SWAC Season Kicks Off with Action-Packed First Week
The 2025 football season in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) burst onto the scene with thrilling openers, standout performances, and close battles that set the tone for the weeks to come.
Saturday, August 23 – Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge
- North Carolina Central 31, Southern 14
Southern University looked competitive early, but North Carolina Central pulled away behind strong quarterback play and a physical running game.
Thursday, August 28 – Road Upsets and High-Octane Offenses
- Northwestern State 20, Alcorn State 10
In a historic moment, Northwestern State snapped a 20-game losing streak against Alcorn State, with a key scoop-and-score following a botched punt. - UAB 52, Alabama State 42
Alabama State put up a fight—quarterback Andrew Body threw for 312 yards and four touchdowns, and receiver J. Jones racked up 174 yards—but UAB’s balanced attack ultimately prevailed in Birmingham.
Friday, August 29 – Florida International Dominates
- FIU 42, Bethune-Cookman 9
Florida International’s offense dominated, rushing for six touchdowns and controlling the clock from start to finish.
Saturday, August 30 – Blowouts and Nail-Biters
- Texas Tech 67, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 7
Texas Tech was unstoppable, with quarterback B. Morton throwing four touchdowns in a runaway victory. - Jackson State 28, Hampton 14
Jackson State tacked on another win, powered by an explosive 172 rushing yards and two touchdowns from Ahmad Miller in the fourth quarter. - Howard 10, Florida A&M 9
In a defensive slugfest, Howard emerged victorious in the Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic—Tyriq Starks engineered a clutch two-minute drive late in the game. - Arkansas 52, Alabama A&M 7
Alabama A&M had no answer for Arkansas’s aerial assault as the Razorbacks rolled on the road. - Southern 34, Mississippi Valley State 29
Southern edged out MVSU in a back-and-forth contest, improving to 1–1 on the season.
