The preseason hype is over, and the 2026 HBCU football season begins Thursday night.
That also means the Chris-tal ball is back for a fourth year as I attempt to predict the winner of each week’s games. There are good weeks, bad weeks and “…I’m glad I don’t endorse gambling” weeks.
It’s all in fun as we prepare for another great season of the best and brightest in HBCU football fighting for victories, improvement and championships.
Without further delay, let’s get to these Week 0 matchups.
2025 Record: 247-79
Game of the Week: Jackson State vs. Tennessee State, John L. Merritt Classic, Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 29, 8:30 pm EST, ESPN Plus
One of the true hallmark rivalry games in HBCU football returns after a three-season absence as Tennessee State and Jackson State square off in the Merritt Classic.
The Tigers from Mississippi’s capital city made it to the SWAC title game a season ago (falling short to Prairie View) while the Tigers from Tennessee’s state capital slid to a 2-10 record after making the FCS playoffs in 2024.
JSU will turn the reins of their offense over to sophomore quarterback Jared Lockhart while SWAC preseason defensive player of the year Kam Sallis leads a tough Tiger secondary and defensive unit.
Tennessee State’s offense will be led by Winston-Salem State transfer Daylin Lee at quarterback and sophomore defensive lineman Bryce Gray will be a force in the trenches.
This game already has some hype behind it because of the two schools playing each other and some interesting bulletin board material from the Tennessee State side.
In the T.C. Taylor era, Jackson State hasn’t needed any extra motivation, but they’ll surely take it.
Prediction: Jackson State 31, Tennessee State 17
Howard vs Alabama A&M, MEAC/SWAC Challenge, CenterParc Stadium, Atlanta, Ga., Saturday Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m. EST, ABC
Two teams looking to start fresh in 2026 will meet for D1 HBCU conference pride in Atlanta, Saturday night.
Howard is now coached by program legend Ted White, and he looks to bring life to a Bison offense that was ineffective for most of the 2025 season.
Alabama A&M, meanwhile, is in Year Two of the Sam Shade era, and Shade is confident his team will be much better than their 4-8 showing a year ago.
The Bulldogs return a few pieces on each side of the ball, and the Bison will hopefully have a healthy Eden James in the backfield this season.
The winner of this game will have a boost of confidence heading into the rest of their season. The loser will have to get over it quickly or else.
Prediction: Alabama A&M 24, Howard 20
Southern at Alabama State, Saturday, Aug. 29, 3 p.m. EST, ESPNU
The Hornets’ next best chance to win the SWAC begins with a marquee matchup featuring a new head coach with an NFL reputation.
Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk is now the head coach of the Jaguars, and he will be tasked with taking over a team that went from SWAC runner-up in 2024 to the bottom of the barrel last year.
Faulk and Southern may not even feel pressure because Eddie Robinson Jr. and the Hornets will likely face it all.
Getting a healthy Andrew Body back means ASU has the best offensive player, the best offensive weapons and still a respectable defense that can make life difficult for an opponent.
Southern can’t start slow or this one could get out of hand.
Prediction: Alabama State 34, Southern 21
Johnson C. Smith at Benedict, Saturday, Aug. 29, 5 p.m. EST, SIAC Network
The Golden Bulls, coming off their first CIAA crown in over 50 years, will jump right into the fire with Benedict, a team who had one of the most thrilling and amazing wins of 2025 in the Division II playoffs.
JCSU now faces the prospect of being the hunted while the Tigers are looking to prove that 2025 was no fluke.
Get your popcorn ready for this one.
Prediction: Johnson C. Smith 30, Benedict 27
Kentucky State at Central State, Saturday, Aug. 29, 3 p.m. EST, SIAC Network
After your program’s best season in 90 years, what can you do for an encore?
We will soon find out as Kentucky State begins its SIAC title quest with a visit to Central State, which finished last season on a strong note and fields one of Division II’s toughest defenses.
The winner of this one will likely raise a few eyebrows around the SIAC, though a win will be no surprise to either team.
Prediction: Kentucky State 27, Central State 24
Week 0
Thursday, Aug. 27
Delaware State 28, Stony Brook 16
Tusculum 33, Bluefield State 23
Arkansas Baptist 35, Pikeville 31
Virginia State 32, Barton 14
Nicholls (La.) 29, Mississippi Valley State 22
Friday, Aug. 28
Virginia Union 34, Lenoir-Rhyne 33
Saturday, Aug. 29
Chowan 25, West Virginia State 19
Grambling 33, Clark Atlanta 15
South Carolina State 31, Savannah State 18
Elizabeth City State 20, Fort Valley State 17
Norfolk State 22, Winston-Salem State 18
Fayetteville State 21, Shaw 14
Allen 31, Livingstone 16
Edward Waters 35, Florida Memorial 27
North Carolina Central 28, Texas Southern 23
Arkansas-Pine Bluff 24, Morehouse 17
Florida A&M 32, Albany State 13
Alcorn State 26, Miles 20
Lincoln (Mo.) 16, Central Methodist 13
Tarleton State 30, Prairie View A&M 28
Sunday, Aug. 30
Tuskegee 27, West Alabama 25
