Category: SWAC

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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FAMU names Isaiah Knowles starting QB for Week 0 after decorated Albany State career

Brandon King

Florida A&M has officially found its leader under center for the start of the 2026 season. The Rattlers announced Monday that transfer quarterback Isaiah Knowles will open the season as the team’s starting quarterback for its Week 0 matchup, ending any speculation surrounding the position heading into the season opener. Knowles arrives in Tallahassee after an outstanding career at Albany State, where he established himself as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Division II and HBCU football. During his time with the Golden Rams, he earned SIAC Offensive Player…

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FAMU x Nike Vomero 18 Officially Releases: Florida A&M-Inspired Runner Available Now

Brandon King

Nike has officially released the Florida A&M (FAMU) Nike Vomero 18, giving Rattlers fans a fresh way to represent one of the nation’s most iconic HBCUs. Part of Nike’s expanding NCAA footwear collection, the FAMU-themed Vomero 18 combines the university’s unmistakable green-and-orange color palette with one of the brand’s most comfortable running silhouettes. The upper is dressed in Fortress Green with Mandarin accents and crisp white detailing throughout. Florida A&M branding appears near the heel, while Nike’s signature Swoosh completes the collegiate-inspired design. Beyond its eye-catching appearance, the Vomero 18…

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Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Announces Matchups Through 2029, Featuring Jackson State, Morgan State and South Carolina State

Brandon King

The future of one of HBCU football’s premier opening weekend showcases is now set. The Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff has officially announced its featured matchups for the next three seasons, with Morgan State, Jackson State, Norfolk State, South Carolina State, Alabama State and Alcorn State all slated to take center stage in nationally televised contests. The annual event continues to serve as a marquee showcase for Historically Black Colleges and Universities while highlighting the longstanding rivalry between the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). 2027: Morgan…

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South Carolina State, Johnson C. Smith Headline Inaugural 2026 Preseason Black College Football Poll

Brandon King

Defending HBCU champions South Carolina State and Johnson C. Smith have been voted No. 1 in the inaugural 2026 Preseason Black College Football Poll, making history as the first programs to top the newly established national rankings. The poll, which is endorsed by the MEAC, SWAC, CIAA and SIAC, provides an official weekly ranking of HBCU football programs across NCAA Division I (FCS) and Division II. The rankings are determined by a panel of HBCU head coaches and media members and are designed to become the definitive benchmark for Black…

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SWAC Announces 2026 Football Media Day Attendees

Brandon King

The Southwestern Athletic Conference has officially released the list of head coaches and student-athletes who will represent each program at the 2026 SWAC Football Media Day, set for July 15 in Birmingham, Alabama. The annual event serves as the unofficial kickoff to the SWAC football season, featuring preseason storylines, player availability, and the release of the predicted order of finish. Each of the 12 member institutions will be represented by its head coach along with two student-athletes. 🏈 2026 SWAC Football Media Day Attendees Alabama A&M Alabama State Alcorn State…

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2026 MEAC/SWAC Challenge Between Howard and Alabama A&M To Air Nationally on ABC

Brandon King

The 2026 Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge between Howard University and Alabama A&M University will officially air nationally on ABC on Saturday, August 29 at 7:30 PM ET from Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta.   The announcement continues the MEAC/SWAC Challenge’s role as one of the premier showcases in HBCU football, giving both programs a major national platform to open the 2026 college football season.   This year’s matchup also carries added intrigue:

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