Reviewed by: Patience Itson
A Magic City Classic challenge of business pitches—see who won
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The countdown for the annual Magic City Classic is on, but Regions Bank is already celebrating student innovation ahead of the game.
On Monday, Oct. 26, students from Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University gathered at Regions Field for the second annual Regions Bank of Ideas Challenge, where they pitched innovative solutions to real-world issues facing the banking industry.
Read on to learn more about the winners of the Regions Bank of Ideas Challenge and where you can see them during the Magic City Classic in Birmingham.
What is the Regions Bank of Ideas Challenge?
Launched in 2025, the Regions Bank of Ideas Challenge is an annual student business plan competition that encourages Alabama college students to develop solutions to real-world challenges facing the financial services industry.
This year, Regions Bank invited 36 students from Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University, organized into 11 teams, to address one of three business cases in the competition:
- Young Adult Banking Strategy
- Fintech Innovation
- Student-Athlete Financial Success
More than a pitch competition, the 2026 Regions Bank of Ideas Challenge gave students the opportunity to strengthen their business strategy, problem-solving and presentation skills; it also gave Regions Bank an opportunity to hear directly from the next generation of customers.
“The best ideas in banking start with understanding what customers need and how those needs are changing. The Bank of Ideas Challenge allows us to hear directly from the next generation of customers while giving students a meaningful opportunity to develop ideas around financial wellness, technology and the customer experience.
Their perspectives can challenge conventional thinking, spark new ideas and help all of us think differently about the future of banking.”
John Jordan, head of Consumer Banking for Regions Bank
Meet the winners of the 2026 Regions Bank of Ideas Challenge
After making it through elimination rounds at their respective universities, four finalist teams presented their ideas at the final round competition at Regions Field on Monday, Oct. 26. During the presentation, Regions leaders evaluated each team on creativity, potential impact, feasibility and presentation effectiveness.
The BulldogBoys—a team from Alabama A&M University—took home first place with LifePath, an online experience designed for the Regions Mobile App. Designed to tackle the Young Adult Banking Strategy challenge, LifePath aims to help young adults plan their finances, set goals and build healthy financial habits for the future.
“Our relationships with Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University are built on years of collaboration, investment and shared commitment to student success. The Bank of Ideas Challenge expands that work in a meaningful way by connecting students with real-world business opportunities, encouraging innovation and helping prepare the next generation of leaders.
We are honored to deepen our support of these institutions and the important role they play in advancing educational and economic opportunity.”
Leroy Abrahams, head of Community and Market Engagement for Regions Bank
As a prize for their winning concept, each member of The BulldogBoys received a $750 Regions Bank Visa gift card, while each member of the runner-up team—The Hive Minds from Alabama State University—received a MacBook Neo.
Regions Bank of Ideas Challenge kicks off 2026 Magic City Classic celebration
As the winners of the 2026 Regions Bank of Ideas Challenge, The BulldogBoys will be recognized during several Magic City Classic events, including the Players/Team Luncheon and the Magic City Classic Parade.
The largest historically Black college and university (HBCU) football game in the country, the Magic City Classic brings thousands of fans, alumni and students to Birmingham for a weekend of football, music and school pride as Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University compete for the title.
Regions Bank is the official bank of the Magic City Classic and the official sponsor of Magic City Classic volunteers.
Here’s what to know before heading to this year’s Classic:
- What: The 85th annual Amazon Magic City Classic presented by Coca-Cola
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
- 8AM: Magic City Classic Parade
- 10AM–2PM: Tailgate Party
- 2:30PM: Kickoff
- Where:
- Magic City Classic Parade: Downtown Birmingham
- Tailgate Party + Kickoff: Legion Field, 400 Graymont Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35204
For more event details, visit the official Magic City Classic website.
Whether you’re wearing maroon and white or cheering on the Hornets, keep an eye out for the winners of the Regions Bank of Ideas Challenge during the Magic City Classic Parade + tag @regionsbank in your event photos!
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