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The Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff presented by Toyota has officially locked in its matchups through the 2029 season, giving HBCU football fans an early look at the next four editions of the annual season-opening showcase.
This year’s game will feature Morgan State taking on Alabama A&M. In 2027, Morgan State will return to the event to face Alabama State. The 2028 edition will pit Jackson State against Norfolk State, while South Carolina State and Alcorn State are set to square off in the 2029 game. While the participating teams have been confirmed, additional details, including kickoff dates, television information and game times, will be announced at a later date.
“These matchups represent exactly what the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff presented by Toyota is all about—outstanding competition, passionate fan bases and the traditions that make HBCU football special,” said John T. Grant, executive director of the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff and Cricket Celebration Bowl. “Each game offers a compelling story, whether it is a program returning to the event, a team making its debut or two historic brands meeting in the Challenge for the first time. We are excited to bring fans these three outstanding matchups.”
Grant also highlighted the event’s continued role as one of the premier showcases in college football’s opening weekend.
“The Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff has become a season-opening tradition unlike any other in college football, and these matchups continue to bring compelling storylines and passionate fan bases to Atlanta,” Grant continued. “We’re excited to welcome these six programs to kick off their seasons on this national stage over the next three years.”
The MEAC-SWAC Challenge has become the official kickoff to the HBCU football season and consistently ranks among the most-watched and highest-attended FCS games each year. The 2025 edition, featuring Southern and North Carolina Central, averaged 867,000 viewers on ABC. Despite airing on a busy opening weekend of college football, including against two games airing at the same time, the game delivered one of the strongest television audiences among FCS contests.
That same day, Stanford versus Hawaii averaged 1.3 million viewers on CBS, while Fresno State versus Kansas also drew 1.3 million viewers on Fox.
The Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff presented by Toyota has officially locked in its matchups through the 2029 season, giving HBCU football fans an early look at the next four editions of the annual season-opening showcase. This year’s game will feature Morgan State taking on Alabama A&M. In 2027, Morgan State will return to the event to face Alabama State.
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