As the 2025 season draws closer to its end, Week 14 of Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Major Division saw no new attendees to the proverbial party. However, there was some shuffling amongst the top 7.
7 Grambling State Tigers ( 7-5, 4-3)
Grambling falls in this week’s rankings from the sixth spot from the previous week. In their most recent outing, the Tigers suffered a heartbreaking, disappointing 28-27 defeat at the hands of rival Southern in the 52nd Bayou Classic, their fourth consecutive defeat in the Classic. Although the season-ending loss denied the Tigers an 8-win season, Grambling still finished with a 7-5 record, their first season above .500 since a 6-5 mark in 2019 under Broderick Fobbs.
6 North Carolina Central ( 8-4, 3-2)
Although the Eagles did not take the field last week, North Carolina Central climbed a spot in this week’s rankings. The Eagles defeated Morgan State 33-14 in their season finale on November 22 to end the season at 8-4 overall and 3-2 in conference play. A solid season but one in which NCCU found themselves on the outside looking at both MEAC title contention as well as participation in the FCS Playoffs. Central was well represented in postseason honors with 17 Eagles receiving first or second team All-MEAC honors,
5 Delaware State (8-4, 4-1)
Delaware State rose two spots in the weekly rankings. The Hornets were one of the stories not only in HBCU football but also nationally, as first-year head coach DeSean Jackson transformed Delaware State from MEAC doormats to title contenders. DSU finished 8-4 and 4-1 within the MEAC. The 8 wins were the program’s highest victory mark since back-to-back 5-6 seasons in 2021 and 2022 as well as their first plus-.500 season since a 6-5 mark in the 2012 season.
4 Prairie View A&M Panthers (9-3, 7-1)
The Panthers of Prairie View remain at No.4 in this week’s polls. Prairie View, like Delaware State, experienced a substantial shot in the arm from a first-year head coach. Head coach Tremaine Jackson led the Panthers to the SWAC Western Division crown and an appearance in the SWAC Championship game, with a berth in the Celebration Bowl on the line. Coach Jackson was named SWAC Coach of the Year, and running back Chase Bingmon was named SWAC Freshman of the Year.
3 Alabama State Hornets ( 10-2, 7-1)
Alabama State sinks a position in this week’s rankings. In their most recent outing, the Hornets defeated Tuskegee 58-21 in the Turkey Day Classic. The game was competitive early, featuring multiple ties and lead changes, before Alabama State seized control, running off 37 straight points to end the competitive portion of the contest. The win gave Alabama State its 10th win on the season, a feat not achieved since 2004. This week starting quarterback Andrew Body was named SWAC Offensive Player of the Year.
2 Jackson State Tigers ( 9-2, 7-1)
After being ranked No.3 in last week’s polls, Jackson State ascends to the penultimate position in the rankings. With their 27-21 win over Alcorn State in their most recent outing, on November 22, Jackson State claimed the SWAC’s Eastern Division for the second consecutive year and clinched a spot in the SWAC Championship Game. A win puts the Tigers in the Celebration Bowl, where South Carolina State awaits in what would be a rematch of last year’s contest, a 28-7 win for the Tigers.
Several Tigers earned postseason honors with 10 players earning first or second team All-SWAC honors. Edge rusher Quincy Ivory was named Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.
1 South Carolina State Bulldogs (9-3, 5-0)
The Bulldogs of South Carolina State remain perched atop Dr. Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab major Division Top 7 for the second straight week. SCSU clinched the MEAC crown and the berth in the Celebration Bowl for the second consecutive season with a 28-17 win over Delaware State. The Bulldogs have not lost a game in the MEAC in the two seasons that Chennis Berry has helmed the program. Coach Berry was named the 2025 MEAC Coach of the Year for his efforts this season. Up next is the opportunity to right the wrong of last season and win the Celebration Bowl. They will take on the winner of Jackson State and Prairie View A&M.
Dropped out: No teams dropped out
Receiving votes: Texas Southern Tigers (6-5, 5-3) 138 Bethune Cookman Wildcats ( 6-6, 5-3) 137
