Top HBCU Football Teams: A Legacy of Pride and Gridiron Glory

The legacy of Black College Football began on December 27, 1892, at Biddle College and Livingstone College (Johnson C. Smith). Since then, HBCU football has been steeped in tradition, pageantry, pride, and history that transcends generations. On any given Saturday across the nation, legends are and have been made on the gridiron as HBCU students, fans, alums, administrators, and newcomers to the weekly rituals experience the richness and uniqueness of our culture.

A Tradition Unlike Any Other

HBCU football is more than just a game; it's a cultural phenomenon. The pageantry, the pride, and the history all combine to create an atmosphere that is unlike any other in college football. Get ready for the drum majors leading the marching bands, the dancing teams, majorettes, and flag twirlers to start the parade of cheers, camaraderie, and family fun as the HBCU football season kicks off!

The 2023 Season: A Year of Champions

Former head coach Willie Simmons led Florida A&M to become the 2023 HBCU Division I National Champions after defeating the Howard Bison in the 2023 Cricket Celebration Bowl. As Simmons departed to accept a new position with Duke University, James Colzie III was appointed the Rattlers football program's new leader. In Week 0, FAMU continued winning with a one-point victory, 24-23, over Norfolk State in the 2024 Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge.

Week 1: Upsets and Surprises

As Week 1 kicked off for HBCU football teams facing tough FBS and FCS adversaries, all preseason predictions were quickly dispatched. Alcorn State's 41-3 loss to UAB wasn't unexpected, but the offensive execution was subpar. Can the Braves rebound once conference action begins against Mississippi Valley State on Sept. 28?

Most wonder if another dominant team rise in HBCU football this season. On Sunday, two teams are projected to face each other again in December and will battle at Hard Rock Stadium in the 2024 Denny's Orange Blossom Classic. The Alabama State Hornets and North Carolina Central Eagles could be 1a and 1b for some pundits. However, there can only be one. No more talk. No more projections. Just play football! Who will win? We shall see.

HBCU Football Schedule: Week 1

Here's a look at the Week 1 HBCU football schedule:

SWAC

August 29, 6:00 PM - Jackson State at ULM - Monroe, LA (Broadcast: ESPN+)
August 29, 6:30 PM - Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs Arkansas - Little Rock, AR (Broadcast: ESPNU)
August 29, 7:00 PM - Alcorn State at UAB - Birmingham, AL (Broadcast: ESPN+)
August 31, 5:00 PM - South Carolina State at Florida A&M - Tallahassee, FL (Broadcast: ESPN+)
August 31, 5:00 PM - Mississippi Valley State at Tennessee State - Nashville, TN (Broadcast: ESPN+)
August 31, 6:00 PM - Bethune-Cookman at South Florida - Tampa, FL (Broadcast: ESPN+)
August 31, 6:00 PM - Texas Southern at Prairie View A&M - Prairie View, TX (Broadcast: ESPN+)
August 31, 6:30 PM - Alabama A&M at Auburn - Auburn, AL (Broadcast: SEC Network+)
August 31, 7:00 PM - Southern at McNeese State - Lake Charles, LA (Broadcast: ESPN+)
August 31, 7:00 PM - Grambling State at Louisiana - Lafayette, LA (Broadcast: ESPN+)
September 1, 3:00 PM - North Carolina Central vs Alabama State - Miami Gardens, FL (Broadcast: ESPN)

MEAC

August 29, 6:00 PM - Howard at Rutgers - Piscataway, NJ
August 31, 6:00 PM - Norfolk State at East Carolina - Greenville, NC
August 31, 6:00 PM - Morgan State at Hampton University - Hampton, VA
September 1, 3:00 PM - North Carolina Central vs Alabama State - Miami Gardens, FL (Broadcast: ESPN)

