Kendra Bulluck-Major: Orange Blossom Classic 'Moving Forward' With New Matchup in 2024
BIRMINGHAM, AL — It's only been a couple of weeks since Florida A&M announced it would not participate in future Orange Blossom Classics, effectively ending the program's participation in the event after this season. Since its establishment in 1933, FAMU has remained a constant presence at the OBC. But for now, the Rattlers' season opener against Jackson State will be its last at the Orange Blossom Classic in the foreseeable future.
The show will continue for executive director Kendra Bulluck-Major and her OBC staff and partners. During the interview with HBCU Legends, Bulluck-Major conveyed a positive and optimistic outlook for the event and highlighted the strong partnership between OBC and its partners.
"The beautiful thing is 90% of our partners have been with us since we began in 2020," Bulluck-Major said. "Their mission is to help HBCUs; it's not solely focused on one institution. They have assured us that this will be an event they'll continue to support and be a part of. It's about community, the HBCUs we can assist, and making sure we help everyone, not just FAMU. So they're in it for the long haul."
July 25, 2023; Kendra Bulluck-Major being interviewed by Mason Smith of HBCU Legends at the 2023 SWAC Football Media Day in Birmingham, AL.; Credit: HBCU Legends
ORANGE BLOSSOM CLASSIC'S NEW MATCHUP
Bulluck-Major re-launched the Orange Blossom Classic in 2021 after a 43-year hiatus. Since its return, the classic has been a fan favorite and was one of the most-viewed HBCU football games last year, with close to 958,000 viewers, trailing only the Celebration Bowl. The previous two games between Deion Sanders' Jackson State team and Willie Simmons' FAMU, who were the home-state favorite, garnered a lot of attention.
Who would replace Florida A&M next season? There's plenty of speculation and curiosity about the replacements in 2024. The teams with the most appearances in the classic are Grambling State, Kentucky State, and Prairie View A&M. And that's assuming Jackson State continues its partnership after this season.
Bulluck-Major declined to reveal the next matchup but did explain an answer will be known in due time.
"We have our 2024 opponents already locked in," Bulluck-Major said. "And we've been talking to other schools. We're moving forward. The Orange Blossom Classic is here to stay, and we're excited about what the future holds"...." There will be schools they're going to be pleased with. Schools that we know travel well and have a good following. I believe we'll be good."
Credit: © Gerald Thomas / USA TODAY NETWORK
OPEN TO OBJ-FAMU REUNION
Florida A&M's athletic director Tiffani-Dawn Sykes cited the main reason for withdrawing from the classic as part of an effort to have more home games, which will help maximize the "Investing in Champions" season-ticket package. Also, she will not shut the door on a reunion in future games.
"The Orange Blossom Classic is a phenomenal event. I've actually attended twice as a spectator," Sykes told HBCU Legends. "Due to some scheduling philosophy, we couldn't work it out for this year. But I look forward to continuing conversations. Our fans love it, our student-athletes love it, and I love the Orange Blossom Classic. So I look forward to discussions about it returning to our schedule in the future if it makes sense for us."
Bulluck-Major shared similar thoughts, saying, "There's always a possibility. I don't think the door is closed. I think it all comes down to their administration and their initiatives and goals." She also mentioned that FAMU's absence allows them to help other HBCUs. For now, fans must anticipate the announcement of the OBC's next game for the start of the 2024 season.