Category: SWAC

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…

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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.…

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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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Alabama State QB Andrew Body Lands NIL Partnership With Raising Cane’s

Brandon King

image via Andrew Body\IG Alabama State quarterback Andrew Body is adding another major brand to his growing NIL portfolio. The standout Hornets quarterback has landed an NIL partnership with Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, according to a post shared by Body and highlighted by Light on Sports. The partnership gives Body another opportunity to connect his growing profile on the football field with a nationally recognized brand. Body enters the 2026 season as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in HBCU football. The Alabama State signal-caller was named the 2025 SWAC…

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From UPS to Division I: David Jones’ Inspiring Journey to Mississippi Valley State

Brandon King

Before earning an opportunity to play Division I football, Jones was working at UPS while continuing to chase his football dreams. That grind eventually led him to Livingstone College, where he continued developing as a defensive lineman and putting himself in position for the next opportunity. Now, that opportunity has arrived. Jones is transferring to Mississippi Valley State University, where he will continue his football career at the Division I level with the Delta Devils. His story is about much more than football. It’s about continuing to work toward a…

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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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Jackson State Survives Tennessee State 26-24 in Wild John A. Merritt Classic Finish

Brandon King

Jackson State opened the 2026 season with a thrilling 26-24 victory over Tennessee State on Saturday night, overcoming a fourth-quarter deficit and surviving a late field-goal attempt to secure the season-opening win. The Tigers wasted little time making an impact. On Jackson State’s opening drive, quarterback Jared Lockhart sold a play-action fake on 3rd-and-6, stepped up in the pocket and found a wide-open Jabari Jones for an 88-yard touchdown pass. The explosive play gave Jackson State an early 7-0 advantage. Tennessee State answered immediately. On the ensuing drive, quarterback Daylin…

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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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Alabama State Rallies Past Southern, 30-17, in Inaugural Birmingham Football Classic

Brandon King

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Alabama State opened the 2026 football season with a statement, rallying from a four-point halftime deficit to defeat Southern University 30-17 in the inaugural Birmingham Football Classic at historic Legion Field on Saturday. The Hornets entered the season ranked No. 4 in the preseason Black College Football Poll after going 10-2 in 2025, while Southern was beginning a new era under Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk. (https://www.wsfa.com⁠) Southern controlled much of the first half. Mike Franklin opened the scoring with a 30-yard touchdown run, and…

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BREAKING: Four Jackson State Players Granted TRO, Eligible for 10 Days

Brandon King

Jackson State has received a major boost just two days before its 2026 season opener. Reid Pulliam, B.J. Washington, Kazarius Bowie and Tymon Wells have been granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA, making the four Tigers eligible to compete for the next 10 days. The ruling comes as the players continue their legal fight for an additional season of college football eligibility. The timing is significant. Jackson State opens the 2026 season on Saturday, Aug. 29, against Tennessee State, meaning all four players are now eligible to take…

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