MEAC Announces 2026 MEAC Network Football, Volleyball and Cross Country Schedules

  

 

MEAC Announces 2026 MEAC Network Football, Volleyball and Cross Country Schedules 

NORFOLK, Va. – The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced Tuesday the 2026 MEAC Network fall schedule, featuring live coverage of football, volleyball and the 2026 MEAC Cross Country Championships. 

The fall slate includes up to 13 football games and 82 volleyball matches, in addition to the men’s and women’s cross country championships. 

Delaware State Football will kick off the 2026 MEAC Network schedule on Thursday, Aug. 27, when the Hornets host Stony Brook at 6 p.m. The matchup will mark the first live event of the fall schedule. 

The enhanced MEAC Network serves as the MEAC’s official streaming destination, offering more than 100 live events annually, including regular-season competition and live coverage of MEAC championship events. In addition to live programming, the platform features original content from across MEAC campuses, exclusive features and behind-the-scenes coverage, as well as an expanded on-demand library of archived games. 

 

Available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, Android and the MEAC Network website, the platform provides access to more than 150 million U.S. streaming households, allowing fans to watch MEAC content anytime and anywhere. 

 

MEAC Network Highlights 

● More than 100 live events annually 

● Live coverage of MEAC championship events 

● Original programming from across MEAC campuses 

● Exclusive content and behind-the-scenes features 

● On-demand archived games 

● Available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, Android and the web 

● Access to more than 150 million U.S. streaming households 

● Watch anytime, anywhere 

 

 

 

Football 

Date Time Matchup 

Thursday, August 27, 2026 6:00 p.m. Stony Brook at Delaware State 

Saturday, August 29, 2026 6:00 p.m. Winston-Salem State at Norfolk State 

Saturday, September 5, 2026 6:00 p.m. Richmond at Howard 

Saturday, September 5, 2026 6:00 p.m. Elizabeth City State at North Carolina Central 

Saturday, September 12, 2026 3:00 p.m. Bowie State at Delaware State 

Saturday, September 12, 2026 6:00 p.m. Virginia-Lynchburg at Morgan State 

Saturday, September 12, 2026 6:00 p.m. Virginia State at South Carolina State 

Saturday, September 19, 2026 4:00 p.m. Hampton at Norfolk State 

Saturday, September 26, 2026 6:00 p.m. Towson at Delaware State 

Saturday, October 3, 2026 6:00 p.m. Campbell at North Carolina Central 

Saturday, October 3, 2026 2:00 p.m. The Citadel at South Carolina State 

Saturday, October 10, 2026 1:00 p.m. Franklin Pierce at Delaware State 

Saturday, October 10, 2026 

 

Volleyball 2:00 p.m. Virginia-Lynchburg at Norfolk State 

Date Time Matchup 

Friday, August 28, 2026 6:00 p.m. Maryland at Howard 

Sunday, August 30, 2026 2:00 p.m. George Mason at Howard 

Tuesday, September 1, 2026 6:00 p.m. Gardner-Webb at North Carolina Central 

Friday, September 4, 2026 7:00 p.m. NJIT at Delaware State 

Saturday, September 5, 2026 10:00 a.m. Quinnipiac at Delaware State 

Saturday, September 5, 2026 6:30 p.m. Lehigh at Delaware State 

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 12:00 p.m. Rutgers-Camden at Delaware State 

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 6:00 p.m. UNC Asheville at North Carolina Central 

Friday, September 11, 2026 6:00 p.m. George Mason at Morgan State 

Friday, September 11, 2026 6:00 p.m. USC Upstate at North Carolina Central 

Sunday, September 13, 2026 1:00 p.m. George Washington at Morgan State 

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 6:00 p.m. Radford at North Carolina Central 

Thursday, September 17, 2026 6:00 p.m. Georgetown at Howard 

Thursday, September 24, 2026 6:00 p.m. Coppin State at Howard 

Friday, September 25, 2026 6:00 p.m. North Carolina Central at Delaware State 

Friday, September 25, 2026 6:00 p.m. Morgan State at Norfolk State 

Friday, September 25, 2026 6:00 p.m. South Carolina State at Maryland Eastern Shore 

