HBCU Band of the Year: NCAT Tops Preseason Rankings as Heavyweights Clash
The 2025 season marks year three of the Red Lobster Band of the Year competition, a showcase that has quickly grown into one of the most prestigious stages for HBCU marching bands. Programs from Division I and Division II/NAIA battle it out all season, with the top two in each group advancing to Atlanta for a head-to-head showdown that crowns national champions.
For the third straight year, HBCU Gameday is teaming up with ESPN Events to reveal the weekly rankings, giving fans a front-row seat to how their favorite bands stack up. The competition is fierce, with national titles, bragging rights, and legacies on the line.
A Tradition of Powerhouses
Since its launch, the Red Lobster Band of the Year has delivered heavyweight matchups and unforgettable moments. In 2023, North Carolina A&T’s Blue and Gold Marching Machine claimed the inaugural Division I crown by edging past Jackson State’s Sonic Boom of the South. The following year, Florida A&M’s Marching 100 came out on top, outlasting A&T in a battle between two of the most iconic names in HBCU band history.
Now, as 2025 kicks off, both past champions are back in the hunt for another title—along with plenty of challengers eager to unseat them.
Poll Results: NCAT Holds Slim Lead
The first-ever Red Lobster Band of the Year media poll was released last week, and it shows just how tight this season could be.
- North Carolina A&T leads the Division I standings with 585 points, barely ahead of Jackson State (573) and Norfolk State (570).
- Bethune-Cookman sits right behind at 567, while defending champion Florida A&M rounds out the top five at 531.
- The rest of the top ten includes Alabama State, Southern, Texas Southern, Prairie View A&M, and Tennessee State.
2025 HBCU Division I Preseason Poll
- North Carolina A&T – 585
- Jackson State – 573
- Norfolk State – 570
- Bethune-Cookman – 567
- Florida A&M – 531
- Alabama State – 514
- Southern – 514
- Texas Southern – 514
- Prairie View A&M – 491
- Tennessee State – 474
Breaking Down the Categories
Bands were scored across five major categories, showcasing the depth of talent across HBCU programs:
- Musicality: Norfolk State, NCAT, and FAMU each led the way with 122 points.
- Drill & Design: Florida A&M, Bethune-Cookman, and Southern earned top marks for creativity and precision.
- Percussion: Norfolk State dominated with 123 points, followed closely by Bethune-Cookman and FAMU.
- Drum Majors: Jackson State and NCAT tied at the top with 123 points, with Bethune-Cookman and Norfolk State close behind.
- Auxiliaries: NCAT claimed the lead with 121 points, trailed by Southern and Alabama State.
The Road to Atlanta
With so little separating the top five, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. Every halftime performance, drill, and showpiece could be the difference between making it to Atlanta or falling just short.
The Red Lobster Band of the Year competition continues to highlight the artistry, tradition, and pageantry of HBCU marching bands—celebrating the music, movement, and culture that remain the heartbeat of HBCU life.
