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2026 MEAC/SWAC Challenge broadcast on ABC is a hit once again
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- 2026 MEAC/SWAC Challenge broadcast on ABC is a hit once again
2026 MEAC/SWAC Challenge broadcast on ABC is a hit once again appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The latest edition of the 2026 Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge was a ratings hit during an unusual Week 0 slate. This year's Week 0 featured more games than usual because the college football season started later. Still, the annual matchup between Howard University and Alabama A&M averaged 1.2 million views and peaked at 1.7 million views on ABC and other ESPN platforms. Howard ultimately emerged victorious, 31-24.
The numbers come from ESPN Events, which, in a statement, cited the ratings numbers using Nielsen Big Data plus panel measurement. Viewership is up, with a 10% increase over last year's matchup, which featured North Carolina Central and Southern University. North Carolina Central won 31 to 14, with an audience of 1,092,151 viewers. North Carolina Central won 31 to 14, with an audience of 1,092,151 viewers.
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The matchup kicked off in prime time on ABC against stiff competition from both HBCU football and other FBS and FCS programs. Prairie View A&M was facing off against Tarleton State in the inaugural Chancellor's Cup game on ESPN2, with Texas Southern and North Carolina Central matching up on HBCU GO. Tennessee State and Jackson State were facing off in the John Merritt Classic on ESPN Plus. The matchup occurred before ESPN Unlimited's integration into the YouTube TV app.
Meanwhile, Mercer University hosted East Texas A&M, with the game being broadcast on ESPN. The MEAC Swag Challenge's late finish also put it in competition with the Memphis vs. UNLV game, which aired at 10:00 p.m. on Fox. Next year's matchup is set to occur on August 28, 2027, when Morgan State University will face off against Alabama State University.
Related: Delaware State, William & Mary prepare for potential game of the weekend
