---
"title": "Which Division I HBCU league had the best non-conference record?"
"description": "As the 2025 FCS football season closed, final conference records painted a familiar picture of power balance across the subdivision. But for followers of HBCU football, the real storyline came further down the standings. The MEAC posted a 12–14 mark, finishing eighth out of fourteen conferences — a respectable showing that placed it ahead of […]"
"date": "2026-01-08"
"authors":
  -
    "name": "HBCU Sports"
"url": "https://hbcusports.com/2026/01/08/which-division-i-hbcu-league-had-the-best-non-conference-record/"
"categories":
  - "Football"
---

# Which Division I HBCU league had the best non-conference record?

As the 2025 FCS football season closed, final conference records painted a familiar picture of power balance across the subdivision. But for followers of HBCU football, the real storyline came further down the standings. The MEAC posted a 12–14 mark, finishing eighth out of fourteen conferences — a respectable showing that placed it ahead of the Southland, SoCon, and notably, the SWAC, which ended the season at the bottom of the standings with a 4–11 record. MEAC programs such as Delaware State, South Carolina State and North Carolina Central managed key non-conference victories that buoyed the league’s overall standing. [![](http://hbcusports.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2026/01/IMG_1132.jpeg)](http://hbcusports.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2026/01/IMG_1132.jpeg) The conference’s disciplined defenses and improving offensive consistency kept it competitive in interleague matchups. Meanwhile, SWAC teams, struggled in cross-conference contests, managing only four wins against FCS opponents. While both conferences continue to serve as vital cultural and athletic cornerstones in Black college football, the gap in on-field performance remains a challenge. The MEAC’s slight edge in 2025 may reflect its smaller size and tighter competitive balance, whereas the SWAC is top-heavy. As the 2026 season approaches, both conferences will look to strengthen their national profiles reassert their legacies with stronger non-conference showings.