UNF Homecoming 2025: A fall festival of Osprey Pride – and a surprise you won’t want to miss

The University of North Florida's Homecoming 2025 is not just an event, it's a full-throttle celebration destined to go down in campus history.

For the first time ever, UNF Homecoming will be held in the fall and the University is pulling out all the stops for a celebration that will unite the campus and community like never before.

The excitement includes the return of the Homecoming parade, featuring student clubs, high school marching bands, community organizations and more than 50 groups in the first Homecoming parade in more than a decade.

The campus will transform into a festival of Osprey pride, including returning fan favorites like Battle of the Bands, a spirited and family-friendly tailgate on Saturday, and surprises to keep the energy soaring.

And of course, it all leads to a legendary men's basketball showdown game.

But there's a twist.

Ozzie the Osprey has gone missing. The beloved mascot has been missing since Halloween, and the whole campus is on high alert. Rumors are flying, fans are searching and clues are surfacing. One thing's certain: Ozzie would never miss Homecoming. If Ozzie's making a comeback, it'll be at the game. That's why we need every Osprey fan in the Arena. Grab your crew and UNF spirit gear. Pack the stands. Be ready to welcome Ozzie home.

Get ready to make history. Because this year, Homecoming isn't just a tradition, it's an Osprey evolution.

Here's a preview of events:

Wednesday, Nov 12

• Alumni Recognition Awards: A Night of "Nestalgia" An annual tradition honoring five exceptional alumni whose professional achievements and service exemplify the spirit of UNF - 6 p.m. at MOCA Jacksonville

Thursday, Nov. 13

• Sports as an Economic Engine in Jacksonville: Engaging panel discussion on how sport organizations, events and infrastructure fuel economic growth and shape Jacksonville's future - 7:30 a.m. at Adam W. Herbert University Center
• Celebrate UNF History: Featuring archival materials, media and mementos from UNF's history - 2 p.m. at Thomas G. Carpenter Library
• Battle of the Bands - 5 p.m. at J.B. Coxwell Amphitheater
• UNF Shakespeare's Macbeth - 6 p.m. at Andrew A. Robinson Jr. Theater. Second performance at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14

Friday, Nov. 14

• Ospreys Serve: All Ospreys are welcome to join for a day of service at multiple Jacksonville locations - Meet at 8 a.m. at the John A. Delaney Student Union where transportation to off-campus sites will be provided
• Reunion Milestone Mixer: Alumni who graduated in years ending with a "5" - 6 p.m. at the Boathouse in the John A. Delaney Student Union

Saturday, Nov. 15

• Homecoming Tailgate - 11 a.m. at Lot 18
• UNF Homecoming Parade - Noon starting on UNF Drive near Lots 2&3 and ending near the tailgate at Lot 18
• Men's Basketball vs New College of Florida - Homecoming Court will be presented at halftime. View the Homecoming ticket package - 2 p.m. at the UNF Arena
• Sculpture Fall Iron Pour - 4 to 8 p.m. in the lot behind the UNF Annex, Building 6

Check out the full list of events by visiting the Homecoming webpage. See you back at The Nest!