Tuskegee will play Winston-Salem State in the 5th annual Red Tails Classic. What to know before Sunday's matchup.
Tuskegee University will take on Winston-Salem State Sunday, Aug. 31 at the Cramton Bowl at 6 p.m. as a part of the fifth annual Red Tails Classic.
The Classic had its inaugural game in 2021, and since then has become a staple event for the city of Montgomery.
The event was created to showcase HBCU football in honor of the legacy and bravery of the Tuskegee Airmen, America's first Black military aviators in World War II.
Since 2021, Tuskegee currently holds a dismal 1-3 record, losing 2024's contest to John C. Smith University, 21-13.
Tuskegee is hoping that 2025 will be different against Winston-Salem State. As the Golden Tigers gear up to headline the historic Classic, here are three things to know ahead of Sunday night's matchup.
Who were the Tuskegee Airmen?
Trained at the Tuskegee Army Air Field at Tuskegee University beginning in 1941, it was part of an effort to prove that Black men could serve successfully as military aviators.
The group included not just fighter pilots, but also navigators, bombardiers, instructors, maintenance crews and support staff. In total, about 16,000 men and women were part of the Tuskegee Airmen program.
The pilots (most famously the 332nd Fighter Group and 477th Bombardment Group), flew missions in North Africa, Italy and Europe. They became well known for their skill and bravery, escorting bombers and protecting them from enemy fighters. Their aircraft were often marked with distinctive red tails, earning them the nickname “Red Tails.”
The Tuskegee Airmen challenged racist stereotypes and helped pave the way for the desegregation of the U.S. military in 1948, when President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981.
Can Mikael King Jr. impact the game for Tuskegee?
After landing on the 2025 BOXTOROW HBCU All-American Team and the D2Football.com Preseason Elite 100 Watch List for the second consecutive year in a row, the Tuskegee native will have a lot of eyes on him Sunday night.
King Jr. has recorded eight interceptions during his career for the Golden Tigers and will be asked to do a lot for second year head coach Aaron James in 2025. Tuskegee's defense forced 16 turnovers in 2025, with King Jr. being a big contributor.
Known for his speed and coverage skills, King Jr. may need to force a turnover early to give Tuskegee momentum in front of the home crowd.
Winston-Salem State QB Daylin Lee hopes to spoil Classic for Tuskegee
Lee is set to begin his third year under center for the Rams after throwing for 1,728 yards for 14 touchdowns in 2024.
The continuity with Lee at the helm of the offense could pay dividends for the Rams who will be on the road Sunday night.
Lee will present a unique challenge for Tuskegee's defense with his dual-threat ability. The Golden Tigers will have to account for Lee's talent to make things happen with his legs while respecting that he can be a pocket passer when the offensive line is at their best.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Tuskegee football set to headline 5th annual Red Tails Classic Sunday
Category: General Sports
