The 2025 HBCU season was an exciting one from start to finish, and HBCU Sports’ Final Ultimate Division I football poll features the best of it.
So, without further ado, here are the last 10 for 2025.
1. South Carolina State (10-3)
Last week: Prairie View lost to A&M 40-38 in the Cricket Celebration Bowl
The controversial note tray is set asideSouth Carolina State quietly put together a stout defense and a liberal offensive strategy, led by a man behind the entire “Big Game” Albatross.
Chennis Berry feels like at South Carolina State, the Bulldogs will go 1-0 each week and not be ranked in the top 10 nationally.
2. Prairie A&M (10-4)
Last week: 30-38 to South Carolina State in the Cricket Celebration Bowl
The best season in generations came to a heartbreaking end for the panthers, but the meme, Jackson’s one-season turnaround, led many to believe.
Look for PV to make another SWAC title run in 2026.
3. Jackson State (9-3)
The Tigers were stunned at home in the SWAC championship game, but are still among the top three programs in HBCU football this season.
Even with some key pieces hitting the transfer portal, don’t expect a landing from JSU anytime soon.
4. Alabama State (10-2)
Consolation prizes are not the goal for Eddie Robinson Jr. or the Hornets. But the program’s first 10-win season in 21 years It’s a good place to start preparing to take over the SWAC East in 2026.
ASU will have some holes to fill on offense and defense, but there is reason to believe it will be in the mix for the SWAC title once again next year.
5. Delaware State (8-4)
The biggest story outside of the prairie landscape in HBCU football, Jackson turned the Meac into a Controversial Hornet Football Program in his first season.
The question now is whether the first full recruiting cycle will provide South Carolina State or North Carolina Central with Meac’s need for dominance.
6. North Carolina Central (8-4)
An 8-4 season is a dream for many teams (like Delaware State), but for North Carolina Central, 2025 fell short of expectations.
With so many players graduating, Trei Oliver and his staff will have a job to bounce back in the 2026 Meac title chase.
7. Gramling (7-5)
A loss to South in the Bayou Classic put a damper on what turned out to be a rebound season for the G-Men.
With the varsity and head coach Mickey Yusif’s situation muted, GSU’s first winning season since 2019 could be a mirage.
8. Texas Southern (6-5)
Cris Dishman’s second season in Houston provided the Tigers with a winning record, a rarity for the program.
The Savior’s next task is to compete for a Swac West title starting and ending with a Labor Day matchup against Prairie View.
9. Bethune-Cookman (6-6)
The Wildcats ended 2025 on a sweet note with a last-minute switch at bitter rival Florida A&M in the Florida Classic.
Raymond Woodie built a competitive team at Daytona. Can they compete with Jackson State and Alabama State in the Swac East? Time will tell.
10. Howard (5-7)
The Bison had memorable wins against Florida A&M and Hampton, but struggled elsewhere in 2025.
2026 will be an important season for Howard as Meac looks to strengthen at the plate.
Can the 2023 conference champions regain their form? For this answer, we will begin in late August, as well as for every HBCU football team this season.
