We’ve reached the halfway point of the 2026 HBCU football season and Week 5 was full of surprises that led to the most entertaining weekend of the year by far.
Those surprises led to likely the worst record in the Chris-tal ball era, but an off week for your friendly neighborhood football predictor means a few upsets happened and that’s needed sometimes.
Before we tackle Week 6’s predictions, let’s (reluctantly) take a look back at Week 5.
Week 5 Record: 17-14
2026 overall record: 126-52
Best Pick: Howard 20, Hampton 14 (The Bison now have won two in a row over the Pirates with a 27-13 victory last weekend).
Worst Pick: A lot of candidates here, but Prairie View 33, Mississippi Valley State 13 (The Delta Devils pulled off the upset of the season with a 28-27 win after trailing 24-0. PV might be in trouble.)
Game of the Week: Jackson State (5-0, 2-0 SWAC) at Grambling State (3-2, 1-1 SWAC), Saturday Oct. 10, 5 p.m. EST, SWAC TV
In a game that has needed no introduction in past years, both teams come in on a winning note.
The Tigers of the Mississippi state capitol variety, ranked No. 1 in the BCFP, overcame the elements and a tough Alabama A&M squad to claim the Gulf Coast Classic, while the Black and Gold Tigers won the season’s highest scoring game 63-59 over Alcorn State.
Grambling has won two straight against JSU, but after such an emotional game last weekend, a letdown is something they need to avoid if they’re to have a chance against Black College Football’s best team at the moment.
Prediction: Jackson State 28, Grambling 20
Shaw (4-2, 2-2 CIAA) at Johnson C. Smith (4-1, 3-0 CIAA), Saturday Oct. 10, 1 p.m. EST, CIAA Network
In spite of a disappointing loss last week, Shaw still is on the right path towards CIAA contender status.
That status gets tested this weekend against the defending conference champion Golden Bulls, who come in well-rested after a bye week and on a four-game winning streak.
Both teams can score quickly, but JCSU’s defense is in better shape at the moment, which gives them the edge.
Prediction: Johnson C. Smith 24, Shaw 17
Tuskegee (2-3, 2-1 SIAC) at Central State (3-3, 3-1 SIAC), Saturday Oct. 10, 1 p.m. EST, SIAC Network
The Golden Tigers will begin life after Aaron James in Ohio as Central State looks to keep pace at the top of a very crowded SIAC championship picture.
The Marauders came into this season known for defense, but have put together some offensive fireworks, scoring at least 35 points in their last four games.
If ‘Skegee is to save their season, they’ll need to keep CSU off the board as much as possible.
Prediction: Central State 33, Tuskegee 30
Week 6
Friday, Oct. 9
Alabama State 17, Florida A&M 16
Saturday, Oct. 10
South Carolina State 25, Charleston Southern 18
Delaware State 30, Franklin Pierce 13
Norfolk State 35, Virginia-Lynchburg 14
Morgan State 23, Robert Morris 17
William & Mary 32, North Carolina Central 19
Howard 20, Penn 19
Tennessee State 27, UT-Martin 24
North Carolina A&T 19, New Hampshire 17
Mississippi Valley State 24, Texas Southern 23
Prairie View A&M 29, Southern 20
Alcorn State 35, Arkansas Baptist 15
Bethune-Cookman 31, Alabama A&M 28
West Virginia State 28, Concord 27
Lincoln (Pa.) 27, Elizabeth City State 20
Virginia State 35, Livingstone 24
Bowie State 23, Winston-Salem State 21
Fort Valley State 21, Clark Atlanta 16
Savannah State 34, Morehouse 33
Kentucky State 26, Miles 18
Benedict 23, Allen 13
Albany State 27, Lane 14
Keiser 35, Florida Memorial 29
Ottawa (Ari.) 33, Texas College 18