SIAC

August 29, 7:00 PM - Central State at Morehead State - Morehead, KY
August 31, 1:00 PM - Clark Atlanta at Fort Valley State - Fort Valley, GA (Broadcast: TheGrio)
August 31, 3:00 PM - Virginia Union at Kentucky State - Frankfort, KY (Broadcast: HBCU GO)
August 31, 3:00 PM - Edward Waters at Morehouse - Atlanta, GA (Broadcast: ESPN+)
September 1, 4:00 PM - Virginia State vs Benedict - Canton, OH (Broadcast: NFL Network)
September 1, 7:00 PM - Tuskegee vs Johnson C. Smith - Montgomery, AL (Broadcast: ESPNU)

CIAA

August 31, 12:00 PM - Elizabeth City State at Shaw - Durham, NC (Broadcast: CIAA Network)
August 31, 3:00 PM - Virginia Union at Kentucky State - Frankfort, KY (Broadcast: HBCU GO)
August 31, 6:00 PM ET - University of Charleston at Livingstone - Bluefield, WV (Big Blue Sports Network)
August 31, 6:00 PM - Winston-Salem State at Bluefield State - Salisbury, NC
September 1, 4:00 PM - Virginia State vs Benedict - Canton, OH (Broadcast: NFL Network)
September 1, 7:00 PM - Tuskegee vs Johnson C. Smith - Montgomery, AL (Broadcast: ESPNU)

CAA

August 29, 6:00 PM - North Carolina A&T vs.

End-of-Season Power Rankings: The Top Contenders

These rankings have been done weekly throughout the regular season, as I sorted each HBCU football team at the FCS level based on their performances.

What a comeback! Down 21 points and down a starting quarterback, South Carolina State played the second half of a lifetime as it came back to win the Celebration Bowl over Prairie View A&M.
There's an argument that Alabama State should be the No. 1 team in the season-ending power rankings. After all, 2021 is proof that the Celebration Bowl winner isn't guaranteed the top spot. However, unlike 2021, Prairie View A&M and South Carolina State were both top-5 teams entering the game.
The SWAC Champions come in at No. 3 after a Celebration Bowl loss.
Jackson State had an impressive run, overcoming injuries to quarterback JaCobian Morgan to still clinch the SWAC East.
Delaware State lost a chance at a MEAC title with a season-ending defeat to South Carolina State, but it still was a remarkable year for head coach DeSean Jackson in his first season.
It was a disappointing year for North Carolina Central, which goes to show how great of an HBCU program the Eagles are.
Texas Southern has now finished No. 7 in back-to-back years of my season-ending HBCU football power rankings.
Bethune-Cookman beat Florida A&M to win its first Florida Classic since it left the MEAC.
After starting the season 0-5 and later 1-6 without a DI win, Alcorn State won four straight games late in the season before a season-ending loss to Jackson State.
1. Howard beat Norfolk State in the season finale for its second MEAC win.
Florida A&M drops out of the top 10 after closing the season with back-to-back losses to Bethune-Cookman and Mississippi Valley State.
After a 3-1 start, an injury to quarterback Quad Brown derailed head coach Sam Shade's first season at Alabama A&M.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff lost its final three games, suffering blowout losses to Prairie View A&M and Alabama State in their last two outings.
Reggie Barlow ended his first year as head coach with a 2-10 record, going winless in OVC-Big South play and ending on a five-game losing streak.
North Carolina A&T beat Hampton and picked up its first-ever PWI CAA win with a win over Campbell this year.
Southern moves up in the final rankings after a Bayou Classic win.
Morgan State might have four wins, but a win over Norfolk State is the only DI win.
The first year of the Terrell Buckley era ended on a high note with the head coach's first DI win over Florida A&M in the season finale.
Hampton won two games this year, one game over DII Elizabeth City State and another over the last team in the rankings, Norfolk State.
The worst team in HBCU football this year was Norfolk State.

Looking Ahead: Key Matchups and Rivalries

As October rolls on, the HBCU football landscape is taking shape - contenders are rising, pretenders are fading, and rivalries are heating up across the MEAC and SWAC. Week 8 may have been quiet, but Week 9 brings the noise back, led by Prairie View's statement win and the looming showdown in Las Vegas.

