Tuskegee, West Alabama to meet in '26 Red Tails Classic

By BARRY ALLEN

The University of West Alabama and Tuskegee University will meet in the sixth-annual Red Tails Classic at Cramton Bowl on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN 2.

This marks the first time the Red Tails Classic will feature two in-state teams. 

“We’re excited to host two in-state teams for the first time at the Red Tails Classic,” Red Tails Classic executive director Clay Norrell said. “West Alabama is coming off an outstanding season under head coach Scott Cochran, and Tuskegee has provided us with great crowds and exciting games the past five years.”

West Alabama is 14-6 in two seasons under Cochran, including a berth in the 2024 NCAA Division II Playoffs. 

The Tigers have averaged 32.5 points and 193.9 rushing yards per game under Cochran. 

Tuskegee is making its sixth consecutive appearance in the Red Tails Classic. 

The Golden Tigers defeated Winston-Salem State 20-17 in last year’s game. 

West Alabama becomes the seventh different in-state team to play in an ESPN Event at the Cramton Bowl.