Which event in ESPN's 2026-27 HBCU football schedule are you most excited to watch?
ESPN Unveils 2026-27 HBCU College Football Schedule with Nearly 100 Games
ESPN has announced its expansive coverage of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) football for the 2026-27 season, promising nearly 100 games featuring HBCU programs. The schedule begins in late August with Week 0, highlighted by the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff, featuring a high-stakes matchup between Alabama A&M and Howard in Atlanta. Throughout the season, fans can find games across various networks, including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, and ESPN+. The season's climax features pivotal postseason events, such as the Cricket Celebration Bowl on December 12, which crowns the HBCU national champion, and the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl on February 27, 2027, showcasing top all-star talent. This extensive broadcast plan underscores ESPN's long-standing commitment to providing a platform for HBCU athletics, ensuring that these storied programs and their passionate fanbases receive national visibility through a wide array of streaming and television options. This coverage spans from the very start of the season in August through the conclusion of the all-star game in February.
Options
- The Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff (Alabama A&M vs. Howard)
- The Cricket Celebration Bowl (HBCU National Championship)
- The Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl (HBCU All-Star Game)
- Regular season games across ESPN networks and ESPN+