EL DORADO, Ark. – The 16th Murphy USA Classic is officially set as Southern Arkansas and longtime in-state rival Arkansas-Monticello will tangle in a Week 11 affair from El Dorado's Memorial Stadium on November 14. Kickoff in Union County is set for 2 p.m. The announcement was made during a luncheon on Tuesday at Mystic Creek Golf Club with dignitaries from both universities, Murphy USA, the game's planning committee, the City of El Dorado and El Dorado School District on hand.
 
"Excited to play in the Murphy Classic again this season," said Mulerider Football Head Coach Brad Smiley. "Murphy USA and our program have a great relationship, and we love being a part of the game and bringing a college football atmosphere to El Dorado. My fifth season at SAU, my fifth Murphy Classic and my fifth opponent, so facing UAM completes the GAC Arkansas gauntlet. Should be another fun game and great atmosphere."
 
After playing host for the game for the past 11 years minus the 2020 season, the Muleriders will be the visiting team as UAM is the host for this year. The Muleriders make the short inter-county trip to El Dorado for the 15th overall time and for the 12th consecutive season. Southern Arkansas played in the inaugural game in 2009 when it was simply known as the Boomtown Classic and previously made appearances in 2010 and 2012 before playing in the classic in each of the last 11 years it has been contested.
 
Although the Muleriders have a long history playing in the game, this season will be special as the teams will battle for two trophies.
 
"The final weekend of the season is always meaningful when the Muleriders and Boll Weevils meet in the Battle of the Timberlands, and this year's Murphy USA Classic adds even more excitement with two trophies on the line," said Director of Athletics Steve Browning. "Murphy USA has been a tremendous partner of Mulerider Athletics for many years, and we're incredibly grateful for their continued generosity and investment in our student-athletes. Their commitment to this event creates a first-class experience for everyone involved. Although we will be the visiting team, we are honored to participate in the Murphy USA Classic and look forward to representing Southern Arkansas University in one of the most exciting rivalries in Division II football."
 
UAM will make its fourth trip to Union County and its first since 2011 when they fell to Ouachita by a final score of 38-20.  
 
For more information on event developments surrounding the weekend, as well as ticket information will be available soon at www.MuleriderAthletics.com.
 
Murphy USA Classic All-Time History
2009 | Arkansas-Monticello def. Southern Arkansas (17-6)
2010 | Arkansas-Monticello def. Southern Arkansas (28-23)
2011 | Ouachita def. Arkansas-Monticello (38-20)
2012 | Harding def. Southern Arkansas (23-20)
2013 | Henderson State def. Arkansas Tech (45-14)
2014 | Henderson State def. Southern Arkansas (55-41)
2015 | Southern Arkansas def. Ouachita (32-28)
2016 | Southern Arkansas def. Henderson State (50-24)
2017 | Ouachita def. Southern Arkansas (45-42)
2018 | Southern Arkansas def. Henderson State (34-14)
2019 | Ouachita def. Southern Arkansas (38-21)
2021 | Southern Arkansas def. Arkansas Tech (34-17)
2022 | Ouachita def. Southern Arkansas (63-31)
2023 | Harding def. Southern Arkansas (54-12)
2024 | Southern Arkansas def. Henderson State (42-19)
2025 | Southern Arkansas def. Arkansas Tech (42-7)
 
Appearances (including '26 game) in the Murphy USA Classic
Southern Arkansas – 15
Ouachita – 5
Henderson State – 5
Arkansas-Monticello – 4
Arkansas Tech – 3
Harding – 2