League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

South Carolina State opens 2026 preseason ranked No. 1 in HBCU poll

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 30, 2026, 5:41 PM

Last updated Jul 30, 2026

South Carolina State opens 2026 preseason ranked No. 1 in HBCU poll

Summary

South Carolina State football starts the 2026 season ranked No. 1 in the Preseason HBCU FCS Coaches Poll. The team finished 2025 with a 10-4 record and secured its second consecutive MEAC title, winning the Celebration Bowl against Prairie View A&M in a dramatic four-overtime game. Prairie View A&M is ranked second, followed by Alabama State, Jackson State, and North Carolina Central. South Carolina State's coach Chennis Berry has led the team to a 10-0 MEAC record since taking over. The rankings reflect a strong showing in first-place votes, with South Carolina State receiving 12 out of 16 total votes.

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By the Numbers

•South Carolina State holds the top spot in the preseason HBCU FCS Coaches Poll.
•The team won the 2025 Celebration Bowl against Prairie View A&M.
•Chennis Berry remains unbeaten in MEAC play as head coach.
•Prairie View A&M and Alabama State are ranked second and third, respectively.
•Delaware State, coached by DeSean Jackson, is ranked sixth.

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