The official 2026 Bayou Classic Trophy Tour bus will roll into Natchitoches on Sunday, bringing the excitement and history of the annual rivalry while honoring a local college student.

The promotional tour stops from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Ben D. Johnson Park, 616 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

The family-oriented celebration showcases the 2026 Bayou Classic gameday trophy, historical memorabilia and artifacts representing Grambling State University and Southern University, music, and prize giveaways.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet Natchitoches native Deserae Charles, a senior at Grambling State University who was selected as one of eight students representing both institutions to serve as a Procter & Gamble Bayou Classic social media influencer. Charles was chosen from a competitive pool of 90 student applicants.

The tour highlights the lead-up to the 53rd annual Bayou Classic weekend in New Orleans. A series of academic, cultural and social events will culminate in the signature football matchup between the Grambling State Tigers and the Southern University Jaguars on Nov. 28 at the Caesars Superdome.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 318-332-8254.

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