Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

NCCU Triumphs in MEAC/SWAC Challenge; HBCU Season Kicks Off

9/2/2025

50 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

North Carolina Central won the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, marking the start of the 2025 HBCU football season on August 23.
QB Andrew Body from Alabama State and RB Marquis Gillis from Delaware State received weekly honors.
Jackson State, the 2024 SWAC champion, is the defending Celebration Bowl champion.
Key dates include the SWAC Championship on December 6 and the Celebration Bowl on December 13.

History

Historical Context

The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) was established in 1970 to enhance competition among historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in football. This legacy continues, as seen in North Carolina Central's 2025 victory in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and Jackson State's 2024 championship win, both of which underscore the cultural significance and community pride fostered by HBCU athletics.

1 of 2

Story summary

North Carolina Central won the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, marking the start of the 2025 HBCU football season on August 23.
QB Andrew Body from Alabama State and RB Marquis Gillis from Delaware State received weekly honors.
Jackson State, the 2024 SWAC champion, is the defending Celebration Bowl champion.
Key dates include the SWAC Championship on December 6 and the Celebration Bowl on December 13.

1 / 2