HBCU Gridiron Titans Clash in Primetime Showdown: Howard Bison and Alabama A&M Bulldogs Kick Off the Season with High Hopes
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Posted By: Will Moss on January 29, 2026 As the college football season approaches, all eyes turn to the excitement brewing in the HBCU community. In a highly anticipated Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge, the Howard University Bison and the Alabama A&M Bulldogs will take the national stage to usher in the 2026 campaign. This primetime matchup, set to be played on August 29th in Atlanta, Georgia, presents a unique opportunity for two programs on the cusp of a resurgence. Both Howard and Alabama A&M are eager to rewrite their narratives and showcase the talent and determination that define HBCU football. Key Takeaway: This nationally televised showdown on ABC will allow the HBCU community to showcase its rich football heritage and the rising stars who will shape the future of the game.
Howard's New Era Under Ted WhiteThe Howard Bison enter the 2026 season with a renewed sense of optimism under the leadership of new head coach Ted White. A former Bison quarterback and one of the most accomplished passers in school history, White has returned to his alma mater after two decades of coaching experience at the college and professional levels. "This is the right man for the job @HUBISONFOOTBALL! A Bison legend comes home. A great coach that will uphold and build upon the Howard Standard!" - Steve Wyche, former NFL Network analyst The Bison's 2025 campaign saw them flashing potential on both sides of the ball, but they ultimately fell short of a winning record, averaging just over 20 points per game. Under White's guidance, the team is poised to unveil a revamped offense and a retooled roster, giving them a chance to make a statement in front of a national audience, as well as to showcase their progress for potential recruits and loyal Bison alumni. Alabama A&M's Rebuilding NarrativeOn the other side of the field, the Alabama A&M Bulldogs arrive from the SWAC with their own rebuilding narrative. The 2025 season ended in disappointment for the Bulldogs, as they finished 4-8 overall and 1-7 in conference play. Under the leadership of head coach Sam Shade, who took over the program in 2025, the Bulldogs are in the early stages of a reset. While they showed intermittent offensive spark, consistency has been a challenge. This primetime matchup against Howard provides the Bulldogs with a rare opportunity to flip the script and signal to the rest of the SWAC that they are ready to re-enter the title conversation. Key Takeaway: The Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge offers both Howard and Alabama A&M a national platform to showcase their resilience and determination, which are at the heart of the HBCU athletic experience.
HBCUConnect Perspective: This highly anticipated matchup between the Howard Bison and the Alabama A&M Bulldogs is more than just a football game – it's a testament to the unwavering spirit and unbreakable determination that define the HBCU community. As these two programs take center stage, they will not only be playing for the pride of their institutions but also for the legacy of HBCU athletics as a whole. The HBCU community eagerly awaits this primetime showcase, knowing that the outcome will reverberate far beyond the field, inspiring future generations of student-athletes to rise to the challenge and continue the proud tradition of excellence that has long been the hallmark of HBCU sports. Originally reported by HBCU Sports. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Will Moss
Founder & CEO, HBCU CONNECT, LLC Hampton University class of 1995 Member Since June 1999 |
