By SAM STAFF/Sports Writer

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 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.” said Rickey Neaves, Executive Directorof the MHSAA.

For the first time in 21 years, a team from one of the three Gulf Coast counties will be playing for a state championship in the largest classification after Gulfport bombed Brandon 40-7 in the Class 7A South State championship game at historic Milner Stadium Friday night.

“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 teamwork 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 | Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi.

Gulfport will meet defending Class 7A state champion Tupelo, after the Golden Wave nipped visiting Tupelo 21-20 Friday night in the Class 7A North State title match-up.

“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.” said Zac Selmon, Director of Athletics at Mississippi State University.

The Gulfport-Tupelo showdown will be the final of seven state championship contests spaced across three days starting Thursday afternoon.

“Mississippi State University is excited for the return of the MHSAA Football State Championships to Davis Wade Stadium this Fall and is enthusiastic to host the outstanding student-athletes and their families and friends in the best small town in the South here in Starkville. Our stadium is in peak condition with new amenities and excellent concessions. This is a great opportunity for MSU to showcase our campus to Mississippi high school students and their families.” said Sid Salter, Vice President for Strategic Communications for MSU.

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).

2025 FULL EVENT SCHEDULE

2025 MHSAA Football Championships Schedule

South is home team

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Gridiron Classic

At Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville

THURSDAY

CLASS 1A

4 p.m. — Calhoun City (12-1) vs. Simmons (12-0)

CLASS 5A

7:30 p.m. — West Point (13-0) vs. Brookhaven (11-2)

FRIDAY

CLASS 4A

4 p.m. — Kosciusko (13-1) vs. Columbia (14-0)

CLASS 6A

7:30 p.m. — Warren Central (11-2) vs. Hattiesburg (11-2)

SATURDAY

CLASS 3A

Noon — Noxubee County (11-3) vs. Raleigh (13-1)

CLASS 2A

3:30 p.m. — East Webster (13-1) vs. Heidelberg (12-2)

CLASS 7A

7 p.m. — Tupelo (13-1) vs. Gulfport (11-2)