HBCU Dragons Embrace Tough Slate Against MEAC, SWAC Powerhouses
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Posted By: Will Moss on February 03, 2026 Virginia University of Lynchburg (VUL), a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), is once again loading up its football schedule with a heavy dose of NCAA Division I and Division II opponents – particularly from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), two of the most prestigious HBCU conferences. The Dragons, who compete outside the NCAA, have built a reputation for tackling challenging schedules that feature several HBCU programs. This year's lineup is no exception, as VUL is set to take on a slew of familiar HBCU foes, including Hampton, Morgan State, Bethune-Cookman, Norfolk State, and Livingstone College. The season opener on August 29 against Hampton, an FCS HBCU powerhouse, will kick off a month of intense HBCU competition for the Dragons. They'll follow that up with matchups against fellow FCS HBCU programs Morgan State (September 12) and Bethune-Cookman (September 19), providing them with an early-season gauntlet against some of the top teams in the MEAC. The Dragons will also face off against Norfolk State, another MEAC contender, on October 10, and will travel to take on Livingstone College, an HBCU program in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), on October 31. Key Takeaway: VUL's commitment to challenging its team against top HBCU competition, despite operating outside the NCAA, speaks to the program's desire to measure itself against the best and provide its players with the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
The Dragons' schedule also features a mix of Division II opponents, including Bluefield University, Clayton State, Newberry College, and Savannah State, another HBCU program in the SIAC. "For VUL, the schedule reflects a program operating in the NCCAA while still seeking the visibility and measuring-stick opportunities that come with lining up against NCAA Division I and Division II opponents – particularly within the HBCU landscape." HBCUConnect Perspective: VUL's decision to embrace a challenging schedule filled with HBCU opponents is a testament to the program's commitment to showcasing its talent against the best competition available. By facing off against the powerhouses of the MEAC and SWAC, the Dragons are not only testing themselves but also raising the profile of their program within the HBCU community. This kind of bold scheduling decision demonstrates the pride and determination that are hallmarks of HBCU athletics, and it is sure to resonate with the HBCUConnect audience as they follow the Dragons' journey this season. Originally reported by HBCU Gameday. 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 |
