – MLB.com
- Friday, Feb. 20: Southern vs. Grambling State (3 p.m. ET) – MLB.com
- Friday, Feb. 20: Alabama State vs. Florida A&M (7 p.m. ET) – MLB.com
- Saturday, Feb. 21: Southern vs. Texas Southern (9 a.m. ET) – MLB.com
- Saturday, Feb. 21: Grambling State vs. Alabama State (12 p.m. ET) – MLB.com
- Saturday, Feb. 21: Yale vs. Jackson State (4 p.m. ET) – MLB Network, Fubo
- Saturday, Feb. 21: Bethune-Cookman vs. Florida A&M (8 p.m. ET) – MLB Network, Fubo
- Sunday, Feb. 22: Grambling State vs. Jackson State (9 a.m. ET) – MLB.com
Jackson State is coming off a strong performance, as evidenced by their victory over Texas Southern. The team is looking to build on that momentum throughout the tournament. According to gojsutigers.com, this is the second road trip for the Tigers in three days, indicating an active start to their season. The Andre Dawson Classic provides a valuable opportunity for Jackson State to showcase their talent and compete against other top HBCU programs.
The Andre Dawson Classic, originally known as the HBCU Round Robin, was designed by Major League Baseball to highlight the rich history and talent within HBCU baseball programs. As Newsbreak.com reports, the tournament continues its goal of celebrating this tradition and providing a platform for these athletes to shine.
Following today’s game, Jackson State will face Yale University on Saturday, with coverage on MLB Network and Fubo. The tournament continues through Sunday, offering a full slate of games for fans to enjoy. The competition promises exciting baseball and a celebration of HBCU athletic achievement.
What comes next for both teams will depend on their performance throughout the remainder of the Andre Dawson Classic. Fans can stay updated on scores and schedules via MLB.com and the official athletic websites of each participating university.
What are your thoughts on the Andre Dawson Classic? Share your predictions and comments below!
