The wait is finally over as we have officially arrived at the return of HBCU football, with three Thursday night games on tap to begin the season.
Here are 5 games to watch on opening weekend of the 2026 HBCU football season.
Delaware State vs. Stony Brook
When: August 27; Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: MEAC Network
After a transcendent 2025 campaign, Delaware State begins a new journey when they open the season against Stony Brook.
In their first season under head coach DeSean Jackson, the Hornets defied all expectations, improving from a 1-11 record the previous year to 8-4, coming within a game of a MEAC championship.
Their run game was a big part of their success, leading the country in rushing yards per game (291.2), including running back duo Marquis Gillis and James Jones combining for over 2100 rushing yards.
They also got a boost from quarterback Kaiden Bennett, who added 574 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns.
However, the Hornets will look to replicate the success from 2025 with an entirely new cast of characters, having to move on from these principle players.
Delaware State will get a strong test to open the year against a Stony Brook team that finished with a solid 6-6 record in 2025.
Johnson C. Smith vs. Benedict
When: August 29; Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: SIAC Network
In a matchup of top Division II contenders, the reigning CIAA champion Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls travel to Columbia, South Carolina, for a clash with the SIAC favorite Benedict Tigers.
In 2025, Johnson C. Smith and Benedict were part of history as two of five teams to qualify for the Division II playoffs, the latter of which won its first-ever Division II playoff game.
The Golden Bulls’ path to the DII playoffs included halting a Virginia Union CIAA Championship three-peat to snap a 56-year conference title drought.
Meanwhile, Benedict improved significantly in its second season under head coach Ron Dickerson, jumping from 4-6 to 10-3 and advancing to its third SIAC championship game in four years.
Both teams enter with high expectations, being picked to finish second in their respective conference’s predicted order of finish.
Florida A&M vs. Albany State
When: August 29; Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: SWACTV
Florida A&M officially begins the Quinn Gray era, head coach edition, when they welcome the star quarterback’s former team, Albany State, to Bragg Stadium.
Coach Gray returns to lead his alma mater after spending the previous three years as head coach at Albany State.
In his three seasons with the Golden Rams, he led the team to a 24-11 overall record, including 12 wins in 2025, setting a new school single-season record.
He will now be tasked with taking over a Florida A&M team that has had a steady drop-off since their 2023 championship season.
Since moving on from Willie Simmons, the Rattlers have combined for a 12-12 record in each of the past two seasons (finished 12-1 in 2023).
Meanwhile, Albany State will move forward in its bid to repeat as SIAC champions being led by David Bowser.
Howard vs. Alabama A&M
When: August 29; Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ABC
The 20th edition of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge commences in Atlanta, Georgia, when the Howard Bison meet the Alabama A&M Bulldogs.
Last year, the SWAC’s three-game win streak over the MEAC in this series was snapped when North Carolina Central took down Southern 31-14.
Both teams are looking for their first win in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, having lost in their lone appearance in 2014 and 2022, respectively.
While Alabama A&M is entering its second season with head coach Sam Shade, Howard is beginning a new era with the return of former star quarterback Ted White.
Jackson State vs. Tennessee State
When: August 29; Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
For the first time since 2022, the Jackson State Tigers will meet the Tennessee State Tigers, this time in the John Merritt Classic in Nashville.
The last time these two teams faced each other, Jackson State claimed its third straight win over Tennessee State in the Southern Heritage Classic, beating them 16-3.
Jackson State enters the year looking to avenge a 2025 campaign during which its bid for a SWAC championship repeat was disrupted by a loss to Prairie View A&M in the conference title game.
Meanwhile, Tennessee State is looking to build on its first season with Reggie Barlow as its head coach, having finished 2-10 (fewest wins in a season since 2005).
