The 2022 season was historic in the SIAC as the Benedict Tigers were crowned conference champions for the first time in school history.
Benedict’s championship run came off the heels of the school’s first-ever undefeated regular season, in which they also claimed their first Division II playoff spot.
Meanwhile, in the CIAA, the Fayetteville State Broncos snapped a four-game losing streak in the conference title game, defeating Chowan to become champions once again.
Although these two teams are currently at the top of the mountain, they will have some stiff competition coming after them in the 2023 season.
Here is the Ultimate HBCU Sports Preseason Lower Division Football Poll.
| Rank | Team | Previous Rank | 2022 record |
| 1 | Benedict | 1 | 11-1 |
| 2 | Fayetteville State | 2 | 9-3 |
| 3 | Virginia Union | 3 | 9-2 |
| 4 | Tuskegee | 4 | 8-3 |
| 5 | Fort Valley State | 5 | 8-2 |
| 6 | Albany State | 6 | 7-3 |
| 7 | Virginia State | 9 | 6-4 |
| 8 | West Virginia State | 7 | 7-4 |
| 9 | Bowie State | 8 | 6-4 |
| 10 | Langston | 10 | 6-4 |
