HBCU football could gain from NCAA schedule expansion

A serious shift might be on the horizon for HBCU soccer applications on the NCAA FCS Division I stage. The NCAA Division I Soccer Championship Subdivision (FCS) Oversight Committee is recommending a change that may enable all FCS groups—together with these within the MEAC and SWAC—to schedule 12 regular-season video games yearly starting in 2026. Below present guidelines, groups are restricted to 12 video games solely when the calendar consists of 14 Saturdays between the tip of August and late November, which hasn’t been a difficulty just lately—every season from 2015 by way of 2030 meets that situation.

For HBCU soccer applications, this rule change might have fast and long-term implications. The flexibility to schedule a twelfth sport annually opens extra possibilities to safe assure video games towards FBS opponents, add showcase matchups, and preserve traditions that outline the cultural cloth of HBCU soccer.

Nevertheless, the way in which this rule would influence every convention varies. The MEAC, which has a smaller variety of football-playing members, sometimes operates with a lighter convention schedule, typically leaving room for 4 or 5 non-conference video games even beneath the present 11-game mannequin. This flexibility has allowed applications like North Carolina Central and Howard to pursue nationwide publicity by way of matchups towards FBS colleges or Ivy League opponents in addition to video games towards historic rivals outdoors of the convention. A twelfth sport would provide much more house to discover extra rivalries, classics, or income alternatives—with out disrupting convention standings or postseason plans.

In distinction, the SWAC’s construction presents a tighter scheduling state of affairs. With two divisions and eight required convention video games, plus a possible ninth sport for the convention championship, many SWAC colleges are already working inside a packed calendar. Groups like Jackson State, Southern, and Grambling State typically face tough decisions in making an attempt to protect conventional video games just like the Orange Blossom Basic or the Bayou Basic. The addition of a twelfth regular-season slot might relieve that stress, permitting colleges to retain these marquee occasions whereas nonetheless fulfilling convention commitments and exploring high-value non-conference matchups.

The proposal would additionally convey an finish to using Week Zero video games by standardizing the beginning date of the FCS season. Below present guidelines, some applications have used legislated exceptions to play early-season video games on the Saturday earlier than Labor Day weekend. Beginning in 2026, all FCS groups would as an alternative start competitors on the Thursday 13 weeks earlier than the FCS playoff bracket is launched. This successfully eliminates Week 0 video games, eradicating an publicity window. Whereas this ranges the calendar throughout the board, it additionally limits early visibility for applications that beforehand used that stage to launch their seasons.

Coaches and gamers would additionally really feel the impact. An extended schedule requires cautious roster administration, particularly for applications working with restricted depth. But it surely additionally gives extra alternatives for gamers to showcase their expertise, notably in high-profile video games that draw the eye of NFL scouts and media shops. For athletic departments, this variation means earlier planning round housing, journey, and tutorial assist because the calendar expands.

The subsequent steps are essential. The advice can be offered to the NCAA Division I Council on Might 15, with a last resolution scheduled for June 24–25. If permitted, the brand new 12-game schedule will go into impact starting with the 2026 season. For HBCU soccer applications within the MEAC and SWAC, the proposed rule opens the door to expanded technique, custom preservation, and nationwide visibility—all whereas reinforcing the cultural and monetary significance of the HBCU soccer calendar.

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