All six MEAC programs played on opening weekend. Five won, and two of the wins came against CAA opponents.
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opened the 2026 season 5–1.
The single loss was North Carolina Central's, to Texas Southern of the SWAC.
Delaware State beat Stony Brook and Morgan State beat North Carolina A&T. Both Stony Brook and North Carolina A&T play in the Coastal Athletic Association.
North Carolina A&T is a former MEAC member. Beating them is not a neutral result inside the conference.
Howard's win over Alabama A&M in the 20th annual Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kick-Off moved the MEAC to 13–7 all-time in the series against the SWAC.
That game was played at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta and averaged 1.2 million viewers on ABC, peaking at 1.7 million — the second most-watched edition on record.
North Carolina Central led Texas Southern 24–14 at halftime before the Tigers scored the final fourteen points.
Freshman quarterback Nelson Layne made his college debut for the Eagles, rushing for 116 yards and two touchdowns and adding 131 yards through the air, including a 10-yard touchdown pass to Connor Everett. Riley Daniels kicked three field goals.
Texas Southern took its first lead on a blocked punt returned 34 yards.
Results as published by the MEAC and SWAC conference offices, August 30, 2026. Viewership figures from Nielsen Big Data + Panel measurement as reported.