Category: SWAC

Prairie View A&M Defeats Texas Southern 52-14 in Labor Day Classic

Brandon King

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas — Prairie View A&M scored 28 points in the third quarter and defeated Texas Southern 52-14 on Sunday at Panther Stadium in the Southwestern Athletic Conference opener for both teams. The Panthers improved to 1-0 in SWAC play after losing 49-30 to No. 5 Tarleton State in their season opener. Texas Southern fell to 1-1 overall and 0-1 in conference play. Prairie View led 17-7 at halftime before pulling away in the third quarter. Prairie View Pulls Away After Halftime Prairie View took an early lead when…

Read More

Jackson State Mauls Edward Waters 66-14 in Dominant Home Opener

Brandon King

Image via Ayton Breckenridge/The Clarion Ledger JACKSON, Miss. — Jackson State put together a dominant performance in its 2026 home opener, overwhelming Edward Waters 66-14 Saturday night at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in the HOPE Labor Day Classic. The Tigers improved to 2-0 with the convincing victory after opening the season with a 26-24 comeback win over Tennessee State. Jackson State’s offense exploded against Edward Waters, while the defense consistently kept the visitors from finding a rhythm. The Tigers’ performance was particularly impressive considering how competitive their season opener had…

Read More

Bethune-Cookman trounced 73-6 by Central Florida in season opener

Brandon King

ORLANDO, Fla. — UCF opened the 2026 season with a historic display of dominance Thursday night, overwhelming Bethune-Cookman 73-6 in one of the most lopsided results in the Knights’ recent history. The defeat marked a difficult season debut for the Wildcats, who struggled to match UCF’s pace on either side of the ball. UCF quickly amassed a 21-0 lead in the first quarter, setting the tone with an explosive start and maintaining control throughout the game. The Knight built a 38-0 lead at the break and despite the second half…

Read More

Claudin Cherelus Makes Carolina Panthers’ 53-Man Roster, Keeps Alcorn State on the NFL Map

Brandon King

Former Alcorn State linebacker Claudin Cherelus has officially made the Carolina Panthers’ 53-man active roster, giving the SWAC another representative on an NFL roster heading into the 2026 season. Cherelus’ journey to this point is a testament to perseverance. After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Cherelus signed with the New York Jets before being released during final roster cuts. Carolina claimed him off waivers shortly afterward, giving the Alcorn State product an opportunity to continue his NFL career. Now, three years later, Cherelus has established himself in Carolina.…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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.…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More