Howard Tops Alabama A&M in Atlanta Season-Opener Watched by Millions

Howard University and Alabama A&M kicked off the 2026 HBCU football season in downtown Atlanta with the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge, drawing alumni and fans from both schools for the season-opening showdown. Howard's Bisons edged Alabama A&M's Bulldogs 31-24 in a game that drew 1.2 million viewers, making it one of ESPN's most-watched college football broadcasts of opening weekend, according to Sports Illustrated. Both schools' marching bands delivered halftime performances that added to the event's energy. The matchup, sponsored by Cricket Wireless, continues the carrier's longstanding partnership with the Southwestern Athletic Conference supporting HBCU athletes and campus communities, including through its HBCU Campus Ambassador Program. Alabama A&M kicker David Faulk, one of the program's newest ambassadors, spoke with reporters after the game about joining the paid, year-long initiative, which offers mentorship and marketing experience. Faulk said he was drawn to Cricket Wireless because of shared values around reliability, a trait he tries to embody as a kicker. Now in his third year at the position after switching from soccer, Faulk credited daily journaling and affirmations, along with his faith, for helping him manage pressure. He also praised Alabama A&M, the largest HBCU in Alabama, for fostering his growth on and off the field. The event set the tone for a season expected to bring more high-profile HBCU matchups to Atlanta.