Game Preview: NCCU vs. Southern – 2025 MEAC/SWAC Challenge
📌 Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025
📌 Center Parc Stadium – Atlanta, GA
📌 MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff
The North Carolina Central Eagles open the 2025 season with a high-profile showdown against the Southern Jaguars in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta. This will be just the second-ever meeting between the two programs, with NCCU winning the first matchup 27-20 in 2006.
The Eagles make their third appearance in the annual conference battle between the MEAC and SWAC, looking to improve on their 1-1 record in the event. Meanwhile, Southern enters with a perfect 3-0 record in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, last competing in 2017. NCCU head coach Trei Oliver adds an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup, having served as an assistant coach at Southern from 2016-2018.
Since Oliver’s arrival at NCCU in 2019, the Eagles have been dominant in classics, bowls, and challenge games, boasting a 6-0 record in such contests. They’ll aim to keep that streak alive in this season-opening showcase under the national spotlight.