Sunday, September 27, 2026 1:00 p.m. South Carolina State at Delaware State 

Sunday, September 27, 2026 1:00 p.m. Howard at Morgan State 

Sunday, September 27, 2026 1:00 p.m. Coppin State at Norfolk State 

Sunday, September 27, 2026   

Shore 1:00 p.m. North Carolina Central at Maryland Eastern 

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 6:00 p.m. Loyola Maryland at Coppin State 

Thursday, October 1, 2026 6:00 p.m. Delaware State at Howard 

Friday, October 2, 2026 6:00 p.m. Maryland Eastern Shore at Norfolk State 

Friday, October 2, 2026 6:00 p.m. Morgan State at North Carolina Central 

Friday, October 2, 2026 6:00 p.m. Coppin State at South Carolina State 

Sunday, October 4, 2026 1:00 p.m. Norfolk State at Delaware State 

Sunday, October 4, 2026 1:00 p.m. Morgan State at South Carolina State 

Sunday, October 4, 2026 1:00 p.m. Howard at Maryland Eastern Shore 

Thursday, October 8, 2026 6:00 p.m. North Carolina Central at Norfolk State 

Friday, October 9, 2026 6:00 p.m. Maryland Eastern Shore at Coppin State 

Friday, October 9, 2026 6:00 p.m. North Carolina Central at Howard 

Friday, October 9, 2026 6:00 p.m. Delaware State at Morgan State 

Friday, October 9, 2026 6:00 p.m. South Carolina State at Norfolk State 

Sunday, October 11, 2026 1:00 p.m. Coppin State at Delaware State 

Sunday, October 11, 2026 6:00 p.m. South Carolina State at Howard 

Sunday, October 11, 2026 1:00 p.m. Morgan State at Maryland Eastern Shore 

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 6:00 p.m. Towson at Coppin State 

Friday, October 16, 2026 6:00 p.m. Morgan State at Coppin State 

Friday, October 16, 2026 6:00 p.m. Howard at Norfolk State 

Friday, October 16, 2026 TBA South Carolina State at North Carolina Central 

Friday, October 16, 2026 6:00 p.m. Delaware State at Maryland Eastern Shore 

Sunday, October 18, 2026 1:00 p.m. Norfolk State at Coppin State 

Friday, October 23, 2026 6:00 p.m. Howard at Coppin State 

Friday, October 23, 2026 6:00 p.m. Norfolk State at Morgan State 

Friday, October 23, 2026 TBA Delaware State at North Carolina Central 

Friday, October 23, 2026 6:00 p.m. Maryland Eastern Shore at South Carolina State 

Sunday, October 25, 2026 TBA Norfolk State at Coppin State 

Sunday, October 25, 2026 1:00 p.m. Morgan State at Howard 

Sunday, October 25, 2026 

Central TBA Maryland Eastern Shore at North Carolina 

Sunday, October 25, 2026 1:00 p.m. Delaware State at South Carolina State 

Friday, October 30, 2026 6:00 p.m. South Carolina State at Coppin State 

Friday, October 30, 2026 6:00 p.m. Howard at Delaware State 

Friday, October 30, 2026 6:00 p.m. North Carolina Central at Morgan State 

Friday, October 30, 2026 6:00 p.m. Norfolk State at Maryland Eastern Shore 

Sunday, November 1, 2026 1:00 p.m. North Carolina Central at Coppin State 

Sunday, November 1, 2026 1:00 p.m. Maryland Eastern Shore at Howard 

Sunday, November 1, 2026 1:00 p.m. South Carolina State at Morgan State 

Sunday, November 1, 2026 1:00 p.m. Delaware State at Norfolk State 

Friday, November 6, 2026 6:00 p.m. Morgan State at Delaware State 

Friday, November 6, 2026 TBA Howard at North Carolina Central 

Friday, November 6, 2026 6:00 p.m. Norfolk State at South Carolina State 

Friday, November 6, 2026 6:00 p.m. Coppin State at Maryland Eastern Shore 

Sunday, November 8, 2026 1:00 p.m. Delaware State at Coppin State 

Sunday, November 8, 2026 1:00 p.m. Maryland Eastern Shore at Morgan State 

Sunday, November 8, 2026 TBA Norfolk State at North Carolina Central 

Sunday, November 8, 2026 1:00 p.m. Howard at South Carolina State 

Friday, November 13, 2026 6:00 p.m. Maryland Eastern Shore at Delaware State 

Friday, November 13, 2026 6:00 p.m. Norfolk State at Howard 

Friday, November 13, 2026 6:00 p.m. Coppin State at Morgan State 

Friday, November 13, 2026 6:00 p.m. North Carolina Central at South Carolina State 

