Week Five went mostly by the letter in HBCU Division I Football, but one convincing win calls for a change at the top of the Ultimate HBCU Sports Division I poll. After that, not much more movement, but Week Six could bring a changing of the guard.
Before we get there, here’s our rankings after Week Five.
1. Jackson State (4-1)
Last Week: Defeated Alabama A&M 57-24 in the Gulf Coast Challenge
Up Next: vs. Alabama State, Saturday Oct. 11
The Tigers’ offense looked otherworldly in handling AAMU in Mobile, and now at 2-0 in the SWAC East, they can really take control of that race with a win over an Alabama State team coming in at peak form.
This likely will be the game of the weekend in HBCU football.
2. North Carolina Central (4-2)
Last Week: Bye
Up Next: at Florida A&M, Saturday Oct. 11
A banged-up bunch of Eagles got a much-needed bye week ahead of a trip to always hostile Bragg Stadium and a FAMU team coming off of an unscheduled bye themselves.
This will be a true test of Central’s mettle against a FAMU team desperate for a win after getting hammered by Alabama State, then realizing the Georgia Football Classic wasn’t happening.
3. Alabama State (4-1)
Last Week: defeated Bethune-Cookman 52-35
Up Next: at Jackson State, Saturday Oct. 11
Outside of BCU’s first play, Alabama State was never seriously challenged in their homecoming victory, proof that there might be something more to this Hornets team.
Avoiding a trap game was key because all eyes will be on Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium Saturday, with the winner of Bama State at Jackson State taking firm command of the SWAC East.
4. Prairie View A&M (4-2)
Last Week: Defeated Alcorn State 13-12
Up Next: at Bye Week
It wasn’t easy for the Panthers, yet after a too-close-for-comfort win at Alcorn, they are 3-0 in the SWAC West heading into their bye week.
On the other side of that week off is a trip to Southern and a win there could pretty much punch their ticket to the SWAC title game.
5. Delaware State (3-3)
Last Week: Lost to Monmouth 49-38
Up Next: vs. Southern Connecticut State, Saturday Oct. 11
It’s unlikely that DeSean Jackson and his coaching staff will claim any moral victories, but hanging for 60 minutes with the No. 12 team in FCS and the top-ranked offense in the division is cause for optimism.
DSU returns home for homecoming and a visit from Southern Connecticut State, a D-II program off to a rough start in 2025, including losing their own homecoming last weekend.
The Hornets will need to pay attention but should head into MEAC play with a winning record for the first time in recent memory.
6. Howard (3-2)
Last Week: Bye Week
Up Next: at Sacred Heart Saturday Oct. 11
The Bison are back in action after their bye, looking to prevent Sacred Heart from a MEAC sweep.
If Howard can split this last road trip (at Sacred Heart, then Tennessee State) or even sweep, everyone from Dover, Delaware to Orangeburg, South Carolina should be very nervous.
7. South Carolina State (3-3)
Last Week: Defeated Savannah State 42-6
Up Next: at North Carolina A&T Saturday Oct. 11
SCSU defended home turf for homecoming against Savannah State and this weekend, they’ll close out non-conference matters again an old rival in North Carolina A&T.
The Bulldogs are the defending MEAC champ until further notice and heading into conference play with a winning record should have them ready once again to take on all challengers.
8. Alabama A&M (3-3)
Last Week: Lost to Jackson State 57-24
Up Next: vs. Mississippi Valley State Saturday Oct. 11
The Bulldogs were victims of a “JSU by (almost) fawdy” onslaught, and this week will have to face a much-improved Mississippi Valley State team fresh off an unscheduled bye and looking for their first win in the Terrell Buckley era.
A good way for AAMU to keep SWAC East title hopes faintly alive and regain their confidence is to beat Valley. That will be easier said than done.
9. Grambling (3-2)
Last Week: Bye Week
Up Next: vs. Texas Southern, Saturday Oct. 11
It’s hard to call a game in the second weekend of October “do or die,” but it’s about that time for the Tigers.
Having a week off to prepare for Texas Southern, winners of two straight, should help, but if they lose this game, it’s time to start thinking about 2026. And what that entails may not be good for the current coaching staff.
10. Texas Southern (2-3)
Last Week: Defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff 51-7
Up Next: at Grambling Saturday Oct. 11
The Tigers will need some serious help to catch Prairie View for the SWAC West title, but that conversation becomes pointless if they don’t beat Grambling this weekend.
Two straight wins, a heartstopper at Mississippi Valley State and a joyride against UAPB, has Texas Southern on a hot streak. Can they keep warm in the Bayou?
