Week 0 HBCU Football Rankings: Early Leaders and Surprises
USA Today’s sports desk has released its first Division I HBCU football rankings for the 2026 season, setting the stage for a year that promises both tradition and surprise.
At the top of the list, South Carolina State sits at No. 1 after dismantling Savannah State 87‑0 in a game that left the scoreboard untouched for the opposition.
Alabama State follows at No. 2, having rallied from a halftime deficit to beat Southern 30‑17, showcasing resilience and a potent second‑half attack.
Jackson State is positioned at No. 4 after edging Tennessee State 26‑24 in a nail‑biter that went down to the final drive.
Prairie View A&M, despite a 49‑30 loss to Tarleton State, remains high in the poll after capturing the SWAC championship last year, indicating that the team still carries considerable momentum.
Delaware State climbs to No. 6 with a 41‑34 victory over Stony Brook, extending a breakout 2025 campaign that has fans optimistic about a deeper run.
Grambling State jumps to No. 7 after a 49‑7 demolition of Clark Atlanta, a performance that highlighted an explosive offense.
Texas Southern climbs to No. 9 following a 42‑30 upset of North Carolina Central, a result that signals the Tigers’ intent to contend for the SWAC crown.
Florida A&M enters the rankings at No. 8 after a 20‑7 win over Albany State, a defensive showcase that underscores the program’s early‑season stability.
Bethune‑Cookman remains unranked after skipping Week 0, leaving the Wildcats to await their first test later in the schedule.
Southern, despite a strong first half, slipped to a 30‑17 loss against Alabama State, highlighting early growing pains for the program.
Morgan State posted a 17‑7 win over North Carolina A&T, giving the Bears an early MEAC victory and a modest boost in the poll.
Arkansas Pine‑Bluff opens the season with a 35‑15 triumph over Morehouse, positioning the Golden Lions as a dark horse in the emerging landscape.
Norfolk State’s 56‑0 shutout of Winston‑Salem State reinforces its MEAC competitiveness, while Hampton’s 45‑0 victory over Virginia‑Lynchburg demonstrated a dominant start.
Mississippi Valley State endured a 44‑10 loss to Nicholls, exposing gaps on both sides of the ball for the Delta Devils.
Howard’s 31‑24 comeback over Alabama A&M was overseen by first‑year head coach Ted White, whose early‑season adjustments have already drawn attention.