Tag: SWAC Football

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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Nicholls Dominates Mississippi Valley State 44-10 in Season Opener

Brandon King

THIBODAUX, La. — Mississippi Valley State’s 2026 football season got off to a difficult start Thursday night as the Delta Devils were overwhelmed by Nicholls, falling 44-10 at Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium. Nicholls set the tone early and never looked back, racing to a 37-0 halftime advantage behind a dominant offensive performance and a defense that forced four turnovers in the first half. Nicholls quarterback Ean Rodrigue completed 16 of 25 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with Jordan Smith and Greg Donaldson on explosive…

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Cameron Peters Signs With Hamilton Tiger-Cats After Standout Prairie View A&M Career

Brandon King

Former Prairie View A&M quarterback Cameron Peters is taking the next step in his football career. Peters has signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League, giving the former Panthers standout an opportunity to continue his professional career north of the border. Peters finished his Prairie View A&M career after two seasons with an impressive résumé. He threw for 3,723 yards and 27 touchdowns, while adding 598 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on the ground. His time in the SWAC also included one of the most successful…

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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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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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Michael Penix Jr.’s Brother Mekhi Penix Transfers to Mississippi Valley State

Brandon King

Via: Mekhi Penix (@m.penix13/Instagram) Mississippi Valley State has added a recognizable name to its football program, landing wide receiver Mekhi Penix, the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound receiver announced his commitment to the Delta Devils on social media after spending the 2025 season at Independence Community College. He appeared in 8 games for Independence Community College in 2025. He recorded 17 receptions for 234 yards and 2 touchdowns in those eight appearances. Mekhi now heads to Itta Bena looking to continue his collegiate…

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Jackson State Alum Isaiah Bolden Signs With Philadelphia Eagles

Brandon King

Former Tigers standout Isaiah Bolden has signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, giving the 26-year-old cornerback another opportunity to continue his NFL career. The Eagles announced the move Monday, signing Bolden and releasing offensive lineman Hollin Pierce. Bolden originally entered the NFL after the New England Patriots selected him in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 245th overall pick out of Jackson State. He spent two seasons with New England before later spending time with the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad. Before reaching the NFL, Bolden transferred…

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