The 2025 SWAC-MEAC Challenge has delivered one of the most explosive opening halves in the history of this rivalry. The North Carolina Central Eagles struck first, marching 80 yards in nine plays over six minutes to take early control. But Southern’s answer was nothing short of breathtaking.
On just the third play of the drive, Southern quarterback Cam’ron McCoy—a junior transfer from Jackson State—showed a gear rarely seen at the HBCU level. He broke free on a 69-yard rushing touchdown that silenced any doubts about his playmaking ability. The only comparable burst of speed in recent memory was when Grambling’s Maurice Washington flashed his FBS-caliber athleticism a few seasons ago.
NCCU quickly threatened again, driving to the two-yard line, but a heartbreaking fumble at the goal line turned momentum back to the Jaguars. Southern’s offense looked explosive behind McCoy, who not only carved the Eagles with his legs but also displayed a rocket arm—just narrowly overthrowing a receiver on what could have been another highlight. His speed is frightening, and Central’s defense knew it.
Still, the Eagles never flinched. Head Coach Trei Oliver’s team stayed balanced and composed, mixing 11 pass attempts with 18 rushing attempts as the clock ticked under seven minutes in the second quarter. Christian Mosley provided the spark with a 35-yard run into the red zone, a bounce-back after their previous drive stalled at the goal line. While NCCU has been denied twice in three red-zone trips, kicker Kaleb Robison connected from 31 yards out to put the Eagles ahead 10–7.
Then, the fireworks really began. McCoy dazzled again with ankle-breaking moves escaping the pocket, and Southern’s other big weapon, running back Trey Holly, made his presence felt. A transfer from LSU, Holly ripped off an 80-yard touchdown run—just minutes after Southern insider Todd Sterling predicted he would break out following a strong camp.
But NCCU wasted no time matching the energy. On the very next play, Mosley bolted 49 yards for a touchdown, capping a one-play, nine-second drive. The score: 17–14 Eagles. It was a perfect reminder of what Oliver’s teams are built on—resilience and the ability to go punch-for-punch with anyone, as seen in their 2022 Celebration Bowl victory.
McCoy, meanwhile, is quickly becoming the story of the game. His dual-threat ability evokes comparisons to Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton—blazing speed paired with a cannon arm, though his deep accuracy remains inconsistent. Even so, he and Holly have Southern within striking distance and turning heads.
The first half ended with NCCU clinging to a 17–14 lead, but this has already been the most electrifying first half of the SWAC-MEAC Challenge in at least three years. With stars emerging on both sides, and Oliver no stranger to containing elite talent like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter in the past, the second half promises to be just as unforgettable.
