What is the Southwestern Athletic Conference?
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is the premier conference of historically Black colleges and universities — a century-old league across the Deep South whose football, bands and rivalries are cultural institutions.[1] [2]
Members and sports
Members include Jackson State, Southern, Grambling State, Alcorn State, Florida A&M, Texas Southern, Prairie View A&M, Alabama State, Alabama A&M, Bethune-Cookman, Mississippi Valley State and Arkansas–Pine Bluff.[1]
Since when does it exist?
Founded in 1920; headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama.[1]
Why does the Southwestern Athletic Conference matter?
The SWAC leads FCS attendance perennially, its Celebration Bowl champion claims the Black college national title, and a century of legends — from Eddie Robinson's Grambling to Deion Sanders' Jackson State era — make it one of the most distinguished conferences in college sports history.[1] [2]
References
- SWAC — official site. Accessed August 2026.
- NCAA — About the NCAA. Accessed August 2026.