Friday, November 20, 2026 11:30 a.m. No. 8 Seed vs. No. 1 Seed — Quarterfinal 

Friday, November 20, 2026 2:30 p.m. No. 5 Seed vs. No. 4 Seed — Quarterfinal 

Friday, November 20, 2026 5:30 p.m. No. 7 Seed vs. No. 2 Seed — Quarterfinal 

Friday, November 20, 2026 8:30 p.m. No. 6 Seed vs. No. 3 Seed — Quarterfinal 

Saturday, November 21, 2026 5:30 p.m. MEAC Volleyball Semifinal 

Saturday, November 21, 2026 8:30 p.m. MEAC Volleyball Semifinal 

Sunday, November 22, 2026 

 

Cross Country 8:30 p.m. MEAC Volleyball Championship 

Date Time Event 

Friday, October 30, 2026 TBA MEAC Cross Country Championships 

 

About the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference 

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) enters its 56th year of intercollegiate competition with the 

2026–27 academic year. Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, the MEAC is comprised of eight distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) along the Atlantic seaboard: Coppin State University, Delaware State University, Howard University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 

Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina Central University, and South Carolina State University. Since its founding in 1970, the MEAC has been dedicated to promoting academic excellence, sportsmanship, and the personal growth of student athletes. For more information, visit www.MEACSports.com. 

 

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MEAC Announces 2027 Hall of Fame Class

MEAC Announces 2027 Hall of Fame Class; Tickets and Souvenir Program Ads on Sale Now

NORFOLK, Va. – The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced today the 2027 Hall of Fame Class, honoring a distinguished group of former student-athletes and coaches. The five inductees will be officially enshrined during the week of the 2027 MEAC Basketball Tournament, March 10-13, in Norfolk, Va.

The 2027 MEAC Hall of Fame Class includes “Cy” Alexander (South Carolina State/North Carolina A&T State), Rod Broadway (North Carolina A&T State), Christina Epps (Coppin State), Reggie Holmes (Morgan State) and William Judson (South Carolina State).

The MEAC Hall of Fame highlights former student-athletes, coaches, university and conference administrators, and notable contributors who have enriched the conference's legacy since its inception in 1970. Enshrinees are selected by an eight-person committee of administrators and member institution representatives.

 

The inaugural Hall of Fame class was inducted on May 29, 1981, during a 10th anniversary banquet in Greensboro, N.C. Since its establishment, the MEAC Hall of Fame has enshrined 178 individuals.

 

Tickets are now available to purchase for the 2027 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The ceremony will take place at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel in Norfolk, Va., on Thursday, March 11. Fans may purchase individual tickets for $65 or a table of eight for $520. To purchase your tickets, click here.

 

Souvenir program advertisement opportunities are available to honor the 2027 Hall of Fame inductees. Full-page color ads are available for $500, while full-page black-and-white ads are $300. Ad spaces can also be purchased here.

 

2027 MEAC Hall of Fame Inductees

 

“Cy” Alexander (Men’s Basketball Coach 1987-2003) – South Carolina State/North Carolina A&T State

Coach “Cy” Alexander transformed South Carolina State men’s basketball into one of the premier programs in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference during his 16 seasons as head coach. Taking over in 1987 after nine consecutive losing seasons, Alexander built the Bulldogs into a perennial championship contender.

 

He compiled a 277-202 overall record and a 191-79 mark in MEAC play, leading South Carolina State to five MEAC Tournament championships and five NCAA Tournament appearances. From 1991 through the remainder of his tenure, the Bulldogs finished first or second in the MEAC standings in all but one season.

 

A three-time MEAC Coach of the Year and two-time American Sports Wire National Coach of the Year (1996 and 1998), Alexander guided South Carolina State to several landmark seasons, including a school-record 25 victories in 1988-89. That team gained national attention by winning the San Juan Shootout against a field that included nationally ranked Villanova.

 

Alexander later served as head coach at Tennessee State University for six years and four seasons as head coach at North Carolina A&T State, leading the Aggies to the 2013 MEAC Tournament championship and a first-round victory in the NCAA Tournament.

 

His championship success at two MEAC institutions cemented Alexander’s legacy as one of the most accomplished and respected coaches in conference basketball history.

