HBCU Football Kicks Off 2026 Season on National Stage

HBCU football fans, brace yourselves - the 2026 season is set to kick off in a big way! On Saturday, August 29th, two powerhouse programs, Howard University and Alabama A&M, will take the field in the highly anticipated Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta. This primetime matchup will air nationally on ABC at 7:30 p.m. ET, placing HBCU football squarely in the national spotlight.

Now entering its 21st year, the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge has established itself as one of the sport's premier showcases, serving as the official opening act for HBCU football. The event has traveled across the Southeast, from Legion Field in Birmingham to Orlando and now Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta, cementing its status as a must-see event for HBCU football fans.

A Fresh Start for Howard, A Defining Moment for Ted White

For Howard University, this game represents a new chapter. The Bison will take the field under the leadership of first-year head coach Ted White, a Bison alumnus and one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in program history. After more than two decades of coaching experience at the collegiate and professional levels, White's return to Howard has generated a palpable sense of excitement within the HBCU community.

"There is no bigger way to begin this journey than representing Howard University on a national platform that celebrates HBCU football," White told Howard University's The Dig publication. "This game is about pride, preparation, and setting the standard."

The Bison are no strangers to the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge, having made an appearance in 2022. However, this time around, they'll be seeking their first-ever victory in the event.

Alabama A&M Seeks Redemption

On the other side of the field, Alabama A&M enters the matchup with a similar sense of urgency. The Bulldogs will be making their second appearance in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, their first since 2014 when they faced off against North Carolina A&T. This time, they'll be looking to avenge that earlier defeat and prove their worth on the national stage.

The matchup between Howard and Alabama A&M marks only the second time these two programs have met in history, adding an intriguing layer of unfamiliarity to the proceedings. In the early season, games often reward preparation and discipline more than reputation, leaving both teams on equal footing.

As Howard Athletic Director Kery Davis eloquently stated, "The Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge represents everything that makes HBCU football special. Opening the season on ABC allows Howard University to showcase our program, our alumni, and our commitment to competing at the highest level."

HBCUConnect's Perspective: This primetime showcase on national television is a testament to the growing prominence and recognition of HBCU football. For the Howard Bison and Alabama A&M Bulldogs, this game represents an opportunity to not only compete for a win but to showcase the talent, passion, and rich tradition that define HBCU athletics. As the season kicks off, the HBCU community will be tuned in, proud to see their programs take center stage and represent the values that make HBCU sports so special.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.