Six weeks into the 2026 college football season, the HBCU football landscape is getting more interesting by the week.
Morgan State has emerged as a MEAC contender, the SWAC race has become increasingly unpredictable, and several individual performers are making strong cases for postseason recognition.
But who is each team’s most valuable player right now?
SWAC: One MVP for every team
Alabama State — Jamarie Hostzclaw, RB
Hostzclaw has rushed for 383 yards and five touchdowns through six games, providing the Hornets with a dependable option in the backfield.
His production gives the offense a foundation, particularly when the Hornets need to sustain drives and take pressure off the passing game that is led by a freshman quarterback.
Alabama A&M — Jarel Williams, WR
Williams has emerged as one of the SWAC’s most productive receivers, catching 34 passes for 574 yards and seven touchdowns through seven games.
His average of 16.9 yards per reception illustrates his ability to stretch the field. Williams isn’t simply a possession receiver; he is a player who can turn a routine pass into an explosive gain and give the Bulldogs a scoring opportunity.
With defenses needing to account for his big-play ability, Williams can also create more room for Alabama A&M’s other offensive weapons.
Alcorn State — Jaylon Tolbert, QB
Tolbert has put together one of the SWAC’s most impressive passing seasons. Through seven games, he has completed 145 of 220 attempts for 2,005 yards and 19 touchdowns, with eight interceptions.
He is averaging 286.4 passing yards per game while completing 65.9% of his passes. Tolbert has also added 228 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, making him a threat beyond the pocket.
Alcorn State has been one of the conference’s most productive offenses, and Tolbert’s ability to deliver the ball downfield is a major reason why.
Bethune-Cookman — Rashon Brown, RB
Brown has been a revelation in the Wildcats’ backfield. The freshman has rushed for 581 yards and nine touchdowns in six games, averaging 5.7 yards per carry.
His 260-yard performance against Alabama State demonstrated how much damage he can inflict when he finds running room. Brown has emerged as a player defenses must account for, and his touchdown production makes him particularly valuable near the goal line.
For a Bethune-Cookman team trying to establish consistency, Brown provides a dependable source of offense.
Florida A&M — Denzel Johnson, LB
Johnson earns this spot by representing the defensive side of the ball in a conference where offensive production often dominates the conversation.
He has recorded 41 tackles through six games, including 24 solo stops, along with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup. His 11-tackle performance against Tennessee State highlighted his ability to remain involved throughout a game.
Florida A&M’s dramatic 28-27 victory over Alabama State showed the importance of making plays in critical situations. Johnson’s tackling and ability to contribute in multiple defensive categories make him a worthy candidate for the Rattlers.
Grambling State — Jacobe Robinson, QB
Robinson made one of the SWAC’s biggest statements in Week 6.
In Grambling State’s 45-38 victory over Jackson State, Robinson completed 17 of 21 passes for 212 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 52 yards and a touchdown, accounting for five scores in a major conference victory.
That performance helped Grambling hand Jackson State its first loss of the season and tightened an already crowded SWAC race.
Jackson State — Jared Lockhart, QB
Lockhart’s production before his injury made him one of Jackson State’s most valuable players.
Through six games, he completed 85 of 138 passes for 1,395 yards and 13 touchdowns without throwing an interception. His 61.6% completion rate and 177.6 passer efficiency rating reflect a quarterback who was making plays while protecting the football.
Jackson State’s loss to Grambling State was complicated by Lockhart’s injury, underscoring how important his presence is to the offense. His availability and recovery will be important factors in the Tigers’ push to remain in the SWAC title race.
Mississippi Valley State — Josh Brown, QB
Brown has been one of the SWAC’s most intriguing dual-threat players, and his value extends well beyond his passing statistics.
Through seven games, he has completed 89 of 162 passes for 931 yards and seven touchdowns, with six interceptions. He has also rushed for 343 yards and six touchdowns, giving him 13 combined passing and rushing touchdowns.
For a program seeking to establish itself as a more consistent winner, Brown’s ability to generate offense in multiple ways is invaluable.
Southern — Trey Holly, RB
Holly has been a bright spot for Southern, rushing for 673 yards and six touchdowns on 139 carries through seven games.
He is averaging 96.1 rushing yards per game, giving the Jaguars a consistent presence in the backfield. His production is particularly important because a reliable ground game can help Southern control possession and reduce pressure on the passing attack.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff — Za’Marion Webber, RB
Webber has shown impressive efficiency in limited opportunities. Through five games, he has rushed for 303 yards on 39 carries, averaging 7.8 yards per attempt and scoring three touchdowns.
That average suggests he can make the most of his touches. While he has not received the same workload as some of the SWAC’s leading backs, his production makes him a candidate for an expanded role as the season progresses.
