While the start of the 2026 college football season is less than 100 days away, it is never too early to look ahead to what could be.
Current HBCU national champion South Carolina State will be in a good position to defend its title as the program brings back a host of talent, though it will need to fortify the starting quarterback role.
Runner-up Prairie View is once again undergoing a roster overhaul after losing key contributors from the SWAC championship run, including quarterback Cam Peters. Despite the changes, head coach Tremaine Jackson indicated 2026 will not be in rebuilding mode. The expectation is still to win immediately.
Alabama State — with the return of Andrew Body — figures to be a contender in the SWAC East again. Jackson State — the two-time SWAC East Division champion — will be considered among the favorites to make an appearance in the Celebration Bowl.
Aside from that group, can North Carolina Central bounce back? Will Delaware State, which came within a win of an unlikely MEAC title under DeSean Jackson, regress or stay in the mix again? Who might a dark horse be in the SWAC?
Here is our preseason 2026 Ultimate HBCU Sports Division I Top 10 football ranking:
