Week 12 of HBCU football ended championship chases in the MEAC and in each SWAC division, and there isn’t much change in the HBCU Sports’ Ultimate Division I poll, so as these teams head into their regular season finales, here’s how they fared in our rankings.
1. Jackson State (9-2)
The Tigers scored enough points to end the SWAC East portion of their schedule undefeated, earning their third division title in four seasons and the first under T.C. Taylor’s guidance.
Next up is the Soul Bowl at Alcorn State on Nov. 23. JSU will have a week off before the SWAC championship game, which is scheduled for December 7.
2. South Carolina State (8-2)
The Bulldogs were never challenged at Morgan State Saturday, convincingly winning the MEAC title for the first time since 2021.
South Carolina State’s regular season ends next Saturday with a home game against Norfolk State that will likely feel more like a celebration – get it? – than a football game as they prepare to make the trip to Atlanta on Dec. 14.
3. North Carolina Central (7-3)
The Eagles won a contentious game over Howard Friday night, which could result in some punishment that will affect their final regular season game and FCS playoff bid chances.
NCCU travels to Delaware State to cap the regular season on Nov. 23, then they’ll wait out the FCS committee meeting the next day.
4. Tennessee State (8-3)
Big Blue held off a determined Gardner-Webb challenge for their sixth win in seven games.
The Tigers control their own FCS playoff destiny with a visit from Southeast Missouri this weekend, who is looking to wrap up the Big South-OVC title for themselves.
5. Southern (7-4)
The Jaguars didn’t need six overtimes to defeat Arkansas-Pine Bluff and clinch their second SWAC West title in the last three seasons.
They’ll still gladly take a week off before battling Grambling in the annual Bayou Classic Nov. 30, then they’re onto Jackson State for the SWAC title game December 7.
6. Florida A&M (5-5)
The Rattlers’ 23-game winning streak at Bragg came to a stunning end thanks to an emotional Mississippi Valley State team honoring a fallen teammate with an outstanding effort.
FAMU will have to forget about it quickly because next up is the Florida Classic against Bethune-Cookman, who has been playing better football as of late.
7. Alabama State (5-5)
The Hornets’ SWAC East dreams officially came to an end Saturday against Jackson State, a disappointing end to a season that began with so much promise.
ASU will try to finish the season strong, first up with a visit from Prairie View A&M this coming Saturday.
8. Alcorn State (6-5)
Alcorn State secured at least a .500 season with a win at Prairie View, but still below their predicted status as the top team in the SWAC West.
The Braves will have a chance to repeat their feat of knocking off Jackson State in the Soul Bowl, this time at Braves Stadium next Saturday.
9. Morgan State (5-6)
Morgan State ran into a garnet and blue buzzsaw from Orangeburg, South Carolina, this weekend, ending their MEAC championship hopes.
They can still pull a .500 season together with a win against Howard this weekend.
10. Hampton (5-6)
The Pirates lost a heartbreaker to Richmond in their home finale on Saturday. They’ll look to break even on the season with a trip to Albany next weekend.
