USA TODAY Sports Network releases preseason HBCU football rankings for 2026
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 10:05 AM
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
The USA TODAY Sports Network has announced its preseason HBCU football rankings for the 2026 season ahead of Week 0. South Carolina State claims the top spot following a 10-3 record and a Celebration Bowl victory in 2025. Alabama State, with a 10-2 finish last season, ranks second, marking its first 10-win campaign in over two decades. Prairie View A&M follows in third after a 10-4 season and SWAC championship, while Jackson State and North Carolina Central round out the top five. The rankings highlight the competitive nature of HBCU football as the season approaches.
- •South Carolina State tops the rankings after a championship season.
- •Alabama State ranks second following a strong turnaround.
- •Prairie View A&M secured third place due to a recent championship.
- •Jackson State and North Carolina Central complete the top five.
- 10:05 AMYahoo Sports — USA TODAY Sports Network preseason HBCU football rankings
"See the USA TODAY Sports Network preseason HBCU football rankings.
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