Howard University football, which last week officially announced the hiring of alumnus Ted White (B.A. ‘98) as head coach, will open the 2026 college football season under the bright lights of national television when the Bison face Alabama A&M in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff. The game, the official start of the HBCU football season, will take place Saturday, Aug. 29, at 7:30 p.m. EST at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, and air nationally on ABC.  

The nationally celebrated season-opening matchup marks one of the most anticipated traditions in Black college football, bringing together talented student athletes, devoted alumni, and high-stepping marching bands from across the country to spotlight excellence within the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). 

Now entering its third decade, the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff continues to serve as a premier showcase for HBCU football, culture, and competition on a national stage. 

New Era, Big Stage 

The 2026 matchup features two programs entering defining chapters. 

Howard University will make its return to the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge under the leadership of White, who is one of the university’s most accomplished football players. A Howard alumnus and one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in program history, he was named head coach earlier this month after two decades of collegiate and professional coaching experience. 

For White, the opportunity to open the season on one of the sport’s biggest stages carries deep personal and programmatic meaning. 

“There is no bigger way to begin this journey than representing Howard University on a national platform that celebrates HBCU football,” said White. “This game is about pride, preparation, and setting the standard for who we are and what Bison football will be moving forward.” 

Institutional Momentum 

Vice President and Director of Athletics Kery Davis emphasized the importance of Howard’s participation in the event as both a competitive opportunity and a brand moment for the university. 

“The Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge represents everything that makes HBCU football special — excellence, exposure, and community,” Davis said. “Opening the season on ABC allows Howard University to showcase not only our football program, but the strength of our institution, our alumni base, and our commitment to competing at the highest level.” 

Davis noted that national stage opportunities such as the MEAC/SWAC Challenge align with Howard Athletics’ broader vision of increasing visibility, enhancing student-athlete experience, and positioning the Bison brand among the premier programs in the Football Championship Subdivision. 

Historic Matchup 

Howard and Alabama A&M both enter the 2026 contest seeking their first victory in the history of the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge. 

• Howard previously appeared in the 2022 game, falling to Alabama State, 23–13, in Atlanta. 
• Alabama A&M made its lone appearance in 2014, a 47–13 loss to North Carolina A&T when the game was played in Orlando. 

As the event begins its 21st year, the MEAC currently leads the all-time series 11–7. 

Howard’s return to Atlanta provides another opportunity for Bison Nation to unite on a national stage — blending competition, tradition, and community pride. 

“This is about honoring our legacy while building our future,” White added. “We want our alumni, students, and supporters to feel the excitement and momentum surrounding Howard football.” 

Looking Ahead 

Additional information about ticketing and week-of events, and the complete 2026 schedule, will be announced later.