The UAB football team is swapping one SWAC program for another for its upcoming season opener.

The Blazers will face Alcorn State to open the 2024 season, Thursday, Aug. 29, at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium, according to a release from the school.

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UAB was originally scheduled to play Alabama State but a mutual agreement between the two programs — foregoing the first of a two-game contract — was agreed upon after the latter was invited to participate in the 2024 Orange Blossom Classic against North Carolina Central, Sunday, Sept. 1, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

Alcorn State is coming off a second-place division finish, capping the 2023 season at 7-4 overall and 6-2 in SWAC action.

UAB is 8-0 in season openers dating back to the 2014 season and 10-2 all-time against SWAC opponents. The only two losses came at the hand of Alabama State in UAB’s final two seasons before transitioning to the FBS level.

UAB’s 2024 opponents were previously released by the American Athletic Conference in December and dates for the upcoming season will be announced in mid to late February.