The 2025 HBCU football season finally kicks off this weekend with the 20th edition of the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge.
One long summer of debate and discussion finally gives way to game action when SWAC West champ Southern takes on MEAC contender North Carolina Central.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect Saturday night at 7:30 pm EST on ABC.
Quarterback Controversy or Man-in-charge Mind games?
Southern head coach Terrence Graves has told anyone with a microphone and a camera that the Jaguars will not name a starting quarterback until they take the field Saturday. That could be trouble for North Carolina Central, or an opportunity to test their game prep.
Jalen Woods is the lone returning Southern QB with game experience while Cam’Ron McCoy comes from Jackson State, where he saw significant playing time for the Black College national champs.
McCoy seems to be more of a threat to run than Woods is, though Woods had the better passing numbers in 2024. Whichever one Graves decides to start, there’s still the possibility both will play. That possibility is something the Eagles must keep in mind.
Replacing a Taylor-made running back
Losing J’Mari Taylor in the transfer portal was a big loss for North Carolina Central, but head coach Trei Oliver is confident that redshirt senior Christian Mosley can pick up the slack.
Mosley averaged a prolific 10 yards per carry (24 carries, 262 yards) in limited action last season and behind a veteran offensive line, he could run wild this season.
That offensive line will be tested by Southern’s defense, top five in the SWAC against the run a year ago. Mosley will need to take advantage of his opportunities for the Eagles to have a leg up on Southern.
Jaguar claws look sharp on defense
The Southern defense is led by senior Ckelby Givens, the reigning SWAC defensive player of the year. At 6-foot-2 and 245 lbs., Givens has the quickness to play the edge position as well as the strength to take down anyone in his grasp.
If Southern can free Givens up to make plays, Central could be in for a long night.
Redshirt sophomore Trey Brister is a key piece of a Jaguar secondary that allowed only 152 yards per game through the air, good for 5th in all of FCS football. Who was ahead of them in 4th place? North Carolina Central.
Two of the best will meet to start the season…will they finish that way?
There’s no denying that Southern and North Carolina Central are two of the top 5 teams in Division I HBCU football.
While it’s far too early to call this a Celebration Bowl preview, it wouldn’t be a surprise to a few observers if this matchup made its way from Center Parc two miles down the road to Mercedes Benz Stadium the second Saturday in December.
For now, we’ll just enjoy the return of Black College football with two worthy representatives to kick us off.
Prediction: North Carolina Central 21, Southern 17