In an exciting announcement for HBCU football fans, John Grant, Executive Director of the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge and Celebration Bowl, revealed that Jackson State University will face Norfolk State University in the 2028 HBCU conference clash.
The MEAC/SWAC Challenge, a premier football event showcasing top teams from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), has grown in stature under Grant’s leadership.
Grant made the announcement during an appearance on the HBCU Sports Podcast with Kenn Rashad.
The 2028 showdown between Jackson State and Norfolk State promises to be a highly anticipated contest. It will showcase the current HBCU national champion Tigers against the Spartans, led by ex-NFL great Michael Vick.
Jackson State, a powerhouse in the SWAC, and Norfolk State, a program with new vigor in the MEAC, will enter this matchup with rich football traditions and passionate fan bases. The Spartans last played in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in 2024 against Florida A&M.
Jackson State previously appeared in 2023 versus South Carolina State.
The game is expected to draw large crowds and significant media attention, as the MEAC/SWAC Challenge continues to boost the visibility of HBCU football programs.
Grant’s ongoing efforts have been instrumental in elevating the MEAC/SWAC Challenge into a marquee event, often televised nationally, and creating new opportunities for the schools and athletes involved.
The announcement sets the stage for what is sure to be an electrifying game in 2028, continuing the legacy of competition and celebration that defines the MEAC/SWAC Challenge.
Future MEAC/SWAC Challenge matchups
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2026: Howard University (MEAC) vs. Alabama A&M (SWAC)
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2027: South Carolina State (MEAC) vs. Alabama State (SWAC)
- 2028: Norfolk State (MEAC) vs. Jackson State (SWAC)
