Category: SWAC

South Carolina State Defeats FAMU 31-13 in Orange Blossom Classic

Brandon King

Image via the Tallahassee Democrat MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — South Carolina State made a statement on one of HBCU football’s biggest stages Sunday, overpowering Florida A&M 31-13 in the Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium. The No. 22 Bulldogs improved to 2-0 behind a dominant rushing attack and a defense that made life miserable for the Rattlers throughout the afternoon. South Carolina State finished with 479 total yards, including 292 on the ground, while limiting Florida A&M to just 161 total yards and minus-1 rushing yard. The Bulldogs also…

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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…

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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…

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Alcorn State Taken to the Woodshed by Southern Miss, 49-3

Brandon King

Alcorn State had a night to forget Saturday, as the Braves were dominated from start to finish in a 49-3 loss to Southern Miss. It was actually the Braves who drew first blood. After Elijah Ruffin intercepted an Ethan Hampton pass, Alcorn State turned the takeaway into three points on Kenyon Bowser’s 22-yard field goal, giving the Braves a 3-0 lead. Unfortunately for Alcorn State, that lead represented the high point of the afternoon for the Braves—and the closest the game would be—as Southern Miss scored the next 49 points.…

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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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