Football | 8/22/2025 1:40:27 PM

Week 0 – MEAC’s N.C. Central takes on SWAC’s Southern in the 20th annual Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Saturday, August 23 on ABC.

MEAC Announces 2025 Football Television Schedule on ESPN Platforms

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North Carolina Central v. Southern, 7:30 PM | ABC
The MEAC will kick off Week 0 with the 20th annual Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge, as North Carolina Central University takes on Southern University on Saturday, Aug. 23, at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta, airing live on ABC at 7:30 p.m. ET. This will be the second all-time meeting between the programs, with NCCU winning the first in 2006, and marks Southern’s fourth appearance and NCCU’s third in the Challenge. The Jaguars, led by second-year head coach Terrence Graves, return key playmakers after capturing the SWAC West Division title in 2024, while the Eagles, under head coach Trei Oliver, bring back a veteran core after an 8-3 season highlighted by quarterback Walker Harris and First Team All-MEAC lineman Trevon Humphrey. Serving as the official kickoff to the college football season, the MEAC/SWAC Challenge continues to showcase the tradition and strength of HBCU football on a national stage.
 
NCCU Notes | Southern Notes