Here's how this week's Power 5 stacks up:

Jackson State: The consensus No. 1 team in our rankings-and currently sitting at No. 11 in the FCS Coaches Poll-returns to action this week against Grambling State. But before anyone prematurely crowns the Tigers as champions, let’s not forget what happened the last time these two teams met. Head Coach T.C. Taylor certainly hasn’t. “This is a team that spanked us pretty good last season,” Taylor said, setting the tone for a focused and fired-up squad heading into this pivotal conference clash. The stage is set in Las Vegas under the bright lights, with the matchup being billed as “Thee Revenge.” Expect Jackson State to show up with something to prove.
North Carolina Central: MEAC play has finally arrived, and all eyes are on Durham, North Carolina, as the Eagles host DeSean Jackson and Delaware State for Homecoming. Many analysts-including myself-believe this one has all the makings of a shootout, featuring NCCU’s explosive offense led by veteran quarterback Walker Harris against the No. 1 rushing attack in the FCS, averaging nearly 300 yards per game. But don’t tell that to the Eagles’ head coach-he’s not buying the shootout narrative. “We play a little defense here too in Durham. Won’t be no shootout,” he said confidently. Expect O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium to be rocking come gameday as North Carolina Central looks to put on a show for the homecoming crowd.
Alabama State: Arguably the most exciting team in HBCU football is back in action after a bye week-and they’ve had time to put their heartbreaking loss to Jackson State in the rearview mirror. Up next: a high-stakes showdown with in-state rival Alabama A&M in the Magic City Classic. All eyes will be on star quarterback Andrew Body, who appears eager for his first taste of the storied rivalry. With momentum on their side and plenty to prove, the Hornets are expected to get back to their winning ways in Birmingham.
Prairie View A&M: The star power of Panthers Head Coach Tremaine Jackson continues to rise after another statement win-this time spoiling Southern’s homecoming and effectively sealing the fate of the Jaguars’ head coach. The dominant 24-7 victory keeps Prairie View undefeated in the SWAC West and has sparked buzz around Jackson as a potential candidate for the UAB coaching vacancy. Now, it’s homecoming week in Prairie View, and the Panthers are set to host Lincoln (CA). With momentum on their side, this magical run looks poised to keep rolling.
South Carolina State: The Bulldogs hold their spot in the Power 5 rankings as they gear up for a pivotal road matchup against the embattled Norfolk State Spartans. Don’t let the Spartans’ 1-6 record fool you - it’s a new season now that conference play is underway, something the defending MEAC champions know all too well after last year’s surprising title run. With Homecoming set in Norfolk, this matchup presents a prime opportunity for South Carolina State to reassert its dominance and make an early statement in the MEAC race.

Up Next: at Mississippi Valley State Saturday Nov.
Up Next: vs. Texas Southern Saturday Nov.
Up Next: at Alabama A&M Saturday Nov.
Up Next: at Morgan State, Friday Nov.
Up Next: vs. Howard Saturday Nov.
Up Next: vs. Norfolk State Saturday Nov.
Up Next: vs. Bethune-Cookman Saturday Nov. Special teams did it again Saturday for the G-men, who are now down to their fourth quarterback.
Up Next: at Grambling Saturday Nov.
Up Next: at Alabama State Saturday Nov. TSU’s SWAC West title hopes are toast following a stumbling loss to Alcorn State, so now all they can hope for is a winning record.
Up Next: at South Carolina State Saturday Nov.

The Road to the Celebration Bowl

The 2025 Celebration Bowl is set. MEAC Champion South Carolina State will take on SWAC Champion Prairie View A&M for HBCU football supremacy. The game will be on Saturday, Dec.

The 2025 HBCU football season concludes with the Celebration Bowl on Saturday, Dec.

