UAPB Football to Face Exciting New Teams This Season: What to Expect!

Hampton, USA - The college football landscape in Florida is set for an exciting shake-up as teams gear up for the 2025 season, particularly for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) and Bethune-Cookman University. With a revamped schedule, UAPB is looking to broaden its horizons while Bethune-Cookman is eager to make a statement under head coach Raymond Woodie Jr.

UAPB will be experiencing a refreshing change this season with a new lineup of opponents in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). According to PB Commercial, head coach Alonzo Hampton will not face Mississippi Valley State, Jackson State, and Alabama A&M this year. Instead, UAPB will host Florida A&M and travel to play against Bethune-Cookman and Alabama State. Hampton expressed his enthusiasm about competing against unfamiliar teams, which could give his players a chance to showcase their skills in new match-ups.

One notable game will take place on October 25 when UAPB clashes with Bethune-Cookman. This matchup is particularly exciting as the two teams have not faced off since Bethune-Cookman joined the SWAC in 2021. Historically, Bethune-Cookman has struggled in the conference, finishing no higher than fifth in the SWAC East and securing only a 2-6 record in 2024. However, Coach Woodie is intent on changing that by focusing on high school recruitment over relying on transfers.

Timely Challenges and Powerful Encounters

This season, UAPB will have its work cut out, especially as they prepare for Florida A&M, who recently celebrated a successful season. Florida A&M head coach James Colzie III led the team to a SWAC championship and a win in the Celebration Bowl in 2023. This year, Florida A&M looks to build on their success, boasting a solid lineup against UAPB, having won both of their prior meetings since joining the SWAC.

For what it’s worth, UAPB’s final game of the season will be against Alabama State, which poses its own set of challenges. Under head coach Eddie Robinson Jr., Alabama State has been a defensive force in the SWAC, although they’ve faced a few setbacks due to player exits. Robinson aims to uphold strong defensive standards even after losing standout linebacker Rico Dozier.

The Grand Scheme: Bethune-Cookman’s Ambitious Schedule

Meanwhile, Bethune-Cookman is not resting on its laurels as it prepares for its third season under head coach Woodie Jr. The ambitious 2025 schedule features a blend of five home games at Daytona Stadium and six away games. Opening the season on August 30 against Florida International, the Wildcats aim to capitalize on previous successes from their last matchup, securing a win back in 2014.

As the season unfolds, Bethune-Cookman will also face tough competitors, including a week two match against the University of Miami and a significant match-up against South Carolina State, who currently leads their all-time series. Further into the season, B-CU welcomes UAPB for its homecoming game on October 25, a meaningful encounter that echoes back to 2005, the last time these teams met in Daytona Beach.

In conclusion, with changing schedules and fresh aspirations, both UAPB and Bethune-Cookman are set to make their marks in the upcoming football season. Fans and families will undoubtedly be rejoicing in the stands as the season promises to be a thrilling ride through college football in Florida.