As the clock ticks down to the MEAC-SWAC Challenge, South Carolina State is predicted to finish first this season. After winning two straight MEAC titles, the Bulldogs have a roster with 50 new players via the transfer portal.
Head coach Chennis Berry has five players named to various preseason watch lists! 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. Running back Tyler Smith and center James Reddick II were selected to the offensive team. Defensive tackles Joshua Barker and Ka’Von Chisolm, along with inside linebacker Jordan Franklin, earned spots on the defensive team.
The MEAC is featured on National TV
The 23-game ESPN schedule is highlighted by two marquee events in Atlanta, beginning with the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 7:30 p.m. on ABC, featuring Howard against Alabama A&M, and culminating with the Cricket Celebration Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Also, South Carolina State travels to face Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 3 p.m. on ESPN from Miami Gardens, Fla. Conference play will be featured on on Friday, Oct. 23, when Delaware State hosts North Carolina Central in a key matchup at 5 p.m. on ESPN2 from Dover, Del.
Delaware State vs Norfolk State gets moved to “The Linc”
Recently, the Delaware State Hornets and the Norfolk State Spartans announced their Oct. 31 matchup will be relocated to Lincoln Financial Field, the home of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles.
“Returning to Lincoln Financial Field is a tremendous moment for Norfolk State University, our football program, and our student‑athletes,” said Norfolk State Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Melody Webb. “Last year showed us just how special this stage can be, and we are thrilled to build on that momentum. We are excited to bring our fans, alumni, and the entire HBCU community back together to showcase the excellence of Norfolk State University.”
It was Delaware State that took last year’s matchup, with a 27-20 victory. Both head coaches, DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick, were teammates with the Eagles from 2009-2013.
“Coming back to Lincoln Financial Field never gets old for me — this is a place that holds a lot of special memories,” Norfolk State head coach Michael Vick said. “Last year’s game was a special moment for our program, and to lead our players back onto a field I once called home is something I’ll always cherish. Doing it against Delaware State, led by my former teammate and longtime friend DeSean Jackson, adds another exciting chapter to the matchup. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the bands, traditions, and pageantry that make HBCU football special.”
Preseason Predicted Order of Finish
- South Carolina State 49 (5)
- North Carolina Central 42 (1)
- Delaware State 40 (2)
- Morgan State 25
- Norfolk State 18 (1)
- Howard 15
Preseason All-MEAC Honors
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year – Chance Peterson, North Carolina Central
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year – Jordan Franklin, South Carolina State
First Team (Offense)
QB – Josh Jones (North Carolina Central)
RB – Eden James (Howard)
RB – Tyler Smith (South Carolina State)
WR – Chance Peterson (North Carolina Central)
WR – Darius Thompson (South Carolina State)
TE – Alex Simmons (Morgan State)
C – James Reddick II (South Carolina State)
OL – Moses Umoren (South Carolina State)
OL – AC McMoore (North Carolina Central)
OL – Ryan Nolan (Norfolk State)
OL – Diu Dau (Delaware State)
First Team (Defense)
DL – Joshua Barker (South Carolina State)
DL – Ka’Von Chisolm (South Carolina State)
DL – Jordan Dollard (South Carolina State)
DL – Jaylen Williams (Norfolk State)
LB – Jordan Franklin (South Carolina State)
LB – Isaiah Lawson (North Carolina Central)
LB – Arturo Mattocks (Morgan State)
DB – Kedrick Green (Howard)
DB – Wayne Favors (Delaware State)
DB – Sharmari Reed (South Carolina State)
DB – Aki Harvey (Morgan State)
P – Liam Allen IV (Howard)
K – Matt Conord (Howard)
RS – Mehki Wall (North Carolina Central)
Second Team (Offense)
QB – Ja’Shawn Scroggins (Howard)
RB – Josh Shaw (South Carolina State)
RB – Keith Jenkins Jr. (Morgan State)
WR – Justin Perry (Morgan State)
WR – Nate Stewart (Delaware State)
TE – Rodney Lesane (North Carolina Central)
C – Holly Saint-Melus (North Carolina Central)**
C – Jack Smoot (Norfolk State)**
OL – Kiande Marsh (South Carolina State)
OL – Tyler Leinberger (Norfolk State)
OL – Taron Williams (North Carolina Central)
OL – Victor Goree (North Carolina Central)
Second Team (Defense)
DL – Quoy Rainey (Delaware State)
DL – Miguel Rijo (Norfolk State)
DL – Justin Dutton (Morgan State)
DL – Kristopher Boyd (Morgan State)
LB – Kaleb Broadbent (Norfolk State)
LB – Roderick Kelly (South Carolina State)
LB – Quentin Johnson (Delaware State)
DB – Kwantre Harry (South Carolina State)
DB – Nasir Bashir (Norfolk State)
DB – Jakarri Martin (North Carolina Central)
DB – Stephon Hall (Norfolk State)
P – Shane Messenger (Morgan State)
K – Jake Walker (Norfolk State)
RS – Malique Leatherbury (Morgan State)
**Indicates Tie
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