10 Years
of HBCU
greatness
In March 2015, in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, Division I HBCU football changed forever.
Join us in celebrating a decade of HBCU excellence!
Tradition, Triumph, and Unforgettable Moments. Tradition, Triumph, and Unforgettable Moments. Tradition, Triumph, and Unforgettable Moments.Tradition, Triumph, and Unforgettable Moments. Tradition, Triumph, and Unforgettable Moments. Tradition, Triumph, and Unforgettable Moments.
The Ultimate HBCU Showdown
Announced at the College Football Hall of Fame, the Celebration Bowl was established as the official HBCU Division 1 national championship game between the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
Over the past decade, eight proud programs have earned the right to compete on this national stage, broadcasted live on ABC with six different matchups that have captivated fans and celebrated HBCU excellence.
Where Legends and Leaders Unite
The Celebration Bowl has welcomed notable guests such as, Vice President Kamala Harris, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, US Congressman James Clyburn, US Senator Raphael Warnock, Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams, NFL Hall of Famers Rober Brazil, Donnie Shellie Harry Carson and former NFL MVP Cam Newton, further cementing its status as a marquee event.
A Decade of Uniting HBCU Football’s Best
A Decade of Uniting HBCU Football’s Best
As we celebrate 10 years of unforgettable moments, we highlight the legacy that’s been built—and look forward to many more years of tradition, pride, and thrilling football still to come.
As we celebrate 10 years of unforgettable moments, we highlight the legacy that’s been built—and look forward to many more years of tradition, pride, and thrilling football still to come.
A New Beginning
The first two years of the Celebration Bowl, then titled the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl set the tone for a decade of unforgettable HBCU football. Held in the historic Georgia Dome, the 2015 inaugural matchup delivered fireworks from the opening kickoff, featuring standout performances like Tarik Cohen’s electrifying 295 rushing yards and three touchdowns in North Carolina A&T’s thrilling 41-34 win over Alcorn State.
In 2016, defense took center stage as Grambling State edged North Carolina Central 10-9 in a dramatic finish sealed by a blocked extra point. These early games showcased not just talent, but heart, resilience, and the fierce pride of MEAC and SWAC champions. They laid the foundation for what has become one of college football’s most meaningful and exciting post-season traditions.
The Aggie Dynasty
From 2017 to 2019, North Carolina A&T State University etched its name into Celebration Bowl history with a dominant three-peat performance. The Aggies capped off an undefeated season in 2017 with a hard-fought 21–14 win over Grambling State, becoming the first MEAC team to go 12-0.
In 2018, they defended their title in a dramatic 24–22 rematch against Alcorn State, highlighted by a game-changing 88-yard kickoff return.
The 2019 showdown shattered Celebration Bowl records, as A&T and Alcorn combined for 108 points and over 1,000 yards in an offensive explosion led by Kylil Carter’s six-touchdown masterpiece. This stretch solidified A&T’s legacy and elevated the Bowl’s reputation as the premier stage for HBCU football excellence.
The Underdogs Come Out on Top
In 2021 ,Cricket Wireless became the title sponsor and the Cricket Celebration Bowl delivered one of the biggest upsets in its history, as South Carolina State stunned the heavily favored Jackson State Tigers 31–10 in front of a record-setting crowd of 48,653 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
With NFL legend and Hall of Famer Deion Sanders at the helm and his sons Shedeur and Shilo Sanders on the roster, JSU entered the game with sky-high expectations. But it was the Bulldogs’ defense that stole the spotlight, holding Jackson State to just 19 rushing yards and 194 total yards—both Celebration Bowl lows.
Quarterback Corey Fields threw four touchdown passes, while Shaquan Davis caught three of them to earn Offensive MVP honors. The victory marked the largest margin of victory in Celebration Bowl history and reinforced South Carolina State’s proud football tradition.
Overtime Glory
The 2022 Cricket Celebration Bowl delivered a game for the ages as North Carolina Central spoiled Jackson State’s perfect season with a dramatic 41–34 overtime victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. In a back-and-forth battle featuring six lead changes, with Travis Hunter making the game tying touchdown catch. The Eagles took control of the extra period behind quarterback Davius Richard’s second rushing touchdown. Richard, who was named Offensive MVP, totaled 272 yards and three touchdowns on the day, while MEAC Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Baker anchored the defense with 10 tackles to earn Defensive MVP honors.
The game ended with Jackson State coming up just one yard short on fourth down, sending Coach Trei Oliver and NCCU to their first Celebration Bowl championship—and marking Deion Sanders’ final game as JSU head coach.
With over 480 total yards, a 98-yard performance by RB Latrell Collier, and a perfect mix of grit and precision, the Eagles made history in unforgettable fashion.
A SWAC Surge
The 2023 Cricket Celebration Bowl featured first-time participants Florida A&M and Howard, with the Rattlers rallying in a wild fourth quarter to claim a 30–26 win. Jeremy Moussa threw three touchdowns in the final period — two to Kelvin Dean Jr. — as FAMU captured the SWAC’s second Cricket Celebration Bowl title and finished 12–1.
A year later, Jackson State finally broke through. After two prior losses in the Bowl, the Tigers dominated South Carolina State 28–7 in the 2024 edition, avenging their 2021 defeat and tying the record for largest margin of victory. Jacobian Morgan accounted for two scores, while the JSU defense allowed the fewest points in Bowl history. The win secured the Tigers’ first Cricket Celebration Bowl title and capped a 12–2 season.
