2026 Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff Presser: Key Takeaways
Photo courtesy MEAC/ SWAC Kickoff Challenge
Date: Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026
Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: ABC
Venue: Center Parc Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Matchup
Alabama A&M (SWAC)
Howard (MEAC)
Major Announcement
ESPN Events and the SWAC extended their partnership through 2032 for both the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff and the Cricket Celebration Bowl.
Executive Director John Grant also announced that an extension with the MEAC is expected soon.
Sponsorship Updates
Toyota becomes the new multiyear presenting sponsor of:
Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff
Cricket Celebration Bowl
Red Lobster Band of the Year Competition
Cricket Wireless remains the title sponsor of both HBCU football events.
Event History
21st edition of the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge.
Second appearance for both schools:
Alabama A&M previously appeared in 2014.
Howard previously appeared in 2022.
Halftime Entertainment
Alabama A&M: Marching Maroon and White
Howard: Showtime Marching Band
Band Directors' Focus
William Young (Alabama A&M)
Create a home-field atmosphere.
Bring energy, discipline and accountability.
Support the football team while entertaining fans.
Clifford Southern (Howard)
Deliver an engaging halftime performance.
Showcase Howard's musical excellence.
Highlight academic opportunities for students.
Athletic Directors' Takeaways
Dr. Paul A. Bryant (Alabama A&M)
Praised second-year head coach Sam Shade.
Emphasized the national exposure provided by ABC.
Kery Davis (Howard)
Highlighted Howard's commitment to comprehensive excellence.
Introduced alumnus Ted White as the Bison's new head coach.
Stressed that the event showcases the entire university, not just football.
Alabama A&M Outlook
Building a more physical football team.
Improved quarterback competition.
Offensive identity centered on a balanced attack.
Defensive priority: Stop the run.
Team motto: "Chase."
Howard Outlook
Team philosophy: "Respect All, Fear None."
Starting quarterback had not been named.
Focus on leadership and accountability.
Offseason development included:
Financial literacy
Resume building
Media training
Job interview preparation
Looking Ahead
The Cricket Celebration Bowl presented by Toyota returns in December at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
MEAC and SWAC champions will compete for the HBCU National Championship.
The Red Lobster Band of the Year Competition will feature HBCU and Metro Atlanta high school bands.
No team has ever won both the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and the Celebration Bowl in the same season, giving Alabama A&M and Howard a chance to make history.
