John Grant Joins Praise 102.5 to Preview the 2026 ESPN MEAC/SWAC Challenge
ESPN MEAC/SWAC Challenge Executive Director John Grant joined Neiko on Praise 102.5 to preview the 2026 matchup between Howard University and Alabama A&M University.
Listen to their conversation about the game, marching bands, Coca-Cola Fan Experience and celebration of HBCU community and culture coming to Atlanta on August 29.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Coca-Cola Fan Experience: 3–7 p.m.
Location: Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta
Matchup: Howard University vs. Alabama A&M University
Broadcast: Live on ABC
For tickets, schedules and additional information, visit meacswacchallenge.com.
Interview Transcript
This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and readability.
Neiko: Praise 102.5, Atlanta’s Inspiration Station. What’s up, family? Neiko hanging out with you.
If you know like I know, then you know football is back. We have the executive director of the ESPN MEAC/SWAC Challenge in the building today, Mr. John Grant. What’s up, my brother?
John Grant: My man, I am happy to be here with you today. Thank you for having me.
Neiko: Absolutely. I’m glad to see you. When I saw you, I said, “I know football is back now. We’ve got the man in here.”
I’m a huge collegiate and professional football fan, and it is really cool to sit down with you today to talk about August 29. The 2026 game kicks off at 7:30 p.m., but before it starts, we’re going to do something special.
Let’s talk about the two HBCUs: Alabama A&M and Howard University. They’re going to tear it up on the 29th. Tell us about it.
John Grant: First of all, we’re excited about this year. Alabama A&M hasn’t been to Atlanta since around 1992, so it has been a while.
We had Howard here in 2021 when they took on Alabama State. We called that the longest game in college football history because of the weather delays. We didn’t finish until about 1:30 in the morning, when we had to call it.
This year, we have two teams and two great coaches. Ted White is the new head coach at Howard University and is entering his first season with something to prove. Alabama A&M’s coach is in his second year and also has something to prove. We think it is going to be a great matchup.
Neiko: It’s going to be a great matchup, and there are so many things for not only fans of the game, but also the entire family.
The Coca-Cola Fan Experience will take place from 3–7 p.m. It’s the largest HBCU tailgate and pregame experience—and we love a good tailgate.
College football is often a family event. What can families expect between 3 and 7 that day?
John Grant: An elevated experience. When people think of a traditional tailgate, we want them to think beyond that. That’s why we call this the Coca-Cola Fan Experience.
It is going to be more like attending the Super Bowl. Fans will see a lot of high-end experiences. Our sponsors have really stepped up this year, as they continue to do, to create something completely engaging and unique for our fans.
We’re going to have entertainment, and we’re excited to have Toyota on board. We also have artists we will announce at a later date.
Fans will have an opportunity to see the bands up close during our Band Jamboree. The bands will face off right there in the Fan Experience, creating that pregame energy. Fans will then go into the stadium, where they can see the bands perform during the Zero Quarter.
Neiko: I love it. We talked about the bands, but everyone who knows HBCUs understands that the band experience is on another level.
You get the bands, football and tailgate all on August 29. This is happening at Center Parc Stadium, Georgia State’s football stadium. What time does everything begin?
John Grant: The Fan Experience opens at 3 p.m. and continues until 7 p.m. We kick off at 7:30 p.m., live on ABC.
Neiko: Live on ABC! Again, Alabama A&M will be going against Howard, and it’s going to be a good time.
John Grant: Think about this: Atlanta opens the entire college football season with this game because it is in prime time on Saturday night.
ESPN calls it “Saturday Night College Football on ABC,” so Atlanta becomes the center of the college football universe on August 29 as we open the season.
The game also kicks off our Band of the Year season and the road to the national championship, which culminates here in December.
Alabama A&M’s new band director was with Southern University last year when they captured the national championship. I tell him that we got him promoted, because he is now leading the band at Alabama A&M.
Howard University is coming in with a strong band as well. The football and marching-band seasons will both kick off here in Atlanta.
Neiko: I love it. If you’re just joining us, we are speaking with the executive director of the ESPN MEAC/SWAC Challenge, Mr. John Grant.
It’s going to be a good time, live on ABC on August 29. Where can people find more information about the entire day?
John Grant: Visit our website at meacswacchallenge.com for tickets, schedules and all other information.
This is going to be a great place to be. You want to experience it. I can say that because I work on the game—but even if I didn’t, it would still be an incredible experience.
You will see HBCU alumni from across the country, all wearing their school gear. It’s like a big homecoming. It’s not just about Howard or Alabama A&M; it’s about the entire HBCU community as we launch what we call our HBCU Unity Initiative.
Neiko: I love that. We’re calling all HBCU alumni and current HBCU students to come out and enjoy Howard versus Alabama A&M on August 29.
You can watch live on ABC or join us at Center Parc Stadium, Georgia State’s football stadium, and have a great time.
John Grant: Absolutely.
Neiko: We’re kicking off the season right!
John Grant: If your team is playing another game that day, we will have an area where you can watch other games leading up to the kickoff of our game.
We’ll also have card and table games, including mahjong, bid whist and spades, with competitions happening throughout the day.
Neiko: It’s a family reunion.
John Grant: A real family reunion.
Neiko: Bring the whole family out. It is going down August 29. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m., but you can catch the Fan Experience from 3–7 p.m. before heading into Center Parc Stadium.
Executive Director of the ESPN MEAC/SWAC Challenge, Mr. John Grant, thank you so much. I cannot wait to bring my family out.
Football is back, family. Keep it locked right here on Praise 102.5.