Rod Broadway (Head Football Coach 2011-2017) – North Carolina A&T State

Rod Broadway established North Carolina A&T State as one of the nation’s premier HBCU football programs during his seven seasons as head coach, compiling an impressive 59-22 record (.729) while leading the Aggies to sustained championship success.

Broadway guided North Carolina A&T State to three MEAC championships, three consecutive postseason appearances from 2015-17 and a pair of Celebration Bowl victories. In 2015, he led the Aggies past Alcorn State in the inaugural Celebration Bowl, helping usher in a new era for HBCU postseason football.

His 2017 team completed a historic 12-0 undefeated season, becoming the only Division I-FCS HBCU to finish the season unbeaten. During Broadway’s tenure, the Aggies also earned an NCAA Division I-FCS playoff berth and recorded signature victories over FBS opponents Charlotte and Kent State.

Broadway led North Carolina A&T State to two Black College Football National Championships and helped elevate the program to national prominence. His accomplishments have earned him induction into both the Celebration Bowl Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy as one of the most successful coaches in HBCU and MEAC football history.

Christina Epps (Women’s Track and Field Student-Athlete 2010-2014) – Coppin State

Christina Epps established herself as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in Coppin State and MEAC history before becoming a U.S. national champion and Olympian. A 12-time All-MEAC selection and six-time MEAC triple jump champion, Epps won three ECAC triple jump championships, set Coppin State indoor and outdoor records and earned NCAA Division I All-America honors twice in 2014.

 

Epps also excelled academically and as a campus leader, earning USTFCCCA Academic All-America honors twice and an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. She was named the 2014 MEAC Woman of the Year and an NCAA Woman of the Year Top 30 honoree. A two-sport student-athlete, Epps also competed in volleyball for three seasons, setting a Coppin State single-match hitting percentage record.

 

Following college, Epps became a two-time U.S. national champion and represented Team USA at multiple international championships. In 2016, she was runner-up at the U.S. Olympic Trials with a lifetime-best 14.17 meters (46-6) and competed at the Rio Olympic Games, becoming Coppin State’s first female Olympian.

Reggie Holmes (Men’s Basketball Student-Athlete 2006-2010) – Morgan State

Reggie Holmes was one of the most prolific scorers in Morgan State basketball history, helping lead the Bears through one of the most successful periods of the program’s Division I era.

A two-time First Team All-MEAC selection in 2009 and 2010, Holmes was named the 2010 MEAC Player of the Year after helping Morgan State capture three MEAC regular-season championships and back-to-back MEAC Tournament titles. Those championships produced consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances—the first two in Morgan State’s Division I basketball history.

Holmes finished his career as Morgan State’s all-time leading scorer with 2,051 points in 133 games and ranked among the MEAC’s career leaders in three-point field goals and free throws made. His outstanding play also earned him Associated Press All-America recognition in 2009 and 2010.

Holmes was selected to the MEAC 50th Anniversary Men’s Basketball Team and inducted into the Morgan State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023. His combination of individual excellence, scoring production and championship success established him as one of the defining players of his era in MEAC basketball.

William Judson (Men’s Football Student-Athlete 1977-1980) South Carolina State

William Judson distinguished himself as a championship student-athlete at South Carolina State before building an outstanding 10-year career in the National Football League.

A three-time All-MEAC selection from 1978-80 and a 1980 Black College Football All-American, Judson helped lead the Bulldogs to two Black College National Championships during one of the most successful eras in South Carolina State football history. His performance earned him selection by the Miami Dolphins in the eighth round of the 1981 NFL Draft. In recognition of his outstanding career, Judson was inducted into the South Carolina State Hall of Fame in 2006.

Judson spent nine seasons with Miami and concluded his 10-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions. As a defensive back for the Dolphins, he started 103 consecutive games, recorded 24 career interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns, and was selected as the Dolphins’ top defensive back four consecutive years from 1983-86. He was later recognized among the Miami Dolphins’ Top 100 Players of All Time.

Equally impressive was Judson’s commitment in the classroom. He graduated cum laude from South Carolina State with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Economics, earning Presidential Scholar recognition in each of his eight semesters. His ability to achieve at the highest levels academically, collegiately and professionally exemplifies the complete student-athlete and places him among the most accomplished football players produced by South Carolina State and the MEAC.

