There were a handful of Division I HBCU Football games left this past weekend, so HBCU Sports has time for one more update of our Ultimate D-1 football poll. We saw three teams finish up 2024 and one more get ready for the biggest game of their season with a classic win. Here’s how it all shakes out.
1. Jackson State (10-2) The Tigers enjoyed a week off before beginning preparations for SWAC West champ Southern in this year’s conference championship game.
JSU has a chance to make their third Celebration Bowl in four years, needless to say they’ll be ready to go this coming Saturday.
2. South Carolina State (9-2)
The Bulldogs are idle until the SWAC champion is decided, then they’ll head to Atlanta to try and win the program’s second ever Celebration Bowl.
3. Tennessee State (9-4)
Big Blue gave 2023 FCS runner-up Montana a battle in the first round of the playoffs, but the Grizzlies’ experience won out.
Big things are in store for Tennessee State however as Eddie George has this program heading in the right direction. A very successful 2024 for the Tigers.
4. North Carolina Central (8-3)
The Eagles did not make the postseason party for the first time in three seasons, and now turn their full attention to the offseason, where they’ll look to regain championship contender status in 2025.
5. Southern (8-4)
The Jaguars warmed up for the SWAC championship game by winning their sixth Bayou Classic in the last seven years over rival Grambling.
Now Southern turns their attention to Jackson State and a chance at the school’s first ever Celebration Bowl appearance.
6. Florida A&M (7-5)
FAMU once again had to withstand a team’s rally to pick up a win; this weekend, it was Alabama A&M in a make-up game that was washed out by Hurricane Helene originally.
The Rattlers finished 2024 well below their standards but expect them to retool and be ready for another run at the top in 2025.
7. Alabama State (7-5)
The Hornets worked up an appetite in dismissing Tuskegee in the annual Turkey Day Classic, finishing their season on a winning note.
Injuries to key personnel undermined ASU’s SWAC East title hopes, but Eddie Robinson Jr. has had a winning record each of his three seasons coaching his alma mater, so the potential for success is there.
8. Morgan State (6-6)
The Bears wrapped up their season last week with a win over Howard, clinching their best record in 10 years.
Head coach Damon Wilson has installed a winner’s mindset at Morgan State and if the Bears can put together an offense to go with their defense, the MEAC best beware.
9. Alcorn State (6-6)
Alcorn State’s season ended in a Soul Bowl loss to Jackson State Nov. 23.
A 6-6 record was not what was expected of the Braves, so it will be interesting to see how the Braves rebound in 2025.
10. Alabama A&M (6-6)
The Bulldogs gave Florida A&M a fight, but lost 28-20 to finish the season at .500, not bad, but still not close enough to the SWAC East championship chase.
One has to wonder what will be in store for AAMU in 2025 as other SWAC East teams (Bethune-Cookman and Mississippi Valley State) are showing signs of life.
