The 20th annual Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kick-Off takes place this weekend in Atlanta’s Center Parc Stadium on Saturday, August 23.
The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Eagles face off against the Southern University Jaguars in a primetime showdown that marks the start of the 2025 HBCU football season.
With a packed house of over 22,000 fans and a national audience tuning in on ABC at 7:30 PM ET, the game delivered high-stakes competition, vibrant pageantry, and a celebration of HBCU culture.
NCCU Vs. SU: A Clash of Titans
The Eagles, representing the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), enter the game with a 1-1 record in the Challenge, fresh off a 2021 victory over Alcorn State.
Led by head coach Trei Oliver, NCCU boasts a veteran squad, including Preseason First Team All-MEAC honorees quarterback Walker Harris, defensive back Malcolm Reed, and offensive lineman Trevon Humphrey. The team’s offensive line, returning all five starters, promises stability and power in the trenches.
On the other side, the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) powerhouse Southern University Jaguars, under second-year head coach Terrance Graves, comes in with a perfect 3-0 record in previous MEAC/SWAC Challenge appearances. Predicted to win the SWAC West Division, the Jaguars lean on a formidable defense led by Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Chelky Givens and All-SWAC selections Vincent Paige Jr. and Horacio Johnson.
This matchup is only the second meeting between the two programs, with NCCU holding a 27-20 victory from their 2006 encounter in Baton Rouge, a game where the Eagles’ defense forced five interceptions. The stakes were high, as both teams aimed to set the tone for their 2025 campaigns.
More Than Just a Game
The Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge is renowned for its celebration of HBCU traditions, and this year’s event was no exception.
The day kicks off with the Coca-Cola Fan Experience at 3:00 PM in Summerhill Lot A, featuring music, food, and family-friendly activities.
At 4:00 PM, the Band Jamboree showcased high school bands from McNair and Creekside, followed by a highly anticipated showdown between NCCU’s Sound Machine and Southern’s Human Jukebox, fresh off their Super Bowl LIX performance. The post-game 5th Quarter Battle of the Bands promised to keep the energy soaring.
“This is the 20th anniversary of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge,” said John Grant, executive director of ESPN Events. “We expect this will be a can’t-miss clash of titans with both football teams and marching bands.” The event’s historical significance was underscored by the MEAC’s 11-7 lead over the SWAC in the series, though the SWAC has won the last three matchups.
On the Field
The game itself was a showcase of HBCU football’s grit and talent. NCCU, under Oliver’s leadership, has a 6-0 record in classics, bowls, and challenge games since 2019, including a 2022 Cricket Celebration Bowl victory over Jackson State in Atlanta. Southern, coming off an 8-5 season and a SWAC West title in 2024, brought a stingy defense that ranked top-three in the SWAC last year.
Adding intrigue to the matchup, Oliver and assistants Matt Leone and Macander Dieudonne have deep ties to Southern, having coached there earlier in their careers. Oliver served as Southern’s defensive coordinator from 2016-2018, giving him intimate knowledge of the Jaguars’ program. “You’re gonna get mopped,” Oliver quipped when asked about teams underestimating NCCU, while Graves countered, “When you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.”
Community and Culture
Beyond the gridiron, the weekend was packed with events celebrating HBCU culture. On Thursday, August 21, a high school seminar at New Manchester High School inspired over 5,000 students with career-focused panels hosted by ESPN’s Jay Harris.
Friday featured alumni golf tournaments for both schools and an ESPN Welcome Reception at The Gathering Spot. These events underscored the Challenge’s motto, “More Than Just A Game,” emphasizing education, community, and legacy.
A National StageWith last year’s MEAC/SWAC Challenge drawing 1.3 million viewers, the largest audience in the event’s history, this year’s game was poised to captivate an even broader audience.
Atlanta, a second home for NCCU with recent wins in the city, provided the perfect backdrop for this primetime spectacle. Fans packed Center Parc Stadium, located at 755 Hank Aaron Dr. SE, to witness not just a game, but a celebration of HBCU pride, talent, and tradition.
For those unable to attend, tickets are available online, and fans were encouraged to plan parking and review stadium policies at meacswacchallenge.com.
As the Eagles and Jaguars battle under the lights, the 2025 Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kick-Off reaffirmed its place as a cornerstone of HBCU football, setting the stage for an unforgettable season.
Where To Eat Near Center Parc Stadium
Atlanta’s Center Parc Stadium is situated in the Summerhill neighborhood, which has become a foodie paradise. Here are some nearby restaurants that are good:
Cava
572 Hank Aaron Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
- Menu Item to try: Harrisa Avacado: Harissa honey chicken, Crazy Feta, hummus, fire-roasted corn, avocado, rice, SuperGreens and more.
- What one customer says: “I can’t speak to every Cava but in a city where lunch spots come and go like shifting winds, there exists this humble cava that manages to marry precision with heart. Please say hi to ever-gracious Pricilla and her amazing colleagues, this establishment runs like a well-oiled machine, professional, efficient, and remarkably consistent. The food? Always warm. Always satisfying.”
Love eating healthy options? Check out the best salad restaurants in Atlanta.
Talat Market
112 Ormond St SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
- Menu Item to try: Green curry with catfish
- What one patron says: “Talat Market is a gem! The food is absolutely incredible, blending Thai flavors with Southern ingredients in such a creative way. The green curry with catfish was a standout, and the atmosphere is cozy yet vibrant. Highly recommend!”
Wood’s Chapel BBQ
85 Georgia Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
- Menu Item to try: Whole hog barbecue
- What one customer says: “Great barbecue joint feel with friendly staff and amazing food. I enjoyed the chopped brisket, smoked wings, Mexican corn, and beans. My wife enjoyed it as well.”
Want more? Read our Summerhill Food Guide.
Final Word
Summerhill is one of Atlanta’s most dynamic neighborhoods and one of the best places to eat on the southside. The street’s walkable, trendy vibe, enhanced by vibrant murals and restored brick storefronts, draws food enthusiasts and supports a burgeoning dining scene.
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