The MEAC/SWAC Challenge is back in primetime to start the HBCU football season.
North Carolina Central and Southern will kick off the season in Atlanta on Saturday, Aug. 23, at 7:30 p.m. on ABC.
The MEAC/SWAC Challenge has become a marquee event, drawing record crowds and television audiences in recent years.
💯 Days to Go!
The road to the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff is heating up! We’re just 100 days away from the ultimate HBCU season opener in ATL 🏟️🔥
Culture, competition, and community — it all goes down August 23rd.#MEACSWACChallenge #collegefootball #100days pic.twitter.com/UZLSGByqJL— Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge (@MEAC_SWAC) May 15, 2025
Last season’s contest set a new viewership high, and organizers hope this year’s evening start time will attract even more fans to the stands and screens as the Eagles and Jaguars battle for early bragging rights.
Per ESPN, Florida A&M’s 24-23 win over Norfolk State in 2024 drew 1.3 million viewers on ABC.
MEAC teams dominated early, winning 10 of the first 14 matchups. But the SWAC has closed the gap, winning three consecutive matchups.
