Despite 0-3 start, can these HBCU football teams compete in SWAC & MEAC?

Could the season already be over before conference play begins?

That’s the question Alcorn State, Bethune-Cookman, Morgan State, Mississippi Valley State, and Texas Southern might face after starting 0-3. While being winless is not a favorable outcome, there is still a lot of football left to play.

But do these teams have enough time — and talent — to make a run?

Inside the 0-3 start

Each team has faced a brutal opening schedule, and 0-3 marks reflect tough non-conference matchups against FBS or high-caliber FCS opponents more than a lack of postseason potential.

However, there are some positives within the group. Among them are:

• Alcorn State features returning All-SWAC running back Jacorian Sewell and transfer quarterback Jaylon Tolbert, who previously played in the Celebration Bowl for Howard.

• Bethune-Cookman understandably struggled against Florida International and Miami, but posted 503 yards of total offense in a 55-41 loss to MEAC champion South Carolina State a week ago. How the Wildcats can navigate what will be a difficult SWAC East slate could determine where B-CU has really improved.

• Morgan State can always rely on its strong defensive core, but the team has frustratingly been unable to generate consistent offense over the last four years. Multiple 20-point performances versus Towson and South Alabama provide hope that production might jump once MEAC play begins.

• Mississippi Valley State continues to rebuild, and first-year head coach Terrell Buckley described the work needed to transform the Delta Devils as “eye-opening.” Giving SWAC West favorite Southern a scare in the season opener could be (likely not, though) a prelude to MVSU’s potential to at least get out of the SWAC East basement. 

• Texas Southern coach Cris Dishman isn’t happy with how the Tigers have played. After winning four games a year ago (something they hadn’t done in several years), the second-year coach senses the group has taken a step back—at least in non-conference play.

  

Which 0-3 HBCU team can realistically make a run?

Alcorn State Braves possess the best odds to turn their season around and compete in the 2025 Celebration Bowl. Despite a winless start, their returning talent and the relative openness of the SWAC West give them a slight edge over the other teams that have yet to win a game.

• The Braves were preseason picks to contend in SWAC West last year and retain much of that core, including Sewell, who is healthy and productive.

• Tolbert’s experience as a prior Celebration Bowl participant brings a proven winner’s mentality, which is rare among HBCU QBs in this list.

• Unlike Bethune or Morgan State, Alcorn’s schedule is more favorable relative to their talent and opponents.

Projected conference win-loss records