About the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) enters its 56th year of intercollegiate competition with the 2026–27 academic year. Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, the MEAC is comprised of eight distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) along the Atlantic seaboard: Coppin State University, Delaware State University, Howard University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina Central University, and South Carolina State University. Since its founding in 1970, the MEAC has been dedicated to promoting academic excellence, sportsmanship, and the personal growth of student athletes. For more information, visit www.MEACSports.com.

Isaiah Green

Assistant Commissioner, Strategic Communications

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference

2730 Ellsmere Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23513

Phone: 910-583-6790 

 

MEAC Weekly Football Coaches Video Conference

   

MEAC Weekly Football Coaches Video Conference to Begin Aug. 24 

 

NORFOLK, Va. — The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) will host its weekly football head coaches video conference, beginning Monday, Aug. 24, at 10 a.m. ET. The video conference will feature the league’s six football head coaches and will continue on a weekly basis through Monday, Nov. 16.  

 

Credible media outlets may access the video conference via the Zoom link listed below.  

 

2026 MEAC Football Weekly Coaches Call 

Start Date: Monday, August 24 

End Date: Monday, November 16 

Time: 10 a.m. ET 

Frequency: Weekly (every Monday unless otherwise communicated) 

 

Time Slot Coach 

10:00 a.m. (MEAC Notes) 

10:03 a.m. Howard - Ted White 

10:18 a.m. North Carolina Central - Trei Oliver 

10:33 a.m. Delaware State - DeSean Jackson 

10:48 a.m. Norfolk State - Michael Vick 

11:03 a.m. South Carolina State - Chennis Berry 

11:18 a.m. Morgan State - Damon Wilson 

 

Zoom Call Information Weekly: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZYodOuorDguGtNMGVx2gGotj0InnKTaqmCe/ics?icsToken= DOpBEbQ977kT01BIXwAALAAAAMJrpANjas8w5uUb8yZmlIi2FzWp7De7xMT4omaP8QVFIvo0 kIzD2QT0QCuNWEojN-

GJNcQu80LX7XRdOTAwMDAwMg&meetingMasterEventId=FwzKy3JUQ-aESPJJcmvX6w 

 

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82532023407?pwd=6XWeO0nxyYOiUCpBWeJz5OUCMF7l8Q.1 

 

Meeting ID: 825 3202 3407 

Passcode: 199312 

 

One tap mobile 

+13126266799,,82532023407#,,,,*199312# US (Chicago) 

+16469313860,,82532023407#,,,,*199312# US 

 

Join instructions 

https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/82532023407/invitations?signature=V2rDqM_jK1OMeygJA2 XABMA-NtNbPZop8iAjCu2dxq0 

 

About the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference 

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) enters its 56th year of intercollegiate competition with the 2026–27 academic year. Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, the MEAC is comprised of eight distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) along the Atlantic seaboard: Coppin State University, Delaware State University, Howard University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina Central University, and South Carolina State University. Since its founding in 1970, the MEAC has been dedicated to promoting academic excellence, sportsmanship, and the personal growth of student athletes. For more information, visit www.MEACSports.com. 

 

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SC State Set for Seven National Television Appearances

 

No. 24 SC State Set for Seven National Television Appearances

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Defending Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion and No. 24-ranked South Carolina State will make seven nationally televised appearances during the 2026 football season, highlighting one of the most visible schedules in the Football Championship Subdivision.

The Bulldogs enter the season after capturing back-to-back MEAC championships under third-year head coach Chennis Berry. South Carolina State also claimed the 2025 Cricket Wireless HBCU National Championship with a thrilling victory over Prairie View A&M in the Cricket Celebration Bowl.

South Carolina State opens the 2026 campaign on Saturday, Aug. 29, hosting Savannah State at 6 p.m. on ESPN+. The Bulldogs will then travel to Miami Gardens, Florida, to face Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic on Sunday, Sept. 6, at 3 p.m. on ESPN.

Conference play will feature five additional national television appearances as the Bulldogs continue their pursuit of a third consecutive MEAC championship.

South Carolina State hosts Norfolk State on Oct. 24 at 1:30 p.m. on ESPN+ before traveling to Morgan State for a nationally televised Thursday night matchup on Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. on ESPNU.

