HBCU Football Power Rankings: Jackson State Leads the Preseason Road to Atlanta
August has arrived, and with it comes the return of college football. Once again, HBCU football gets the spotlight in Week Zero, kicking off the 2025 season. To set the stage, NCAA Digital’s Stan Becton released the first HBCU football power rankings of the year.
These weekly rankings will track every FCS-level HBCU program throughout the regular season, shaping the path to the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta. Nicknamed “The Road to Atlanta,” the journey will once again end with the two best HBCU teams battling for the ultimate prize.
Preseason HBCU Football Power Rankings (2025)
1. Jackson State
The defending Celebration Bowl champions open the year in the top spot. The Tigers return quarterback Jacobian Morgan, the preseason SWAC Offensive Player of the Year, along with the league’s most dynamic group of playmakers on both sides of the ball. With that talent, JSU looks primed to make a run at back-to-back titles.
2. North Carolina Central
The Eagles enter 2025 with the MEAC’s top quarterback, Walker Harris, who is now in his second season as the full-time starter under coach Trei Oliver. NCCU boasts the most preseason First-Team All-MEAC selections and will host rival South Carolina State at home this year — giving them a strong case as one of the nation’s best HBCU squads.
3. Southern
Southern is the preseason favorite in the SWAC West and the second-highest ranked SWAC program in these rankings. The Jaguars return star defensive lineman Ckelby Givens — considered by many the best player in HBCU football — and pair him with a ground attack that could dominate opposing defenses this fall.
4. South Carolina State
The Bulldogs enter 2025 as reigning MEAC champions, though they’ll do so without last year’s star quarterback Eric Phoenix, who claimed HBCU Player of the Year honors. Backup Ryan Stubblefield showed flashes of potential, but with fewer proven playmakers than rivals like NCCU, South Carolina State may experience some drop-off. Still, head coach Chennis Berry is expected to keep them in the title hunt until season’s end.
5. Alabama State
Despite losing defensive coordinator Ryan Lewis Sr. to UAB, the Hornets remain a defensive powerhouse under head coach Eddie Robinson Jr. The quarterback battle between Kareem Keye, Andrew Body, and Te’Sean Smoot will be key, but if Alabama State gets steady play under center, they could push Jackson State in the SWAC East.
6. Florida A&M
James Colzie III begins his second year in charge of the Rattlers, once again searching for a new starting quarterback. Unlike last season, no proven FBS passer joins the roster, meaning FAMU will need someone to rise to the occasion. The good news: their offensive line looks like one of the strongest units in HBCU football.
7. Tennessee State
After making the FCS playoffs last year, Tennessee State enters a new era with Reggie Barlow replacing Eddie George as head coach. The program was hit hard by transfer departures, losing 25 players across FBS and FCS levels. The Tigers’ season could swing either way — from early struggles to another postseason push.
8. Alcorn State
Head coach Cedric Thomas has the Braves trending upward after finishing 6-6 in 2024. With All-SWAC running back Jacorian Sewell back and a quarterback battle between Jaylon Tolbert and Andre Washington, Alcorn has the tools to climb even higher in 2025.
9. Morgan State
Despite being picked third in the MEAC preseason poll, Morgan State features both the league’s Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year. The passing game has struggled in recent years, but the Bears should remain one of the tougher matchups in HBCU football this season.
10. Prairie View A&M
New head coach Tremaine Jackson wasted no time making waves, bringing in one of the most loaded transfer classes in the SWAC — 40 players total from the FBS and FCS ranks. With that influx of talent, the Panthers could quickly become a team to watch in 2025.
The Bottom Line:
From Jackson State defending its crown to Prairie View A&M starting fresh under a new coach, this year’s Road to Atlanta promises drama, rivalries, and the rich tradition of HBCU football — all building toward December’s Celebration Bowl.