Coaching Changes and Awards

Hampton hired Van Malone as its 23rd head football coach. Malone joins Hampton from an assistant coach role at Kansas State.
Florida A&M fired head football coach James Colzie III.
The MEAC announced that North Carolina Central quarterback Walker Harris and South Carolina State cornerback Jarrod Washington were named conference offensive and defensive players of the year, respectively.
Prairie View A&M won the 2025 SWAC Football Championship Game, defeating Jackson State 23-21 in Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Southern has officially hired Marshall Faulk as the 22nd head coach of the football team. Faulk was a three-time Heisman Trophy finalist, the No. 2 overall pick in the 1994 NFL Draft, 1994 Offensive Rookie of the Year Award and 2000 NFL MVP. Faulk played 12 seasons in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts and the St. Louis Rams, earning seven Pro Bowls, winning Super Bowl XXXIV.
The MEAC’s Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year will be revealed during the National Football Foundation (NFF) Annual Awards Press Conference on Tuesday, Dec.
OL - A.C. Hampton and head coach Trenton Boykin are parting ways. Hampton finished 2-10 this year after a 5-7 season during the first year of Boykin's tenure.
Legendary Jackson State coach W.C. Gorden was named the American Football Coaches Association’s recipient of the 2025 Trailblazer Award. The AFCA Trailblazer Award honors leaders in the football coaching profession who coached at HBCUs.
The Southern Jaguars have fired head football coach Terrence Graves. Graves most recently lost in blowout fashion on homecoming, dropping Southern's 2025 record to 1-6. Graves won the 2024 SWAC West title last season with an 8-5 record, going 7-1 in SWAC play. Fred McNair wil take over as interim head coach this year. McNair was the co-offensive coordinator under Graves, where Southern had the worst scoring offense and total offense in SWAC.

Other Notable Events

Jackson State batted down a Hail Mary attempt from Alcorn State to defeat the Braves 27-21. With the win, Jackson State will host Prairie View A&M in the SWAC title game on Dec.
South Carolina State won the MEAC with a 28-17 win over Delaware State on the road. The win gives the Bulldogs back-to-back undefeated seasons in conference play and consecutive Celebration Bowl berths.
We'll know who wins the MEAC and SWAC East after Week 13.
SWAC Co-Defensive Player of the Week: DB B.J.
The hit daily sports talk show "First Take" visited its third HBCU football game this season, hitting Delaware State ahead of DSU's matchup with Norfolk State in Philadelphia. First Take previously visited Norfolk State and the Magic City Classic.
The hit daily sports talk show "First Take" visited its second HBCU football game this season, hitting the Magic City Classic in Birmingham, AL featuring Alabama A&M and Alabama State. First Take previously visited Norfolk State. Anyone watching Cam Newton get into it with the Alabama A&M Mascot?
Alabama A&M quarterback Eric Handley is the lone HBCU football representative on the 22-player Jerry Rice Award watch list.
Southern defensive end Ckelby Givens was named one of the top edge rushers in the FCS at the midseason mark.
The Georgia Football Classic is no more. The game that was going to feature Mississippi Valley State and Florida A&M will no longer be played in Atlanta, Georgia's Mercedez-Benz Stadium - home of the Atlanta Falcons and Celebration Bowl.
The Tampa Bay Football Classic is no more.
The hit daily sports talk show "First Take" visited the campus of Norfolk State ahead of NSU's season-opener against Towson. "To help these young men … Before the season, we looked at some of the top storylines and players to follow for 2025. The preseason is here, conferences are announcing their all-conference teams and predicted orders of finishes.
Tennessee State was predicted to finish 8th in the CAA.
The defending Celebration Bowl champion is Jackson State.
NCAA.com's Preseason HBCU football power rankings will release on Friday, Aug.
The 2025 HBCU football season begins with the MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Saturday, Aug.
The 2025 FCS Playoffs start on the weekend of Saturday, Nov.
The 2025 SWAC Football Championship Game is on Saturday, Dec.

Alabama State 56, vs.

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