The Bulldogs return to ESPNU on Nov. 5 for a key MEAC showdown at Howard beginning at 5 p.m. South Carolina State closes the regular season with wildcard television selections against North Carolina Central on Nov. 14 and Delaware State on Nov. 21. Broadcast network assignments for both contests will be announced at a later date.

The 2026 Cricket Celebration Bowl, featuring the MEAC champion and Southwestern Athletic Conference champion, is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, at noon on ABC.

South Carolina State 2026 National Television Schedule

• Aug. 29 — Savannah State at South Carolina State, 6 p.m. (ESPN+)

• Sept. 6 — Florida A&M vs. South Carolina State (Orange Blossom Classic), 3 p.m. (ESPN)

• Oct. 24 — Norfolk State at South Carolina State, 1:30 p.m. (ESPN+)

• Oct. 29 — South Carolina State at Morgan State, 7 p.m. (ESPNU)

• Nov. 5 — South Carolina State at Howard, 5 p.m. (ESPNU)

• Nov. 14 — North Carolina Central at South Carolina State, 1:30 p.m. (Wildcard/TBD)

• Nov. 21 — Delaware State at South Carolina State, 1:30 p.m. (Wildcard/TBD)

2026 MEAC Football Television Schedule

Saturday, Aug. 29

• South Carolina State vs. Savannah State, 6 p.m. (ESPN+)

• Howard vs. Alabama A&M, 7:30 p.m. (ABC)

Sunday, Sept. 6

• Florida A&M vs. South Carolina State, 3 p.m. (ESPN)

Saturday, Sept. 12

• North Carolina Central vs. North Carolina A&T, 6 p.m. (ESPN+)

Saturday, Oct. 10

• Morgan State vs. Robert Morris, Noon (ESPN+)

• North Carolina Central vs. William & Mary, 1 p.m. (ESPN+)

Saturday, Oct. 17

• Howard vs. Morehouse, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN+)

Friday, Oct. 23

• Delaware State vs. North Carolina Central, 5 p.m. (ESPN2)

Saturday, Oct. 24

• Morgan State vs. Howard, 3 p.m. (ESPN+)

• South Carolina State vs. Norfolk State, 1:30 p.m. (ESPN+)

Thursday, Oct. 29

• Morgan State vs. South Carolina State, 7 p.m. (ESPNU)

Saturday, Oct. 31

• North Carolina Central vs. Howard, 2 p.m. (ESPN+)

• Norfolk State vs. Delaware State, 2 p.m. (ESPN+)

Thursday, Nov. 5

• Howard vs. South Carolina State, 5 p.m. (ESPNU)

Saturday, Nov. 7

• Delaware State vs. Morgan State, 1 p.m. (ESPN+)

• Norfolk State vs. North Carolina Central, Noon (ESPN+)

Saturday, Nov. 14 (Wildcard)

• Howard vs. Delaware State, 1 p.m. (TBD)

• Morgan State vs. Norfolk State, Noon (TBD)

• South Carolina State vs. North Carolina Central, 1:30 p.m. (TBD)

Saturday, Nov. 21 (Wildcard)

• South Carolina State vs. Delaware State, 1:30 p.m. (TBD)

• Norfolk State vs. Howard, Noon (TBD)

• North Carolina Central vs. Morgan State, 2 p.m. (TBD)

Saturday, Dec. 12

• Cricket Celebration Bowl, Noon 

5 Bulldogs Named to HBCU Football All-American Team

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Five South Carolina State football players have been named to the BOXTOROW 2026 HBCU College Football Preseason All-America Team, tying Prairie View A&M for the most selections among all programs.

Running back Tyler Smith and center James Reddick II were selected to the offensive team, while defensive tackles Joshua Barker and Ka'Von Chisolm, along with inside linebacker Jordan Franklin, earned spots on the defensive team.

The recognition adds to the preseason accolades for the defending MEAC and HBCU national champion Bulldogs, who have been picked by BOXTOROW media members to repeat as national champions in 2026.

South Carolina State's five selections come after another championship season under third-year head coach Chennis Berry. The Bulldogs captured their second consecutive MEAC championship in 2025 before claiming the HBCU national championship.

Bulldogs Named Preseason All-Americans

Offense

Tyler Smith, Running Back

James Reddick II, Center

Defense

Joshua Barker, Defensive Tackle

Ka'Von Chisolm, Defensive Tackle

Jordan Franklin, Inside Linebacker

South Carolina State's defensive selections played a key role in a unit that ranked 29th nationally in total defense among FCS programs last season.

