We are officially on the home stretch of the countdown to the start of the 2026 HBCU football season, as we have now reached game week.
With that in mind, it’s a great time to begin previewing some of the big-time matchups to come in the season’s opening week, beginning with the MEAC/SWAC Challenge.
This year’s game features the Howard Bison representing the MEAC and the Alabama A&M Bulldogs representing the SWAC.
This is Howard’s first appearance in the yearly rivalry game since 2022, while Alabama A&M is returning for the first time since 2014.
The winner of this game will achieve their first win in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, having each lost in their only previous appearance.
Last season, North Carolina Central’s 31-14 win over Southern snapped a three-game losing streak for the MEAC, improving the conference’s overall record in the series to 12-7.
The SWAC has not lost the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in consecutive years since 2015 (lost two straight in 2019 and 2021 but with a break in between due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
Howard Enters a New Era With Plenty of Questions on Offense
The Howard Bison begin a new era on the gridiron with the return of program legend Ted White as their head coach.
Since their magical run to the MEAC championship in 2023, the Bison have struggled to return to form, posting a combined 3-7 conference record in the last two seasons.
The biggest question for Howard coming into this season is whether they can retrieve the offensive production that made them successful in their championship year.
In particular, the run game has been on a steady decline, dropping from 172.6 yards per game in 2023 to 146.2 in 2024, and finally, 123.3 in 2025.
In addition, they ranked last in the MEAC in scoring offense (19.8) and total offense (288.6).
That being said, a contributing factor to the Bison’s struggles running the ball is that one of its dynamic backs, Eden James, missed the majority of the season.
James returning to the lineup will be key for Howard’s offense, considering its leading rusher from last season has since departed.
Another question coming into this game for Howard is who will be the team’s starting quarterback.
Consistent production in the passing game was a big part of the Bison’s championship season in 2023, with the team finishing second in the MEAC that year in passing yards per game.
According to Coach White, the job has three top candidates: longtime quarterback Ja’Shawn Scroggins, Lincoln (PA) and Hampton transfer Isaiah Freeman, and second-year backup TJ Russell.
While Freeman has more experience as a starting quarterback, having previously won the CIAA Player of the Year award in 2023, Scroggins has the most experience with Howard.
No matter who is chosen to lead the team going forward, they will play a pivotal role in the team returning to championship contention.
Alabama A&M Looks to Build on Shade’s First Season
On the other hand, Alabama A&M is entering its second season under Sam Shade, looking to build on what was essentially a feel-out year in 2025.
The Bulldogs finished the season with a 4-8 record, their lowest win total in a year since 2022 and their worst win percentage (.333) since 2014.
This is nothing new to Coach Shade, who put together a significant turnaround at his previous position at Miles, leading the team to an SIAC championship after finishing 1-9 in his first campaign two years prior.
The key to that turnaround was establishing an identity defensively, and that will also be necessary this time around, given how much the team struggled in that department last season.
Alabama A&M finished in the bottom half of the SWAC in scoring defense (33.4 points allowed), giving up the most passing touchdowns (30) and the second-most rushing yards (194.1).
However, one of their strong points was creating turnovers, forcing 10 in a five-game stretch last season. This will be a building block for A&M taking the first step toward championship contention.
As for the offense, a name to watch for the Bulldogs is quarterback Eric Handley, who made a great first impression as a redshirt freshman last season.
Taking over as the team’s starter in the back stretch of 2025, Handley recorded four 200+ yard passing games, including a performance against Bethune-Cookman in which he threw for 355 yards and three touchdowns.
Whether he is the starting quarterback or not, the player in that position could be in for an uphill battle, considering the state of the wide receiver room.
All three of the Bulldogs’ leading receivers have departed the team, including two who transferred to schools within the SWAC.
Wide receiver development, in addition to support from the backfield, will be something to watch in this game and as the season progresses.
