Category: SWAC

2026 MEAC/SWAC Challenge Draws 1.2 Million Viewers, Becomes Second-Most-Watched in Event History

Brandon King

The 2026 MEAC/SWAC Challenge continues to show the growing national audience for HBCU football. Howard University’s thrilling matchup against Alabama A&M averaged 1.2 million viewers on ABC, with the broadcast peaking at 1.7 million viewers. The impressive audience represents a 10% year-over-year increase and makes the 2026 MEAC/SWAC Challenge the second-most-watched kickoff game in the event’s history. Howard ultimately delivered on the national stage, defeating Alabama A&M 31-24 in a dramatic finish at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta. The matchup marked the opening of the 2026 HBCU football season and…

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JaCobian Morgan Joins Austin Peay Football Staff as Offensive Quality Control Coach

Brandon King

Former Jackson State quarterback JaCobian Morgan is beginning the next chapter of his football career, joining the Austin Peay Governors football staff as an offensive quality control coach. Austin Peay’s official football staff directory lists Morgan as part of the program’s offensive staff, working in a quality-control role under head coach Jeff Faris. Morgan’s move into coaching comes after his playing career at Jackson State, where he was part of the Tigers’ quarterback room. During the 2023 season, Morgan completed 83 passes for 842 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also…

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Howard Scores Late TD to Claim MEAC/SWAC Challenge, 31-24, Over Alabama A&M

Brandon King

Howard opened the 2026 HBCU football season with a thrilling comeback victory, defeating Alabama A&M 31-24 Saturday night in the 20th Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta. The Bison overcame a second-half rally by the Bulldogs and scored the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter to escape with the victory. Howard quarterback Ja’Shawn Scroggins delivered a career-best performance, completing 19 of 36 passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns while adding 49 yards on the ground. Howard Takes Early Control The Bison jumped out to a…

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Florida A&M Opens Quinn Fordham Gray Sr Era With 20-7 Win Over Albany State

Brandon King

The FAMU Rattlers and new coach Quinn Gray opened their season Saturday, Aug. 28, against Albany State at Bragg Memorial Stadium.( image via Sarah Cheatham) Florida A&M opened the Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. era in winning fashion Saturday night, defeating Albany State 20-7 at Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium. The victory was especially significant for Gray, who faced his former program in his first game as FAMU’s head coach. Gray previously led the Albany State Golden Rams for the previous three seasons before taking over the Rattlers program.…

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FAMU Releases Depth Chart for 2026 Opener Against Albany State

Brandon King

Florida A&M has officially released its two-deep depth chart for the 2026 season opener against Albany State, giving Rattler Nation its first look at the lineup head coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. will take into Saturday night’s matchup. The Rattlers open the 2026 campaign on Saturday, August 29, at 7 p.m. ET against Albany State at Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium. Leading the way at quarterback is Isaiah Knowles, who will make his FAMU debut against his former team. Knowles previously starred at Albany State, where he won…

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Albany State Names JD Davis Starting QB for Season Opener

Brandon King

Albany State has officially named Jeffrey “JD” Davis its starting quarterback for the 2026 season opener against Florida A&M. Davis won the quarterback competition following Albany State’s second preseason scrimmage and will make his Golden Rams debut Saturday night in Tallahassee. Head coach David Bowser said Davis separated himself from the competition with his poise and consistency when the pressure increased. “He showed the most poise and consistency during the last two scrimmages,” Bowser said. The announcement comes after a preseason battle that included multiple quarterbacks, with Davis competing against…

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HBCU Football Is Back: 2026 Week Zero Schedule

Brandon King

The wait is finally over as HBCU programs across the country take the field for Week Zero of the 2026 college football season. The opening slate features teams from the MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, SIAC and other HBCU conferences, with several intriguing matchups scheduled throughout the weekend. From conference showdowns to nonconference tests, Week Zero gives fans an early look at some of the teams looking to make a run in 2026. 🏈 HBCU Week Zero Schedule Thursday, Aug. 27 Friday, Aug. 28 Saturday, Aug. 29 Sunday, Aug. 30 All times…

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Kelby Givens Returns to Southern for Final Season Following NCAA Eligibility Ruling

Brandon King

Southern University received one of the biggest offseason boosts in the FCS as All-American defensive end Kelby Givens announced he will return to the Jaguars for one final season after a federal court ruling granted an additional year of eligibility to athletes from the high school class of 2022. The decision keeps one of the nation’s premier defensive playmakers in Baton Rouge and immediately strengthens a Southern defense expected to contend for a SWAC championship. Since arriving on campus, Givens has built one of the most impressive résumés in the…

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Alcorn State’s Demetrion Duvall Named to FCS Punter of the Year Preseason Watch List

Brandon King

LORMAN, Miss. — Alcorn State punter Demetrion Duvall is receiving national recognition heading into the 2026 football season. Duvall has been named to the 2026 FCS Punter of the Year Preseason Watch List, becoming one of just 14 punters from across the Football Championship Subdivision under consideration for the prestigious award. The junior from Akron, Ohio, established himself as one of the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s top specialists during the 2025 season. Duvall averaged 42.7 yards on 49 punts, totaling 2,093 yards. He recorded a career-long 63-yard punt against Florida A&M…

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Texas Southern Board Reportedly Rejects Corey Lowery, Ashley Robinson Advances to Vote Next Week

Brandon King

A dramatic twist has emerged in Texas Southern University’s leadership search. According to multiple reports, the Texas Southern Board of Regents has rejected the candidacy of Corey Lowery for the Tigers’ vacant men’s basketball head coaching position, while athletic director candidate Ashley Robinson remains on track for a Board vote next week. Lowery, who had been widely expected to succeed Johnny Jones after serving as an assistant coach at Seton Hall, reportedly saw his candidacy unravel amid concerns that surfaced during the approval process. Earlier this week, reports indicated he…

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