Barker and Chisolm combined for 63 tackles, including 44 solo stops, 21 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.

Franklin was among the highest vote-getters of all players selected to the preseason team. He finished the 2025 campaign with 62 tackles, including 42 solo stops, 12 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions and four pass breakups.

Smith and Reddick II represent the Bulldogs on offense. Smith returns as one of SC State's top offensive weapons, while Reddick anchors an offensive line expected to play a major role in the Bulldogs' pursuit of another conference and national championship.

Alabama State quarterback Andrew Body, the 2025 BOXTOROW National HBCU Offensive Player of the Year, was selected as the preseason quarterback. Prairie View A&M defensive lineman Malik Gucake and defensive back Eric Zachery were also among the top vote-getters.

Alabama State placed four players on the team, while Jackson State had three selections. Alcorn State and Johnson C. Smith each had two players selected.

A total of 15 programs are represented among the 30 preseason selections.

This marks the 20th season BOXTOROW has produced its HBCU College Football Preseason All-America Team. The team is selected by media members who cover HBCU football. BOXTOROW has recognized HBCU All-America teams since 2007.

The 2026 HBCU college football Preseason All-America team

OFFENSE

QB: Andrew Body, Alabama State, r-Sr., Corpus Christi, Texas$!

RB: Tyler Smith, South Carolina State, r-Sr., Gaffney, S.C.

RB: Chase Bingmon, Prairie View A&M, r-Soph., Terrell Texas

OL: Elijah Baker, Alabama State, r-Sr., Phoenix, Ariz.$

OL: Jamari Mason, Johnson C. Smith, Sr., Carrollton, Ga.$

OL: Calvin McMillian, Prairie View A&M, Gr., Houston, Miss.$

OL: James Reddick II, South Carolina State, Gr., Fort Valley, Ga.

OL: Quaveon Davis, Jackson State, St., Port St. Lucie, Fla.*

OL: Christian Loving, Bethune-Cookman, r-Sr., Hamilton, Ala.*

TE: Travon Jones, Prairie View A&M, Gr. Miami, Fla.

WR: Nate Rembert, Jackson State, Gr., Wildwood, Fla.

WR: Darius Cyprian, Kentucky State Sr. Baton Rouge, La.*

WR: Chance Peterson, North Carolina Central, r-Soph, Wake Forest, N.C.*

DEFENSE

DL: Joshua Barker, South Carolina State, Sr., Kennesaw, Ga.

DL: Malik Gucake, Prairie View A&M, Sr., Sacramento, Calif.

DL: Ka'Von Chisolm, South Carolina State, r-Soph., Estill, S.C.*

DL: Derrick Drayton, Albany State r-Sr. College Park, Ga.*

DL: Eric Thomas Jr., Alcorn State, Jr., Columbus, Miss.*

LB: Danarius Hilliard, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Sr., Hazlehurst, Miss.$

LB: Jordan Franklin, South Carolina State r-Jr. Waynesboro, Ga.

LB: Vincent Hill, Johnson C. Smith, r-Sr., Atlanta, Ga.

DB: Ta'Shaun Sims, Alabama State, Jr., Chipley, Fla.$

DB: Eric Zachery, Prairie View A&M, Jr., Dallas, Texas

DB: Wayne Favors, Delaware State, r-Sr., Miami, Fla.

DB: Kam Sallis, Jackson State, r-Jr., Pickens, Miss.

SPECIALISTS

P: Demetrion Duvall, Alcorn State, Jr., Akron, Ohio

PK: David Faulk, Alabama A&M, Soph., Madison, Ala.

PR: Zaire Tart, Virginia Union, Sr., Camden, N.J.$

KR: Nehemiah Hixon, Alabama State, Soph., Spanish Fort, Ala.

RS: Elijah Kennedy, North Carolina A&T, Sr., High Point, N.C.$

*Tie

$2025 HBCU All-American

!2025 BOXTOROW HBCU National Offensive Player of the Year

 

 

MEAC Announces 2026 Preseason Football Honors

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ugvilWjHX-RXvoom8dIzWHJ8DYFxZMu7/view?usp=drivesdk

Bulldogs upgrades roster for upcoming season

https://meacsports.com/news/2025/7/7/mens-basketball-martin-upgrades-roster-for-upcoming-season-with-new-addition.aspx