HBCU football sees viewership growth during MEAC/SWAC Challenge

The 2026 Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge saw a rise in national visibility for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) football. The featured matchup between the Howard University Bison and the Alabama A&M Bulldogs in Atlanta drew an average of 1.2 million viewers on ABC, peaking at 1.7 million. This represents a 10 percent increase in viewership compared to the previous year, despite a crowded opening weekend featuring over 20 other HBCU games.

On the field, Howard secured a 31-24 victory. Graduate quarterback Ja’Shawn Scroggins was named MVP after throwing for 315 yards and three touchdowns. The win also marked the first head coaching victory for Tederal “Ted” White at his alma mater.

The growth of the event coincides with broader developments in the sector, including the formation of the Black College Football Poll (BCFP), a new standardized ranking system for the MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, and SIAC conferences. The Challenge remains one of the most-watched college football showcases during the opening weekend of the season.