If Arkansas-Pine Bluff can get Webber the ball more frequently, he could become an even more influential player in the second half of the season.
Texas Southern — Athean Renfro, RB
Renfro has rushed for 531 yards and five touchdowns through six games, averaging 5.4 yards per carry.
His production has given Texas Southern a reliable option in the backfield. Although the Tigers have struggled to find consistent results, Renfro’s ability to gain yards and contribute touchdowns makes him an important piece of the offense.
Prairie View A&M — Tevin Carter, QB
Carter gives Prairie View A&M a dynamic playmaker who can hurt defenses through the air and on the ground.
Through seven games, he has completed 119 of 190 passes for 1,129 yards and nine touchdowns, with four interceptions. He has also rushed for 350 yards and four touchdowns. Despite the Panthers struggles of late, Carter is the most important player on the offense.
MEAC: One MVP for every team
South Carolina State — Mason Pickett-Hicks, RB
Pickett-Hicks has established himself as one of the MEAC’s most explosive offensive players. Through seven games, he has rushed for 741 yards on 99 carries, averaging 7.5 yards per attempt, with five touchdowns.
Those numbers make him more than a productive running back. He is a legitimate big-play threat who can change a game with a single carry. His 58-yard touchdown run against Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic offered an early glimpse of that ability.
South Carolina State remains one of the conference’s leading programs, and Pickett-Hicks gives the Bulldogs a dependable way to control the game on the ground.
Norfolk State — Jalyn Daniels, RB
Daniels has been a major part of Norfolk State’s offensive identity, recording 610 rushing yards on 99 carries and averaging 6.2 yards per attempt. He has scored four touchdowns, with a season-long run of 95 yards.
That combination of workload and explosiveness makes Daniels an important player for the Spartans. He can help sustain drives while also giving the offense a chance to score from anywhere on the field.
Morgan State — Cameron Edge, QB
Edge has become one of the biggest stories in HBCU football this season. Through six games, he has completed 99 of 145 passes for 1,337 yards and 11 touchdowns, with only two interceptions.
His 68.3% completion rate reflects the efficiency he has brought to the Bears’ offense. More importantly, Morgan State has won close games while building momentum as a legitimate FCS contender.
Edge’s performance against Villanova and his late-game poise against Robert Morris have helped change the conversation surrounding the program. Morgan State entered the season needing stability at quarterback, and Edge has delivered it.
Delaware State — Ui Ale, QB
Ale gives Delaware State a dual-threat option capable of creating opportunities even when the offense struggles to find its rhythm.
He has thrown for 1,050 yards and four touchdowns while adding 255 rushing yards and three scores on the ground. His combined production makes him an important part of the Hornets’ offensive plans.
Ale’s rushing ability is particularly valuable because it forces defenses to account for him beyond the passing game. When a quarterback can make plays with his legs, it creates additional opportunities for everyone else.
North Carolina Central — Nelson Layne, QB
Layne has thrown for 781 yards and four touchdowns while adding 182 rushing yards and four rushing scores.
His dual-threat production gives North Carolina Central another dimension offensively. Layne can extend plays, challenge defenses with his legs and help the Eagles finish possessions in the red zone.
Howard — Ja’Shawn Scroggins, QB
Scroggins remains an important figure in Howard’s offense after helping the Bison open the season with a 31-24 victory over Alabama A&M in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge.
He has thrown for 912 yards and six touchdowns through six games, adding 181 rushing yards and another score. His five interceptions and 48.4% completion rate show that the season has not been without its challenges, but his overall role remains significant.
Three more HBCU MVP candidates
Tennessee State — Daylin Lee, QB
Lee earns the Tennessee State selection for his ability to generate offense through the air. Against UT Martin in Week 6, he threw for 376 yards and four touchdowns.
Lee’s performance demonstrated his potential to produce against quality competition. Tennessee State has struggled to find consistency, making quarterback play especially important as the Tigers try to turn their offensive production into wins.
Lee’s ability to move the ball gives Tennessee State a player who can change a game when the passing attack is clicking.
Hampton — Cam Sturdifen, DB
Sturdifen has made his presence felt on the defensive side of the ball, giving Hampton a playmaker who can create turnovers and change possession. Through six games, he has recorded two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, returning one recovery 65 yards for a touchdown. Sturdifen has recorded 9.2 tackles per game, which is good for sixth-best in the CAA.
North Carolina A&T — Kevin White, QB
White earns the nod for North Carolina A&T because of his importance to the Aggies’ passing attack. His production gives the team a foundation to build around as it works to improve its results.
The Aggies’ 30-27 victory over New Hampshire offered an example of their ability to compete in close games. White’s ability to produce through the air will be important if North Carolina A&T hopes to string together more victories during the second half of the season.
