The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) has long been a pillar of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) sports, producing legendary programs, historic rivalries, and passionate fanbases. But as college football continues to evolve, one major question looms: Should the SWAC eliminate divisions in football?
The answer is a resounding yes — and here’s why a division-less SWAC is the future the conference needs.
A Broken System: The Problem with East vs. West
Currently, the SWAC operates with East and West divisions, with each sending a representative to the conference championship. While this structure worked in past decades, it’s now showing its age.
The reality? Some of the conference’s best teams miss the championship game because of uneven divisions. One side may be stacked with top programs like Jackson State, Florida A&M, and Alabama State, while the other struggles with rebuilding teams. As a result, the SWAC title game doesn’t always feature the two best teams — which hurts competition and reduces national exposure.
The Benefits of Going Division-less
1. The Two Best Teams Play for the Championship
By removing divisions, the SWAC can ensure its top two programs meet in the title game, based on overall conference record. This creates better matchups, more excitement, and a product that appeals to both fans and TV networks.
Imagine a SWAC Championship featuring Jackson State vs. Florida A&M or Alabama State vs. Southern University in a given year — matchups that could bring in record-breaking viewership and revenue.
2. Fairer Scheduling and Standings
A division-less format eliminates the arbitrary advantage one team may have based on weaker division opponents. This means that every game matters, and each program has a more equal shot at success based on merit, not geography.
3. Boosting SWAC’s National Profile
The college football world is watching HBCU football more than ever. The success of players like Shedeur Sanders, the media impact of Coach Prime, and increased TV coverage mean it’s time to modernize. A cleaner, competitive structure sends a message: The SWAC is ready for prime time.
A division-less format puts the best product on the field, which is crucial for growing national respect and recruiting power.
What About Traditional Rivalries?
Some fans worry that losing divisions could weaken classic rivalries. But here’s the truth: rivalries like Bayou Classic (Grambling vs. Southern) or Florida Classic (FAMU vs. BCU) will never die. These are annual fixtures — and a division-less SWAC won’t change that. In fact, it may create new rivalries as top teams face off more frequently in critical games.
SWAC Can Lead, Not Follow
Other conferences are already moving this direction. The Pac-12 and ACC have explored or adopted division-less formats, realizing that competitive balance and fan excitement matter more than outdated regional alignments.
The SWAC has the chance to lead among HBCU conferences by putting performance first — and that’s exactly what a division-less format does.
Final Thoughts: A Division-less SWAC is a Stronger SWAC
The SWAC doesn’t need to hold on to old structures that no longer serve the game or the fans. By going division-less, the conference can:
- Guarantee better championship games
- Create fairer schedules
- Maximize TV deals and revenue
- And elevate the profile of HBCU football nationwide
It’s time for the SWAC to evolve. A division-less future is not just bold — it’s necessary.
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