MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Alabama State University football enters the 2026-27 football season ranked fourth in the initial Black College Football Poll released. on Thursday, July 8, 2026.
Defending HBCU National Champion South Carolina State tops the poll, followed by SWAC Champion Prairie View A&M and Jackson State.Â
2026 Preseason Black College Football PollÂ
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NCAA Division I (FCS)
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| Rank |
Institution |
Conference |
Record* |
Points (FPV**) |
| 1. |
South Carolina State |
MEAC |
(10-3, 5-0) |
185 (36) |
| 2. |
Prairie View A&M |
SWAC |
(10-4, 7-1) |
165 (2) |
| 3. |
Jackson State |
SWAC |
(9-3, 7-1) |
149 (4) |
| 4. |
Alabama State |
SWAC |
(10-2, 7-1) |
141 (6) |
| 5. |
North Carolina Central |
MEAC |
(8-4, 3-2) |
107 |
| 6. |
Delaware State |
MEAC |
(8-4, 4-1) |
98 |
| 7. |
Grambling State |
SWAC |
(7-5, 4-4) |
63 |
| 8. |
Bethune-Cookman |
SWAC |
(6-6, 5-3) |
46 |
| 9. |
Texas Southern |
SWAC |
(6-5, 5-3) |
42 |
| 10. |
Florida A&M |
SWAC |
(5-7, 4-4) |
32 |
*2025 Record
**(First-Place Votes)
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Others Receiving Votes: Alcorn State 15, Howard 13, Alabama A&M 13
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