The Stats Performed FCS Preseason Top 25 Poll was released and three HBCUs- Florida A&M, North Carolina Central, and Alabama State all received votes.Â
Last season the Rattlers of Florida A&M 12-1 (8-0) as the SWAC and the Celebration Bowl champions. They ended the 2023 campaign ranked 11th in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 poll. FAMU received 65 votes in the preseason poll, placing the Rattlers 30th.
North Carolina Central also received votes, 51, slotting them right behind Florida A&M, ranking them 31st. Last season Coach Trei Oliver and the Eagles, went 8-3 (4-1), and making an appearance in the NCAA Division I FCS Playoffs, falling 49-27 to Richmond in the opening round. N.C. Central opens up the 2024 season against Alabama State in the Orange Blossom Classic on September 1 in Miami Gardens, FL.
Alabama State was the second SWAC team to get attention from voters, tallying 17 votes for a 33rd-place ranking. The Hornets finished last season 7-4 ( 5-3 SWAC). Alabama State was picked to finish first in the SWAC East this coming season, which they will be pitted against North Carolina Central in the Orange Blossom Classic.
