Both teams aim for redemption in the 2026 Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge after disappointing previous seasons
Category: Sports
College football officially kicks off this Saturday with a highly anticipated matchup between the Howard Bison and the Alabama A&M Bulldogs in the 2026 Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge. Scheduled for August 29, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET, the game will take place at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, and will be broadcast live on ABC.
This contest marks the beginning of a new chapter for both programs, which are looking to rebound after underwhelming seasons. Howard finished 5-7 in 2025, struggling particularly in the latter part of the season, and Alabama A&M ended with a 4-8 record. With new leadership and fresh strategies, both teams are eager to make a statement in their opening game.
Alabama A&M enters the season under the guidance of head coach Sam Shade, who is looking to improve upon last year's record. Shade, in his second year at the helm, aims to capitalize on a unique schedule that features only three true road games and three neutral-site games. The Bulldogs will play their first true road game against Florida A&M, hoping that a favorable schedule will help them build momentum early in the season.
The Bulldogs had a rocky finish to their previous season, winning three of their first four games but losing their last five, finishing with a disappointing record. Key to their hopes this year is quarterback Cornelious Brown IV, who returns after recovering from a severe ankle injury that sidelined him during the latter part of last season. Brown, 26, is now in his fourth season and eighth year as a college player, bringing much-needed experience to the squad.
On the other sideline, Howard is ushering in a new era under head coach Ted White, a former standout quarterback for the Bison from 1995 to 1999. White holds several program records, including passing yards (9,808), touchdowns (92), and completions (639). His return to Howard as head coach comes after the departure of Larry Scott, who left for an assistant position at Auburn following the 2025 season.
White's tenure begins with a roster that has seen considerable turnover, particularly on offense. Howard has several new players, including options at quarterback with graduate students Ja'Shawn Scroggins and Hampton transfer Isaiah Freeman joining the mix. The Bison will need to find their rhythm quickly, as they face a challenging schedule ahead, including matchups against Richmond, Indiana, and Rutgers in the following weeks.
Last season, Howard struggled offensively, ranking last in the MEAC in scoring with an average of 19.8 points per game. The run game saw a notable decline, dropping from an average of 172.6 yards per game in 2023 to just 123.3 in 2025. As they look to improve, the Bison will need to address these issues and find ways to capitalize on their strengths.
The MEAC/SWAC Challenge is an annual event that showcases matchups between teams from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). This year’s contest is particularly meaningful for both teams, as neither has won in the Challenge's history. Howard is 0-1, having lost to Alabama State in 2022, and Alabama A&M is also 0-1 after a loss to North Carolina A&T in 2014. Both programs will be eager to change that narrative.
As the college football season begins, the stakes are high for both Howard and Alabama A&M. With new coaching staff and a host of new players, both teams are looking to establish their identities and set the tone for the rest of the season. The Bison and Bulldogs are not just playing for a win; they are also competing for pride and the opportunity to prove their worth in a competitive college football environment.
Each team’s performance in this game could have implications for their confidence moving forward. For Alabama A&M, a victory could signal a turnaround after a disappointing previous season, boosting morale as they face a challenging schedule. For Howard, a win would help solidify Ted White's leadership and provide a much-needed boost as they navigate a tough early-season slate.
Following the season opener, both teams have demanding schedules lined up. Howard will host Richmond at home next week before embarking on back-to-back road games against Indiana and Rutgers. This sequence will test the Bison's resilience and adaptability, especially with their new offensive lineup.
Meanwhile, Alabama A&M will look to build on their performance against Howard with a home game against Miles on September 5, followed by a matchup against Tennessee State. These upcoming games will be key for the Bulldogs as they seek to establish momentum and improve their standings in the SWAC.
As the game approaches, fans eagerly anticipate what will likely be an exciting matchup between two teams hungry for victory. With both programs aiming to redefine their trajectories, the outcome of this contest may well set the tone for their respective seasons.
With kickoff just around the corner, the excitement is building. Will Howard secure a victory to start the Ted White era on a high note, or will Alabama A&M find redemption and a path to a successful season? The answers will begin to emerge on Saturday night in Atlanta.