The 2026 HBCU football season is loaded with returning production across the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

Alabama A&M will face Howard on Saturday at the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta to kick off the Black college football season. The game marks the debut of Howard head coach and alumnus Ted White, while Alabama A&M coach Sam Shade begins his second season following a 4-8 finish last year.

Those teams are among the many historically Black colleges and universities starting their football seasons this week, and every contender has a player capable of changing the trajectory of a game. Here are MEAC and SWAC players you should know as HBCU football begins, as well as two names to remember from the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA).

MEAC/SWAC Challenge

Eden James, Howard

Eden James, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Edgerrin James, has quietly developed into one of the MEAC’s grittiest running backs. He has registered 1,488 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns during his four years at Howard.

The Bison are looking to turn the page after a disappointing 2025 season in which they finished 5-7 overall (2-3 MEAC), fourth in the MEAC rankings. Under new head coach Ted White, Howard is focused on establishing a new culture, and James could be the foundation of that transformation.

“Quad” Brown, Alabama A&M

After playing seven seasons of college football, Cornelious “Quad” Brown IV enters this year as one of the most experienced quarterbacks in HBCU football. Despite competing in only four games last season due to injury, Brown threw for 1,060 yards and seven touchdowns.

He earned back-to-back SWAC Offensive Player of the Week honors and helped Alabama A&M start 3-1. The NCAA granted Brown a medical redshirt, giving him an eighth season of eligibility. Now he has another opportunity to prove that his experience and accuracy – plus his ability to make plays with his arm and legs – can help Alabama A&M return to contention in the SWAC. 

MEAC

Chance Peterson, North Carolina Central

North Carolina Central wide receiver Chance Peterson is the MEAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Peterson, who had 48 catches for 720 yards and one touchdown last season, ranked fourth in the MEAC in receiving yards. His ability to create explosive plays should make him one of the conference’s most productive receivers again. 

Peterson will be the top target for newly appointed starting quarterback Joshua Jones, and building chemistry between them early will be critical.

Jordan Franklin, South Carolina State 

No defender is starting the season with a bigger target on his back than South Carolina State linebacker Jordan Franklin. Voted the MEAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, Franklin recorded 62 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss and two interceptions last season. 

He leads one of the conference’s stingiest defenses, which has ranked in the top two in total defense for the past two seasons. Franklin’s production will be central to the Bulldogs’ pursuit of another Celebration Bowl championship.

Jordan Barnett, Morgan State

After a breakout season at Shepherd University, a Division II college in West Virginia, running back Jordan Barnett is expected to be an impactful transfer for Morgan State this season. In 2025, he rushed for 1,209 yards and 17 touchdowns, ranking first in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference in scoring and earning first-team all-conference honors. Barnett joins a Bears offense that ranked No. 2 in the MEAC in rushing yards in 2025. 

SWAC

Nate Rembert, Jackson State

There may not be a more dangerous deep threat in HBCU football than Jackson State wide receiver Nate Rembert. After an eligibility dispute, thanks to an injunction, one of the Tigers’ most explosive offensive weapons is returning for this season after accruing 750 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 2025. 

Whether stretching the field vertically or turning short receptions into big gains, Rembert has consistently demonstrated an ability to change games. With Jackson State again expected to compete for a SWAC championship, Rembert’s production likely will determine just how explosive the Tigers’ offense can be. 

Andrew Body, Alabama State

Last season, Alabama State quarterback Andrew Body transformed the Hornets’ into the SWAC’s best scoring offense, which led the conference in total touchdowns (67). Body is the SWAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, and his decision-making and ability to extend plays outside the pocket make him one of the conference’s premier quarterbacks. 

Despite playing in only eight games last season due to injury, Body threw for 1,770 yards, 20 touchdowns and one interception, while adding 518 rushing yards. Entering another season under center, if Body can stay healthy, he gives Alabama State legitimate championship aspirations. 

Trey Holly, Southern

After transferring to Southern a season ago from LSU, running back Trey Holly reminded everyone why he remains one of the most naturally gifted rushers in HBCU football. In his first game with the Jaguars, at the 2025 MEAC/SWAC Challenge, he rushed for 119 yards. Holly ended last season ranked No. 4 in the SWAC with 869 rushing yards and added nine touchdowns. His combination of vision, burst and speed gives the Jaguars a player capable of changing games while first-year head coach Marshall Faulk‘s background as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history could further elevate Holly’s development.

After ending last season with a 2-10 record, Southern is looking for a fresh start under Faulk. Holly is expected to be the centerpiece of that resurgence alongside defensive end Ckelby Givens, who was granted a temporary restraining order, making him eligible for a fifth season.

Eric Zachery,  Prairie View A&M

Prairie View A&M defensive back Eric Zachery has developed into one of the premier ballhawks in HBCU football, anchoring a Panthers defense that ranked No. 1 in the SWAC. He finished the 2025 season ranked No. 2 in the conference in pass breakups (13) and had two interceptions. Zachery’s instincts, physicality and versatility helped establish Prairie View A&M’s secondary. The Panthers enter this season looking to repeat as SWAC champions and secure a second Celebration Bowl berth.

CAA

Elijah Kennedy, North Carolina A&T

At 5-foot-11, North Carolina A&T’s Elijah Kennedy isn’t the biggest player on the field, but his quickness, lateral agility and ability to make defenders miss in open space make him one of the most dangerous, all-purpose threats in the CAA. 

Whether he’s lining up at wide receiver, fielding punts or returning kickoffs, Kennedy has a knack for flipping field position and creating momentum-changing plays. Last season on special teams, Kennedy totaled 999 yards and three touchdowns in his kick return and punt return duties.

North Carolina A&T begins its second season under head coach Shawn Gibbs looking to build on last season’s progress despite a 2-10 finish. Gibbs has emphasized establishing a tougher, more competitive culture, and Kennedy embodies that vision.

Korede Sogbesan, Hampton

Hampton didn’t have to look far to find one of the CAA’s top defensive playmakers. After transferring from Monmouth, linebacker Korede Sogbesan immediately established himself as one of the conference’s premier defenders last season, registering 61 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries. 

The Pirates, who went 2-10 last season, are beginning a rebuild under first-year head coach Van Malone. However, they already have one of the conference’s most accomplished defensive leaders in Sogbesan, who earned preseason All-CAA honors.