MEAC Football Enters a New Era Ahead of the 2026 Season
- Cobi Orr
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
For the second consecutive year, all six MEAC football programs met at the home of the Baltimore Ravens, M&T Bank Stadium, for Media Day.
Each team couldn't have looked more different in terms of fashion choices, but they all seemed to share one thing in common: new beginnings.
Not much time was spent talking about what happened last season, not even for the defending MEAC and national champions, South Carolina State University, whose social media post seemed to poke fun at the fact they're still being asked about their Celebration Bowl win from the season before.
The MEAC continues to show how dedicated it is to evolving and finding what works through its continued partnership with the NFL. The conference has always leaned flashy, with giant video boards, former league players and trendy content, but this year it took things up a notch by adding a more serious tone. The entire crew of The Pivot podcast hosted the event live on ESPN+ from the Ravens' locker room, giving Media Day a fresh look and feel.
2026 MEAC Preseason Poll & All-Conference Honors
The predicted order of finish in the MEAC came with a bit of a surprise, though perhaps not in the way most expected.
Starting with the obvious, defending conference champion South Carolina State received the most first-place votes and enters the season as the favorite to repeat.
The Bulldogs also led the conference with nine First Team Preseason All-MEAC selections, including Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Jordan Franklin. Franklin was originally expected to represent South Carolina State at Media Day before being replaced by fellow First Team selection Jordan Dollard.
No. 2 — North Carolina Central
North Carolina Central landed in the runner-up spot, which may come as a slight surprise after the Eagles' late-season stumble against Delaware State. Still, voters appear confident that head coach Trei Oliver won't allow last year's finish to become a trend.
The Eagles placed five players on the First Team Preseason All-MEAC squad, including Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Chance Peterson.
No. 3 — Delaware State
The Hornets checked in third after an impressive first season under head coach DeSean Jackson. Some Delaware State fans may view that ranking as a slight after finishing one win away from an HBCU national championship appearance. However, considering the offensive production the Hornets had to replace this offseason, the projection is understandable.
Delaware State enters the season with just two First Team preseason selections, the fewest in the conference.
No. 4 — Morgan State
Morgan State was picked fourth after finishing 4-8 a season ago. Despite last year's record, some media members have labeled the Bears a potential dark horse entering 2026. They'll bring three First Team preseason selections into the season.
No. 5 — Norfolk State
Perhaps the biggest surprise in the poll was Norfolk State.
Despite finishing 1-11 in 2025, the Michael Vick-led Spartans were picked fifth rather than last. That placement likely says as much about the coaching transition at Howard as it does about Norfolk State itself. The Spartans even received one first-place vote and enter the season with two First Team preseason selections.
No. 6 — Howard
Howard rounded out the preseason poll at No. 6.
The ranking felt like more of a reflection of the program's recent struggles under the previous coaching staff than the current roster, as the Bison still boast four First Team preseason selections entering the year.
South Carolina State: The Team Everyone Is Chasing
The saying, "heavy is the head that wears the crown," has never felt more appropriate.
For all the praise South Carolina State has earned, the Bulldogs face many of the same roster challenges as the rest of the conference. They lost significant experience on offense, particularly at wide receiver, along with both quarterbacks who contributed to last year's championship run. They also graduated arguably the best cornerback in HBCU football, Jarod Washington.
Replacing talent like that won't be easy.
What separates South Carolina State from the rest of the conference, however, is the pressure that comes with being the standard.
The Bulldogs haven't lost a MEAC game under head coach Chennis Berry, and every opponent enters the season hoping to end that streak.
With Delaware State and North Carolina Central visiting Orangeburg in consecutive weeks, the Bulldogs' toughest stretch could ultimately shape another trip to Atlanta.
Delaware State Carries Confidence Into Year Two
Delaware State carried a certain aura during the media scrum, a reminder that attitude often reflects leadership.
I asked head coach DeSean Jackson what he told his team after falling one game short of a national championship berth during his first season. His response was simple.
"We know what it tastes like, and that taste will stay with us until we get back on that field."
His players echoed the same sentiment during an off-camera conversation.
They're focused.
Michael Vick Begins Building a New Culture
Michael Vick naturally drew plenty of attention throughout Media Day.
He spoke at length about changing the culture at Norfolk State, finding positives to build on from last season and laying the foundation for long-term success.
When I asked Vick about the advice legendary coach Jimmy Johnson gave him during his final appearance on Fox Sports, the first-year head coach smiled and kept it simple.
"He was so right."
Look for the Spartans to be much more competitive this season as Vick continues putting his stamp on the program.
Looking Ahead
With just over a month remaining before the MEAC/SWAC Challenge kicks off the season between Alabama A&M and Howard, there are no shortage of storylines to follow.
Will Howard prove the preseason poll wrong with an opening statement win?
Can South Carolina State continue its conference dominance?
Will Delaware State finish the job and earn its trip to Atlanta in year two under DeSean Jackson?
The answers are coming soon enough. 🍿
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