HBCU football had a Saturday to remember in Week Nine, especially at the Division I level.
We’ve got plenty of changes and a new addition to our HBCU Sports’ weekly rankings.
1. Jackson State (5-2)
Last Week: Lost to Grambling 26-24
Up Next: at Florida A&M Saturday Nov. 1
An injury to JaCobian Morgan has thrown a wrench into the Tigers’ season, and the loss to Grambling didn’t help.
They’ll look to rebound against Florida A&M, who has shown some fight in recent weeks.
2. Alabama State (5-2)
Last Week: Defeated Alabama A&M 56-13
Up Next: at Prairie View Saturday Nov. 1
Bama State took out their frustrations on their longtime rivals in the Magic City Classic.
That should be a good momentum boost going into Prairie View, where the Panthers have been very good this season.
3. Prairie View A&M (6-2)
Last Week: Defeated Lincoln (Ca.) 38-0
Up Next: vs. Alabama State, Saturday Nov. 1
Well, Lincoln showed up, which was all Prairie View needed to improve their record.
It gets a little tougher for the Panthers when Alabama State comes to town this Saturday, and with the Hornets still hopeful for a SWAC championship game spot, it should be a good one.
4. Delaware State (5-3)
Last Week: Defeated North Carolina Central 35-26
Up Next: vs. Norfolk State at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA, Thursday Oct. 30
It is likely time we stop looking at every Delaware State win under DeSean Jackson as a surprise.
The Hornets never backed down and used their running attack for a monumental win in Durham.
Now the challenge that lies ahead is a short week and a mini-road trip to play Norfolk State at Lincoln Financial Field.
5. South Carolina State (5-3)
Last Week: Defeated Norfolk State 50-21
Up Next: vs. Morgan State Saturday Nov. 1
SCSU began defense of their MEAC title with a bang at Norfolk State’s homecoming and next up is a Morgan State team reeling after yet another close loss.
6. North Carolina Central (5-3)
Last Week: Lost to Delaware State
Up Next: at Howard Saturday Nov. 1
Delaware State’s biggest win in years comes at the expense of the Eagles, who must now regroup to face a Howard team fresh off of an emotional homecoming win overtime. The MEAC race is far from settled, so Central will need to take this game – and all others – very seriously.
7. Texas Southern (4-3)
Last Week: Bye Week
Up Next: vs. Alcorn State Saturday Nov. 1
A bye week came at the right time for the Tigers, who will look to stay in the SWAC West race against an Alcorn State team that has won two of their last three games.
8. Grambling (5-3)
Last Week: Defeated Jackson State 26-24
Up Next: The Tigers continued their bizarre mastery of Jackson State, but it came with a cost as quarterback Zae Teasett was hurt in the late stages of the game.
Grambling looks to continue their win streak against an Alabama A&M team smarting from a 43-point thrashing at the hands of rival Alabama State.
9. Howard (4-4)
Last Week: Defeated Morgan State 33-27 in overtime
Up Next: vs. North Carolina Central Saturday Nov. 1
In a homecoming game that will be remembered for a long time, the Bison kept pace with South Carolina State and Delaware State in the MEAC’s opening weekend.
Howard will turn their attention to what will likely be an angry flock of Eagles invading DC next weekend.
10. Bethune-Cookman (4-4)
Last Week: Defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff 31-14
Up Next: vs. Mississippi Valley State Saturday Nov. 1
The Wildcats have improved each year under alumnus Raymond Woodie and now can move above .500 with a win against Mississippi Valley State this weekend.
BCU’s SWAC East prospects are very slim, but a momentum-building year could be just what they need for a run in 2026.
