RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Week 0 of the HBCU football season is in the books, and it provided some exciting season-opening games.
Tennessee State nearly knocked off Jackson State . Texas Southern upset North Carolina Central by scoring over 40 points. And Southern showed that it could play spoiler after giving Alabama State a scare in the first half of the Birmingham Classic.
USA Today ranked all 21 Division I HBCU football teams and where they stand heading into the 2026 season. Here’s a look heading into Week 1:
1. South Carolina State (1-0)
Last week's rankings: No. 1
South Carolina State made the strongest opening statement of the HBCU season, dismantling Savannah State 87-0. The Bulldogs showed their depth and defensive dominance while immediately reminding the MEAC that they remain the team to beat.
2. Alabama State (1-0)
Last week's rankings: No. 2
Alabama State overcame a slow start to defeat Southern 30-17 in Birmingham. The Hornets trailed at halftime but responded with a strong second half, showing the resilience expected from one of the SWAC's top contenders.
3. Jackson State (1-0)
Last week's rankings: No. 4
Jackson State survived a tight John Merritt Classic matchup, edging Tennessee State 26-24. The Tigers weren't dominant, but finding a way to win a close game on opening weekend keeps them firmly among the HBCU elite.
4. Prairie View A&M (0-1)
Last week's rankings: No. 3
Prairie View A&M fell 49-30 to FCS powerhouse Tarleton State, but the Panthers remain high after last year's SWAC championship season. Their opening loss is a reminder that replacing key pieces will be an early-season challenge.
5. Delaware State (1-0)
Last week's rankings: No. 6
Delaware State opened the season with an impressive 41-34 victory over Stony Brook. After an 8-4 breakthrough season in 2025, the Hornets immediately showed they aren't ready to give up their place among the MEAC's top teams.
6. Grambling State (1-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 7
Grambling State couldn't have asked for a better opener, crushing Clark Atlanta 49-7. The Tigers controlled the game from start to finish and showed the kind of offensive firepower that could make them a serious SWAC contender.
7. Texas Southern (1-0)
Last week's rankings: No. 9
Texas Southern made one of the biggest statements of opening weekend, knocking off North Carolina Central 42-30. The Tigers' offense came alive against a highly regarded MEAC opponent, immediately putting the SWAC on notice.
8. Florida A&M (1-0)
Last week's rankings: No. 8
Florida A&M started its season with a convincing 20-7 victory over Albany State. The Rattlers didn't overwhelm their opponent, but a steady defensive performance and comfortable win give them a solid foundation heading into the season.
9. North Carolina Central (1-0)
Last week's rankings: No. 5
North Carolina Central dropped a surprising 42-30 decision to Texas Southern. The Eagles struggled to slow the Tigers' offense, making the opening-week loss a significant setback for a team expected to contend in the MEAC.
10. Bethune-Cookman (0-0)
Last week's rankings: No. 10
Bethune-Cookman did not play during Week 0, leaving the Wildcats' ranking unchanged for now. With several teams around them making statements, they'll have an opportunity to move quickly once they take the field.
11. Alcorn State (1-0)
Last week's rankings: No. 11
Alcorn State dominated Miles College 56-7, delivering one of the SWAC's most convincing wins of the weekend. The Braves showed plenty of offensive firepower and looked like a team capable of making noise in the conference.
12. Howard (1-0)
Last week's rankings: No. 12
Howard rallied past Alabama A&M 31-24 in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. The Bison showed plenty of fight in their comeback victory, giving new coach Ted White an impressive opening-night win and an early boost heading into the season.
13. Southern (0-1)
Last week's rankings: No. 14
Southern controlled much of the first half against Alabama State but couldn't finish, falling 30-17. The Jaguars showed enough early promise to move up in the rankings, though their second-half struggles ultimately cost them a marquee opening win.
14. Morgan State (1-0)
2025 record: 2-10
Morgan State opened the season with a 17-7 victory over North Carolina A&T. The Bears' defense helped them control the matchup and gave them an important early win in what should be a competitive MEAC race.
15. Arkansas Pine-Bluff (1-0)
Last week's rankings: No. 15
Arkansas-Pine Bluff handled Morehouse 35-15 in the Natural State Kickoff Classic. The Golden Lions steadily pulled away and got their season off to a strong start, giving them some momentum heading into the SWAC schedule.
16. Tennessee State (0-1)
Last week's rankings: No. 18
Tennessee State came within a possession of knocking off Jackson State before falling 26-24. The Tigers showed they can compete with one of the SWAC's best, but the narrow loss keeps them just outside the upper tier
17. Alabama A&M (0-1)
Last week's rankings: No. 16
Alabama A&M pushed Howard to the limit before falling 31-24 in Atlanta. The Bulldogs' offense produced plenty of points, but they couldn't close out the game after taking the lead, leaving them with a tough opening-day loss.
18. North Carolina A&T (0-1)
Last week's rankings: No. 17
North Carolina A&T struggled offensively in its opener, falling 17-7 to Morgan State. The Aggies couldn't produce enough to overcome the Bears, making their upcoming games important for shifting the early narrative.
19. Norfolk State (1-0)
Last week's rankings: No. 19
Norfolk State opened the season in dominant fashion, shutting out Winston-Salem State 56-0. The Spartans controlled every phase of the game and provided an immediate reminder that they're capable of competing near the...
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