Week five of the HBCU football season is highlighted by a potential conference championship preview in the SIAC.
The Division I level brings about a pair of rivalry games, one between former MEAC foes and another for first place in the SWAC East.
Finally, a MEAC team faces a non-conference opponent that they notably achieved a major milestone against last season.
Here are the five Games to Watch in Week 5 of the HBCU football season.
Kentucky State vs. Edward Waters
When: October 3; Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
In a battle between the two top teams in the SIAC, Kentucky State travels to Jacksonville to face Edward Waters with their respective 3-0 conference records on the line.
Both Kentucky State and Edward Waters secured narrow wins over Albany State and Morehouse last weekend, with the latter narrowly avoiding surrendering a 30-point second half lead.
The Tigers do not have the best track record against the Thorobreds, having lost their last two matchups against them by a combined score of 118-50.
The last time they hosted a matchup against KSU, the Thorobreds put up 76 points, with the Tigers allowing 626 rushing yards.
Howard vs. Hampton
When: October 3; Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: HBCUGo
The Battle of the Real HU returns to Audi Field with Howard looking for consecutive wins against Hampton for the first time in over 10 years.
Last season, Howard snapped an eight-game losing streak to Hampton, posting 456 yards of offense in a decisive 34-7 victory.
In addition to snapping a long losing streak, it marked the largest margin of victory for Howard in the series in over 50 years.
Both teams enter this game with extended losing streaks, including Hampton searching for its first win against an FCS opponent this season (beat Virginia University of Lynchburg 45-0).
Delaware State vs. UAlbany
When: October 3; Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
How to Watch: Flo College
In a revisiting of one of its most defining wins from the 2025 season, Delaware State goes up north for a meeting with the University of Albany.
When Delaware State faced Albany last season, it turned out to be a milestone affair, with the Hornets coming away with a 37-32 win.
This not only ended an 11-game losing streak dating back to the previous year, but it was also head coach DeSean Jackson’s first career win.
One year later, the Hornets will be on the road facing Albany on its homecoming, aiming to string together consecutive wins for the first time this year.
Alabama State vs. Bethune-Cookman
When: October 3; Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: SWAC TV
Alabama State continues its quest for a SWAC championship berth when it takes a trip to Daytona Beach for a date with Bethune-Cookman.
Despite playing without star quarterback Andrew Body, who was out with a wrist injury, the Hornets cruised to a 41-15 win in their conference opener against Mississippi Valley State.
However, with Body rumored to potentially miss this contest with Bethune-Cookman, their hopes of keeping their conference record unblemished could be in serious jeopardy.
The Wildcats enter their conference opener after taking the reigning Black College Football national champion South Carolina State to the limit last weekend, albeit in a 31-21 loss.
Jackson State vs. Alabama A&M
When: October 3; Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
How to Watch: SWACTV
Another key SWAC East matchup sees the reigning division champion Jackson State take on Alabama A&M in the Gulf Coast Challenge.
Both teams enter this game riding four-game win streaks, having secured wins in their respective conference openers against Southern and Florida A&M.
Enjoying their best start to a season since 2012, the Bulldogs will face a tough test against a Tigers team they have lost to five straight times.
