The Pink Lobster Band of The 12 months competitors has shortly established itself as one of many premier showcases for HBCU marching bands. Now getting into its third season, the competition encompasses a Division I bracket and a Division II/NAIA bracket, with the highest two packages from every advancing to Atlanta to compete for nationwide championships.
For the third yr in a row, HBCU Gameday is partnering with ESPN Occasions to disclose the season-long rankings that decide who will battle for the crown. And similar to in Division I, the Division II/NAIA race is heating up early.A Historical past of Shut Calls
The primary two years of the competitors have produced thrilling finales. Florida Memorial College (FMU) claimed the inaugural title in 2023, whereas Miles Faculty took house the championship in 2024. Virginia State has been the runner-up in each years, and Winston-Salem State has twice completed in third place. That historical past of near-misses makes 2025 a season of redemption for each VSU and WSSU, who once more discover themselves in competition.
Ballot Outcomes: Florida Memorial Prime D2 HBCU Band
Ballots for the inaugural Division II/NAIA Pink Lobster Band of The 12 months media ballot had been distributed final week, and the outcomes are in. Florida Memorial sits at No. 1 with 461 factors, narrowly edging Virginia State with 439 and Miles Faculty with 438.
Virginia Union and Langston spherical out the highest 5, whereas Winston-Salem State leads the second half of the highest ten. Benedict, Tuskegee, Fort Valley State, and Fayetteville State full the listing.
Breaking Down the Classes
Bands are judged throughout musicality, drill and design, percussion, drum majors, and auxiliaries, and the early outcomes present the place every program shines.
Musicality: Florida Memorial leads the way in which with a rating of 96, adopted by Miles and Virginia State.
Drill and Design: Miles tops this class with 90 factors, whereas Florida Memorial and Virginia State observe intently.
Percussion: Florida Memorial once more takes the lead with 96 factors, edging Miles and Virginia State.
Drum Majors: Florida Memorial continues its dominance right here with 87 factors, however Miles and Virginia State aren’t far behind.
Auxiliaries: Florida Memorial earns one other high mark with 92 factors, adopted by Virginia State and Miles.
Division II/NAIA Media Ballot Prime 10
Florida Memorial College (FMU) – 461
Virginia State College (VSU) – 439
Miles Faculty – 438
Virginia Union College – 376
Langston College – 374
Winston-Salem State College (WSSU) – 368
Benedict Faculty – 366
Tuskegee College – 356
Fort Valley State College (FVSU) – 354
Fayetteville State College – 351
The Highway to Atlanta Robust At D2, too
If historical past is any indication, the battle for Atlanta will come all the way down to the smallest of margins. Florida Memorial seems poised to reclaim its 2023 type, whereas defending champion Miles Faculty goals to repeat. Virginia State, so shut in every of the primary two years, is decided to lastly break by. In the meantime, Winston-Salem State is as soon as once more in putting distance of its first championship berth.
The 2025 Division II/NAIA Pink Lobster Band of The 12 months race guarantees the identical drama and artistry which have made HBCU marching bands a cultural establishment. With every halftime efficiency carrying nationwide implications, this season will as soon as once more have a good time the pageantry, precision, and keenness that outline the HBCU band custom.
