By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

CLINTON — For the first time in nearly a decade, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi Gridiron Classic (Mississippi High School Activities Association Football State Championships) will be held in Starkville.

The MHSAA announced Wednesday afternoon that the seven state title tilts will take place at Mississippi State’s Davis Wade Stadium on December 4-6, 2025.

“First, we express our appreciation to Mississippi State University and Starkville for continued support and for graciously opening their doors to welcome us. We have zero doubt that the experience for our schools, student-athletes, coaches, and fans will be second-to-none.” Rickey Neaves, MHSAA Executive Director, said.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi continues as the title sponsor of the event – donned the “Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Gridiron Classic.”

Since MSU last hosted the event in 2016, the games have been played at Southern Miss six times (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2024) Ole Miss twice (2017, 2023), and Veteran’s Memorial Stadium once (2020).

Here is the 2025 full schedule:

2025 MHSAA Football Championships Schedule

“Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Gridiron Classic”

Thursday Class 1A 4:00 PM

Thursday Class 5A 7:30 PM

Friday Class 4A 4:00 PM

Friday Class 6A 7:30 PM

Saturday Class 3A 12:00 PM

Saturday Class 2A 3:30 PM

Saturday Class 7A 7:00 PM

“As the title sponsor of the Gridiron Classic, we’re proud to support an event that brings communities together and celebrates the hard work, resilience, and the team work of Mississippi’s student-athletes. These young athletes represent the future of our state, and we’re honored to be part of a tradition that promotes health, connection, and excellence both on and off the field.” said Cayla Mangrum, Director of Corporate Communication for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi.

Mississippi State Athletics Director Zac Selmon agreed.

“We’re honored to serve as the host for the 2025 MHSAA Football State Championships at Davis Wade Stadium and to bring teams, families and fans from across Mississippi to The Best Small Town in the South. These championships showcase the tradition, talent and passion that define high school football in our state, while giving student-athletes the chance to compete on one of the premier campuses in the country. We’re excited to create a first-class experience these student-athletes will always remember.” – Selmon said.