SWAC Football Opens Season With Big Wins and Surprises
The Southwestern Athletic Conference opened the 2026 football season with seven wins, including big victories by Alcorn State and Grambling State.
The SWAC football season is underway, and several teams made strong opening statements during Week Zero.
Alcorn State had one of the biggest wins, defeating Miles College 56-7. Grambling State also dominated, beating Clark Atlanta 49-7.
In Birmingham, Alabama State defeated Southern 30-17 in the first Birmingham Football Classic. Southern led 17-13 at halftime, but Alabama State took control in the second half and scored 17 unanswered points.
Florida A&M defeated Albany State 20-7, while Arkansas-Pine Bluff beat Morehouse College 35-15. UAPB's defense held Morehouse to only 90 rushing yards.
Texas Southern came from behind to defeat North Carolina Central 42-30, and Jackson State held off Tennessee State 26-24 in the John Merritt Classic.
The weekend also included tough losses for several SWAC teams. Alabama A&M lost to Howard 31-24, Prairie View A&M fell to Tarleton State 49-30, and Mississippi Valley State lost to Nicholls 44-10.
The first weekend gave fans an early look at the teams to watch. Alcorn State and Grambling State made strong statements, while Alabama State showed it can respond when facing adversity.
The SWAC season is only beginning, but the early competition suggests the race for the conference championship could be wide open.
