HBCU Sports activities is bringing again our weekly HBCU soccer rankings and as we’re a 3rd of the best way by the season, the Division I part has a whole lot of fascinating groups in fascinating positions already. So with out additional delay, right here’s the D-I HBCU Soccer Prime 10 after Week 4.
1. North Carolina Central (4-2)
Final Week: Defeated East Texas A&M 50-42
Up Subsequent: Bye week
The Eagles usually are not an ideal workforce, as losses to New Hampshire and Outdated Dominion counsel, however in any other case, they’ve regarded like a juggernaut towards equal competitors. Offensively, they’re averaging practically 35 factors a recreation, and virtually 54 factors a recreation throughout their present three recreation win streak.
They’ll have this weekend off earlier than a visit to Florida A&M and after that, one other bye earlier than opening MEAC play towards Delaware State. This Central workforce could possibly be constructed for a future that ends in Atlanta.
2. Jackson State (3-1)
Final Week: Defeated Southern 38-13
Up Subsequent: vs. Alabama A&M within the Gulf Coast Problem, Sat. Oct. 4
The Tigers continued their mastery over Southern, scoring 31 unanswered to select up one other Boombox Traditional victory. The JSU protection is permitting simply 16 factors per recreation whereas surrendering solely 287 yards per contest. If Jacobian Morgan can have extra days like he did towards the Jaguars (21-31, 337 yards, two TDs), J-State shall be prepared for a return journey to the Celebration Bowl.
3. Alabama State (3-1)
Final Week: defeated Florida A&M 42-14
Up Subsequent: vs. Bethune-Cookman Sat. Oct. 4
Alabama State has all the things going for themselves proper now. A wholesome Andrew Physique at quarterback leads an ASU offense averaging practically 38 factors per recreation whereas their protection is stingier (and sting-ier) than standard.
The Hornets solely allowed 14 factors in beating Florida A&M for the primary time for the reason that Rattlers rejoined the SWAC.
They can not get caught up in a lure recreation this weekend towards Bethune-Cookman, but when they need to survive that, then there’s what could possibly be the SWAC East championship recreation towards Jackson State Oct. 11.
4. Prairie View A&M (3-2)
Final Week: Defeated Grambling within the State Honest Traditional 28-13
Up Subsequent: at Alcorn State Sat. Oct. 4
Tremaine Jackson got here into the SWAC with heavy expectations for the Panthers and proper now, they’re dwelling as much as his assured statements.
After beating Grambling, Prairie View is 2-0 in SWAC West play and with a go to to Alcorn State this weekend, they might open up a wholesome lead within the division.
5. Delaware State (3-2)
Final Week: Misplaced to Sacred Coronary heart 35-31
Up Subsequent: at Monmouth Sat. Oct. 4
One of many pettiest ejections in latest reminiscence doubtless value the Hornets a 4-1 begin, however that doesn’t diminish the very fact DeSean Jackson is establishing a brand new program mentality. DSU has already tripled their 2023 and 2024 win totals this season with MEAC play nonetheless to return.
The important thing this weekend is to outlive Monmouth, a CAA heavyweight, with no accidents or anymore suspect disqualifications earlier than heading again to Dover for homecoming.
6. Howard (3-2)
Final Week: Misplaced to Richmond 13-12
Up Subsequent: Bye Week
The Bison held a fourth quarter lead towards FCS playoff mainstay Richmond however couldn’t maintain it, ending their modest two-game win streak.
Nonetheless, this Howard workforce seems significantly better than the workforce that completed the 2024 season dropping 5 of their final six.
The bye week comes at an vital time of their season as they’ll relaxation this week, then journey to Sacred Coronary heart and attempt to get some revenge for his or her MEAC brethren.
7. Alabama A&M (3-2)
Final Week: Misplaced to Bethune-Cookman 41-34
Up Subsequent: vs. Jackson State on the Gulf Coast Traditional, Sat. Oct. 4
The Bulldogs had been unable to fully dig themselves out of an early gap towards BCU, now they’re in a gap so far as the SWAC East goes with HBCU nationwide champ JSU arising this weekend. An 0-2 begin in division play means enjoying out the string so AAMU must be prepared for a battle.
8. Grambling (3-2)
Final Week: Misplaced to Prairie View within the State Honest Traditional 28-13
Up Subsequent: Bye Week
The Tigers limp into their bye week after dropping the State Honest Traditional and might want to make some changes in the event that they’re
9. South Carolina State (2-3)
Final Week: Misplaced to Charleston Southern 31-24
Up Subsequent: vs. Savannah State Sat. Oct. 4
The Bulldogs had a hangover from the South Florida recreation, and it value them towards beforehand winless Charleston Southern, so getting again on observe towards Savannah State shall be essential.
They’re nonetheless the MEAC champions till somebody beats them, so head coach Chennis Berry and his workers will doubtless be drilling his workforce on the main points as convention play begins in a few weeks.
10. Bethune-Cookman (2-3)
Final Week: Defeated Alabama A&M 41-34
Up Subsequent: at Alabama State Sat. Oct. 4
The Wildcats have strung collectively two wins in a row for the primary time in practically two years, and averaging 39 factors per contest of their final three video games is proof they’ll transfer the ball.
They’ll want to maneuver it and someway cease Alabama State to maintain their stunning streak going, and if they’ll do this, everybody else within the SWAC East ought to watch out for BCU.
