A 2025 SWAC Football Championship Preview
If you’re an HBCU football fan, you already know — SWAC football doesn’t just bring the heat, it brings the culture. And the 2025 season is shaping up to be a showdown worth watching from kickoff to the Celebration Bowl.
Let’s break down the favorites, the challengers, and who’s most likely to walk away with the title this year.
Jackson State: The Team to Beat
Jackson State came out swinging last season — undefeated in the SWAC, a dominant championship game win over Southern, and a Celebration Bowl victory to top it off. And guess what? They’re back with something to prove again.
- Returning talent: Quarterback Jacobian Morgan leads the offense, and on defense, players like Jeremiah Williams and Reid Pulliam are back to anchor the unit.
- Coaching edge: T.C. Taylor enters his second year with momentum and a fanbase that’s fully bought in.
- Prediction? Most preseason rankings have Jackson State as the team to beat — and it’s easy to see why.
Southern: Ready to Run It Back
Don’t sleep on Southern. The Jags owned the West Division last season and made it to the SWAC title game. Sure, they ran into the Jackson State buzzsaw, but that doesn’t mean they’re going away quietly.
- Big-time defense: Ckelby Givens, last year’s co-defensive player of the year, is back and looking to dominate.
- The hunger is real: After coming up short last season, Southern is fired up and ready for another run.
Florida A&M: Rebuilding the Rattler Bite
Florida A&M had a rocky season in 2024, finishing third in the East. But don’t forget—this is the same program that won the Celebration Bowl in 2023.
- What’s new? FAMU worked the transfer portal hard this offseason, especially on the defensive side.
- Why it matters: If those new pieces click, Florida A&M could shake things up in the East.
Other Teams to Watch
- Alabama State & Alabama A&M: Both had preseason hype last year. If they put it all together, they could be serious contenders.
- Prairie View A&M: A perennial West threat with the potential to make a late-season push.
- Alcorn State: With a new coach at the helm, they’re bringing fresh energy to the field.
- Grambling State: A traditional powerhouse that’s always capable of turning heads.
What to Watch This Season
Here are the matchups you don’t want to miss:
- Jackson State vs. Southern – The BoomBox Classic is always must-watch football.
- Jackson State vs. Alcorn State – The Soul Bowl never disappoints.
- FAMU’s midseason test – Will their new-look defense hold up when it matters most?
Final Thoughts
Right now, Jackson State is the clear favorite to win the SWAC title again in 2025. But don’t think it’s a done deal. Southern is hungry, FAMU is reloaded, and there are under-the-radar teams that could surprise everyone.
This SWAC season promises drama, big plays, and unforgettable moments—and we’ll be here for all of it.
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