Stepping onto the turf of Allegiant Stadium in late October will be a monumental moment for Jackson State football as they prepare to face off against long-time rival Grambling State in the inaugural Las Vegas HBCU Classic on Oct. 25. But for Jackson State Head Coach T.C. Taylor, the trip out West is about more than just a fierce SWAC contest; it’s an unprecedented opportunity to put the full HBCU cultural experience—from the hard-hitting action to the electrifying presence of the Sonic Boom of the South marching band—directly onto the grandest stage in the Entertainment Capital of the World.

Speaking with BET.com. Taylor shared why the Las Vegas HBCU classic is important to his program and HBCUs all over the country.

“I thought it was good for our program and for the JSU brand to take this show on the road. And what better way than with the success we’ve had? We have a lot of really good players who have never been to Vegas, Taylor said. 

“Some guys have never been there and will have the opportunity to play in an NFL stadium. They're looking forward to it, and we have a good alumni base out there on the West Coast as well. They are excited about it. They've been reaching out and can't wait for us to get there.”

The visibility of HBCU sports has significantly increased in recent years, driven by major media deals and former NFL players going on to coach at HBCUs. The increased exposure is contributing to a resurgence of interest in HBCUs, often highlighted by the Black athletic excellence on the field, which was always the case, according to Taylor.

“I think the visibility is out there. If you look over the last four years, exposure for HBCUs has been off the charts. It's just up to us to go in and play good football, and you know, the band's gonna shine when we have these opportunities,” Taylor explained. “The fans will show up, especially from JSU. We're coming, and it's up to us as a program to go out there and look the part and execute the right way. It helps us in recruiting, in enrollment, and everything. We look forward to these types of games to go out there and have a good showing.

Before taking over the helm at JSU, Taylor was an assistant under Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, who helped garner massive attention to JSU and the storied tradition of HBCU football.

“He taught me as a coach and to put my own stamp on it. That’s what I picked up from him. I've always wanted to be a head coach for the last maybe eight, nine years. I watched what he did as far as recruiting, the hiring of your coaching staff, and how you handle these young men. We're having a lot of success and having fun. Those were some great years with my guy, Coach Prime. We won SWAC championships and had two Celebration Bowl appearances. “

Besides his coaching acumen, Taylor was a decorated player in his own right, and that’s something that some of his players are surprised to discover.

“My name has been ringing bells in the state of Mississippi since I was a high school player and as a college player at Jackson State. I'm going into the Sports Hall of Fame this year, he said. “Then to sit back and become the head coach of the program you played in, it doesn't get any better than that.”

“But now to be pouring back into these young men and letting them know what the tradition is like here at Jackson State, and all the great players that have been through here,” Taylor said. “They listen, and that's something that I say I love about this football team. They listen. But God has been blessing me, and I'm just taking it day-by-day.”

When asked to describe SWAC football, Taylor said that it is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced in college football. It is Black culture at its best.

“There’s nothing like SWAC football on a Saturday. To wake up and get to the stadium and the smells of the tailgate and the sounds of the band and just the passion of these fans. Recently, we played Alabama State, and it was 44,000 people with another 10,00 out there at the tailgate. These fans really do love their SWAC football. These players and the administration do a great job of putting on a great show for everybody. It’s not going to be any different over here in Vegas next.”

Every epic game needs a prediction. When it comes to Taylor, he just had a simple reply to what he feels about the Tigers' chances.

“I just predict, and I hope and pray Grambling shows up,” Taylor said. “I just need them to be there.”