Week 8 of the 2025 HBCU football season marks the final weekend before we officially begin the race to the Celebration as the MEAC is set to begin conference play next weekend.
Though that means all but one MEAC team will be in action this weekend, looking to avenge a loss on their homecoming last year.
The SIAC hosts a pair of conference matchups that could see some significant movement in the standings. Meanwhile, two CIAA teams fight for their championship lives in a do-or-die matchup.
Finally, the SWAC West title could be within as the last two division champions clash.
Here are the 5 Games to Watch in Week 8 of the HBCU football season.
Tuskegee vs. Albany State
When: October 18; Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: TheGrio
In addition to playing its homecoming contest, Albany State plays to keep itself in contention for an SIAC championship berth when it hosts Tuskegee.
These two historic programs will match up for he first time since 2019 when the Golden Rams pitched a 21-0 shutout over the Golden Tigers.
In fact, Tuskegee’s last win against Albany State the year before also ended in a shutout, claiming a 20-0 win over its conference rival.
Despite playing the last two games without star quarterback Isaiah Knowles, the Golden Rams have found a way to stay dominant, primarily through its dynamic rushing attack.
They are averaging 267.7 rushing yards per game over their last three contests and have scored 12 rushing touchdowns.
In their 32-7 win over Clark Atlanta last week, running back duo Aljhanod Thomas and Tiant Wyche combined for 207 rushing yards on 31 carries.
Meanwhile, it has been a struggle for Tuskegee, having dropped its last four games after starting the season 2-0.
Having lost their last three conference contests, the Golden Tigers are looking to avoid their first four game losing streak in SIAC play since 1995.
Livingstone vs. Winston-Salem State
When: October 18; Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
How to Watch: CIAA Sports Network
In a battle between teams trying to keep their longshot hopes of a CIAA championship berth alive, Livingstone goes on the road to face Winston-Salem State.
Both teams come into this matchup reeling, having lost their last two games and in danger of being mathematically eliminated from the conference title race.
Last season, Winston-Salem State ended a two-game losing streak against Livingstone, claiming a 31-17 road victory over the Blue Bears.
After claiming wins in its first two conference games, Livingstone has hit a snag, losing its last two to drop to 2-2 in CIAA play. This was culminated by a 38-14 loss to Fayetteville State in its last contest.
On the other hand, Winston-Salem State dropped to 1-3 against the CIAA following a 20-13 loss to the Shaw Bears.
Through four conference games, the Rams have surpassed their conference loss total from last season (finished 5-2 in CIAA competition in 2024).
With both teams playing below expectation, and nearing elimination from conference title contention, a win would do wonders for either team going forward.
Benedict vs. Edward Waters
When: October 18; Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: SIAC Network
Benedict puts its undefeated streak on the line when it travels to Jacksonville, Florida to clash with Edward Waters.
The last time these teams faced each other, Benedict came away with a 31-28 victory after scoring a game-winning touchdown as time expired.
Coming off a slim 14-7 win against Fort Valley State, Benedict maintained its position atop the SIAC, improving to 5-0 in conference (6-0 overall).
They are one of two teams remaining in the SIAC that is still unbeaten in conference play (Albany State) with four weeks left in the regular season.
Entering last week with an unbeaten conference record, Edward Waters’ unblemished record was tainted by a 42-14 loss to Kentucky (also its first loss against a Division II opponent).
The Tigers were limited to 292 offensive yards in the game (lowest against a Division II opponent this season), with Kentucky State’s constant pressure causing problems for a normally high-powered Edward Waters offense.
Going against a Benedict team with 16.0 sacks in their last three games, Edward Waters’ ability to control the line of scrimmage will play an important role in its hopes for a win and its ability to keep its championship hopes alive.
Howard vs. Tennessee State
When: October 18; Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
After having its homecoming spoiled against Tennessee State last season, Howard will make the trip to Nashville with a chance to return the favor.
Facing each other for the first time since 2001, the Tigers went into Greene Stadium to play the role of homecoming spoiler, returning home with a 27-14 win.
Since its win over North Carolina A&T to open the season, it’s been a struggle for Tennessee State, losing its last five contests.
This includes a 28-12 loss against Southeast Missouri that dropped their record to 0-3 against the Big South/Ohio Valley Conference.
Howard also comes into this game on a losing streak, having lost its last two after giving up 29 second-half points in a 32-14 loss to Sacred Heart.
The Bison are currently 2-0 against non-conference HBCU opponents, boasting wins against Florida A&M and Hampton.
Prairie View A&M vs. Southern
When: October 18; Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: HBCU Go
The SWAC West could be one step closer to being decided when the last two division champions, Prairie View A&M and Southern, meet in Baton Rouge for the latter’s homecoming.
Southern got the best of Prairie View the last time they matched up, claiming a 31-24 overtime win sealed by a sack on fourth-down after scoring on the first play from scrimmage on offense.
Prairie View A&M is currently riding a three-game win streak, coming off a 13-12 win in its last outing against Alcorn State (improved to 2-0 in the division).
The Panthers’ defense has been strong during their three-game win streak, limiting teams to 3.7 yards per rush (allowed 4.9 in first three games) and forcing seven turnovers (forced two in first three games).
They will face a Southern team that has lost its last four games, including a 45-14 loss to Bethune-Cookman last weekend.
The Jaguars have been outscored by an average of 26.3 points in their three losses against SWAC opponents this season (Alabama State game did not count toward conference record).
