09/07/2026
🏆 CLASH AT THE CLASSIC | 2026 🏆
There are football games… and then there are football games that feel like an EXPERIENCE.
Tonight, Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium was filled with the energy, tradition, pride and pageantry of the Black College Football Hall of Fame Clash at the Classic, as the defending CIAA champion Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls met the defending SIAC champion Albany State Golden Rams.
And the Golden Bulls came ready.
Johnson C. Smith took control early and never let go, rolling to a 27–7 victory over Albany State.
Fabian Duncan was the story of the night, rushing for 144 yards on 21 carries and three touchdowns tying his career high for rushing scores.
Quarterback Damien Mazil added 184 passing yards, completing 12 of 18 attempts, while the Golden Bulls’ defense held Albany State to 227 total yards.
But the Clash at the Classic is about more than the final score.
It’s the bands filling the stadium.
It’s the traditions.
It’s the history.
It’s the pride that comes with HBCU football.
It’s seeing two programs step onto the same field where football history is celebrated every day.
And then, when the final whistle sounds, it’s the celebration including the presentation of the Clash at the Classic trophy to the winning Golden Bulls. 🏆
Another incredible football experience at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Another reminder that in Canton, football isn’t just played — it’s celebrated.
