The 2026 preseason power rankings for HBCU football have been released, spotlighting the top 21 programs that will battle for conference supremacy and a shot at the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta.
Preseason Power Rankings Overview
Alabama State sits at No. 1, buoyed by the return of quarterback Andrew Body, the Stats Perform HBCU National Player of the Year, and a defense anchored by Coach Eddie Robinson Jr.'s scheme.
Jackson State and South Carolina State follow closely, with Jackson State having captured the SWAC East last season despite quarterback injuries, and South Carolina State entering as defending Celebration Bowl champions but starting at No. 3 due to quarterback changes.
Other programs making noise include Prairie View A&M, the defending SWAC champion, which faces questions at quarterback, and Grambling State, now in its third year under Coach Mickey Joseph, while Delaware State looks to build on an 8‑4 record powered by Marquis Adams returning from injury.
The rankings also feature rising teams such as Texas Southern under head coach Cris Dishman, Alcorn State with quarterback Jaylon Tolbert developing, and North Carolina Central navigating significant changes. Notable storylines involve new coaches like Ted White at Howard, Marshall Faulk at Southern, and Van Malone taking over at Hampton, each bringing fresh energy to their programs.
Key players to watch span the field, from Alabama State's Andrew Body and Franck Pierre to Jackson State's Jamarie Hostzclaw, South Carolina State's Ta'Shaun Sims, and Prairie View A&M's Jaylen Jennings, among many others including Jared Lockhart, Billy Atkins IV, Chennis Berry, Tremaine Jackson, Jacobe Robinson, Athean Renfro, Cam'Ron McCoy, Jaylon Tolbert, Walker Harris, Chris Mosley, Chauncey Spikes, Ja'Quan Sprinkle, Trevon Humphrey, Max U'ren, Trei Oliver, Cornelius "Quad" Brown IV, Sam Shade, Khamani Robinson, Quinn Gray, Isaiah Knowles, Ryan Lewis Sr., Ted White, Eden James, Raymond Moore III, Marshall Faulk, Trey Holly, Reggie Barlow, Josh Brown, Shawn Gibbs, Michael Vick, and Van Malone.
With the season on the horizon, fans can expect intense competition, dramatic turnarounds, and a celebration of HBCU talent that will culminate in the annual bowl game in Atlanta, Georgia.