Marshall Faulk’s Southern University Jaguars Face Key HBCU Tests in 2026

Southern University will draw national attention in HBCU football this fall as Marshall Faulk prepares to make his debut as head coach. The Jaguars have long been a prominent program in the SWAC, boasting legendary coaches, NFL alumni, and a rich tradition of success, including recent championship appearances in 2022 and 2024.

Despite their pedigree, Southern has struggled to consistently topple the SWAC’s elite, leaving the program eager for a resurgence. Faulk, a Hall of Fame-caliber former NFL player, steps into a program hungry for leadership and a return to championship contention.

This season, Southern’s schedule features three matchups that could serve as early litmus tests for Faulk’s team: Alabama State, Jackson State, and Prairie View A&M. Each presents a unique challenge and an opportunity to make a statement in Faulk’s inaugural year.

For the Jaguars, success in these games could set the tone for the rest of the season, establish Faulk’s credibility as a head coach, and signal that Southern is ready to compete at the top of the SWAC West once again.

1. Season Opener Versus Alabama State

Southern opens its season against Alabama State on August 29, a game that could immediately set the narrative for Faulk’s debut campaign. The Hornets were among the SWAC’s top teams last year, finishing with just a single loss, making this matchup a critical early test. Quarterback Andrew Body, who returned to Alabama State after a transfer, brings a star presence and NFL aspirations to the contest. Body’s skill set and experience will challenge Southern’s defense, giving the Jaguars a chance to prove themselves against one of the conference’s elite. Last season, Southern struggled in primetime openers, including a heavy loss to North Carolina Central, signaling that early-season victories against strong opponents are crucial for momentum. Faulk will need to implement an aggressive game plan and leverage his professional experience to earn a win that could propel his team toward SWAC championship contention. A victory over Alabama State would be a statement for the Jaguars, positioning them as a legitimate threat in the West and giving Faulk immediate credibility among fans and the broader HBCU football community.

2. Rivalry Clash at Jackson State

Southern’s schedule also includes one of the most anticipated HBCU matchups: the Boombox Classic at Jackson State. This rivalry features two of the most passionate fan bases in the SWAC and consistently draws high attendance, making it a marquee event on the calendar. Jackson State, guided by T.C. Taylor, remains a powerhouse despite recent skepticism from some prognosticators. The Tigers have dominated recent meetings against Southern, creating a historical hurdle that Faulk will need to overcome to assert his team’s competitiveness in the conference. Winning in Jackson is never easy, as rivalry games carry high stakes and intense energy. Faulk must prepare his players both mentally and physically to thrive in a hostile environment and take control of one of the season’s defining contests. A victory here would not only enhance Southern’s record but also signal a shift in the rivalry dynamic, positioning the Jaguars as a team capable of competing with the SWAC East’s top programs.

3. Measuring Stick Against Prairie View A&M

Southern’s matchup with Prairie View A&M on October 10 has historically been a critical benchmark for the Jaguars. Over the past several years, this contest has coincided with coaching transitions and served as an early test of a team’s championship potential. Prairie View A&M, led by first-year head coach Tremaine Jackson, has emerged as a formidable program in the SWAC, winning the 2025 SWAC championship and securing Celebration Bowl appearances. Jackson’s success offers a template for Faulk, who will aim to establish his own program identity while navigating his first collegiate season. Faulk’s professional experience contrasts with Jackson’s extensive coaching background, setting up a clash of styles and philosophies. For Southern, this game represents both a challenge and an opportunity to assert dominance within the SWAC West. A strong performance against Prairie View A&M could solidify confidence in Faulk’s leadership and set the Jaguars up for a strong push toward the SWAC Championship. For fans and players alike, this game will be a litmus test of whether Southern is prepared to reclaim its place among HBCU football’s elite.