Week 5 went largely by the letter in HBCU Division I Soccer, however one convincing win requires a change on the high of the Final HBCU Sports activities Division I ballot. After that, not far more motion, however Week Six might carry a altering of the guard.
Earlier than we get there, right here’s our rankings after Week 5.
1. Jackson State (4-1)
Final Week: Defeated Alabama A&M 57-24 within the Gulf Coast Problem
Up Subsequent: vs. Alabama State, Saturday Oct. 11
The Tigers’ offense regarded otherworldly in dealing with AAMU in Cell, and now at 2-0 within the SWAC East, they will actually take management of that race with a win over an Alabama State group coming in at peak type.
This seemingly would be the sport of the weekend in HBCU soccer.
2. North Carolina Central (4-2)
Final Week: Bye
Up Subsequent: at Florida A&M, Saturday Oct. 11
A banged-up bunch of Eagles acquired a much-needed bye week forward of a visit to all the time hostile Bragg Stadium and a FAMU group coming off of an unscheduled bye themselves.
This will probably be a real check of Central’s mettle in opposition to a FAMU group determined for a win after getting hammered by Alabama State, then realizing the Georgia Soccer Traditional wasn’t taking place.
3. Alabama State (4-1)
Final Week: defeated Bethune-Cookman 52-35
Up Subsequent: at Jackson State, Saturday Oct. 11
Outdoors of BCU’s first play, Alabama State was by no means severely challenged of their homecoming victory, proof that there is likely to be one thing extra to this Hornets group.
Avoiding a lure sport was key as a result of all eyes will probably be on Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium Saturday, with the winner of Bama State at Jackson State taking agency command of the SWAC East.
4. Prairie View A&M (4-2)
Final Week: Defeated Alcorn State 13-12
Up Subsequent: at Bye Week
It wasn’t simple for the Panthers, but after a too-close-for-comfort win at Alcorn, they’re 3-0 within the SWAC West heading into their bye week.
On the opposite facet of that week off is a visit to Southern and a win there might just about punch their ticket to the SWAC title sport.
5. Delaware State (3-3)
Final Week: Misplaced to Monmouth 49-38
Up Subsequent: vs. Southern Connecticut State, Saturday Oct. 11
It’s unlikely that DeSean Jackson and his teaching employees will declare any ethical victories, however hanging for 60 minutes with the No. 12 group in FCS and the top-ranked offense within the division is trigger for optimism.
DSU returns dwelling for homecoming and a go to from Southern Connecticut State, a D-II program off to a tough begin in 2025, together with dropping their very own homecoming final weekend.
The Hornets might want to listen however ought to head into MEAC play with a successful document for the primary time in latest reminiscence.
6. Howard (3-2)
Final Week: Bye Week
Up Subsequent: at Sacred Coronary heart Saturday Oct. 11
The Bison are again in motion after their bye, seeking to forestall Sacred Coronary heart from a MEAC sweep.
If Howard can cut up this final highway journey (at Sacred Coronary heart, then Tennessee State) and even sweep, everybody from Dover, Delaware to Orangeburg, South Carolina must be very nervous.
7. South Carolina State (3-3)
Final Week: Defeated Savannah State 42-6
Up Subsequent: at North Carolina A&T Saturday Oct. 11
SCSU defended dwelling turf for homecoming in opposition to Savannah State and this weekend, they’ll shut out non-conference issues once more an previous rival in North Carolina A&T.
The Bulldogs are the defending MEAC champ till additional discover and heading into convention play with a successful document ought to have them prepared as soon as once more to tackle all challengers.
8. Alabama A&M (3-3)
Final Week: Misplaced to Jackson State 57-24
Up Subsequent: vs. Mississippi Valley State Saturday Oct. 11
The Bulldogs had been victims of a “JSU by (virtually) fawdy” onslaught, and this week should face a much-improved Mississippi Valley State group contemporary off an unscheduled bye and searching for their first win within the Terrell Buckley period.
A great way for AAMU to maintain SWAC East title hopes faintly alive and regain their confidence is to beat Valley. That will probably be simpler stated than performed.
9. Grambling (3-2)
Final Week: Bye Week
Up Subsequent: vs. Texas Southern, Saturday Oct. 11
It’s laborious to name a sport within the second weekend of October “do or die,” nevertheless it’s about that point for the Tigers.
Having every week off to arrange for Texas Southern, winners of two straight, ought to assist, but when they lose this sport, it’s time to begin eager about 2026. And what that entails is probably not good for the present teaching employees.
10. Texas Southern (2-3)
Final Week: Defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff 51-7
Up Subsequent: at Grambling Saturday Oct. 11
The Tigers will want some critical assist to catch Prairie View for the SWAC West title, however that dialog turns into pointless in the event that they don’t beat Grambling this weekend.
Two straight wins, a heartstopper at Mississippi Valley State and a joyride in opposition to UAPB, has Texas Southern on a sizzling streak. Can they maintain heat within the Bayou?
