HBCU Legends

HBCU Power 5 Rankings - Week 3

It was a tough week across HBCU football, with several programs facing some of the nation’s top competition.
Ray Rogers|
HBCU Power 5 Rankings – Week 3
HBCU Power 5 Rankings – Week 3 | HBCU Pass

In this story:

Jackson State TigersSouth Carolina State BulldogsAlabama State HornetsDelaware State Hornets

It was a tough week across HBCU football, with several programs facing some of the nation’s top competition. But even amid the challenges, resilience and statement wins stood out, reshaping the HBCU Power 5 Rankings.

HBCU Power 5 Rankings
HBCU Power 5 Rankings | HBCU Pass

Each week, HBCU Pass delivers the definitive rankings in partnership with Run the Yard graphics. Curated by Ray Rogers, the HBCU Power 5 shines a spotlight on the top programs in Division I HBCU football

Week 3 Rankings

Jackson State
Jackson State | HBCU Pass

1. Jackson State Tigers (1–1)

Despite a 38–20 loss to Southern Miss, Jackson State showed why they’re still the team to beat. The Tigers rushed for nearly 200 yards at 4.5 yards per carry and controlled possession early before a scoreless third quarter swung momentum. With Tuskegee up next, expect JSU to reassert their dominance in an all-HBCU showdown.

Entering the game ranked No. 14 in the FCS Coaches Poll, the Tigers came out with grit and balance on both sides of the ball, keeping the first half tightly contested.

SCS Bulldogs
SCS Bulldogs | HBCU Pass, Run The Yard

2. South Carolina State Bulldogs (1–1)

Coach Chennis Berry’s squad wasn’t intimidated by the big stage. Against South Carolina, the Bulldogs held a 3–0 lead late in the first half before back-to-back punt return TDs broke the game open. Berry praised his team’s fight and confidence, and with Bethune-Cookman coming to Orangeburg, SC State looks ready to build on that energy.

“I was super proud of our young men and how they played. They played really, really good football — inspired football — and built a lot of confidence for the rest of the season.” - Head Coach Chennis Berry 

Alabama State
Alabama State | HBCU Pass, Run The Yard

3. Alabama State Hornets (1–1)

Eddie Robinson Jr. has his Hornets looking focused and dangerous. Last week’s road win was powered by a defense that forced four turnovers, setting the tone in SWAC play. With Miles College on deck, Alabama State will need that same discipline to keep climbing in the Power 5.

Delaware State
Delaware State | HBCU PASS, RUN THE YARD

4. Delaware State Hornets (1–1)

Welcome to the rankings. First-year head coach Desean Jackson earned his first career win in style, leading DSU past UAlbany in a statement game. QB Kaiden Bennett was electric — 137 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs, and nearly 180 yards passing. Bowie State awaits this week, and the buzz around Dover is real.

DSU Linebacker Brian Bates said it best before the season kicked off: “The thing is, if they're sleeping, I want them to sleep — because we're gonna wake them up.”

Prairie View A&M
Prairie View A&M | HBCU Pass, RUN THE YARD

5. Prairie View A&M Panthers (1–1)

The Panthers backed up their rivalry win over Texas Southern with another gritty performance. While the loss to UT Rio Grande Valley stung, PV’s defense held firm on third down (just 2-of-11 conversions allowed). A road test at Rice will reveal more, but Coach Tremaine Jackson’s squad looks steady and competitive.

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Ray Rogers
RAY ROGERS

Ray T. Rogers is a proud graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore located in historic Princess Anne, MD. Ray is the Co-Creator, Co-Producer, and On-Air personality for the Urban Sports Scene podcast based out of the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. Ray helped to create the segment known as “HBCU Corner” which highlights the excellence of Athletic programs at Historically Black Institutions. Notable guests include Grambling State Head Football Coach Hugh Jackson, Howard University Head Golf Coach Samuel Puryear, South Carolina State Head Football Coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough, and Norfolk State Head Men’s Basketball Coach Robert Jones. Since 2017, Ray has served as Radio Analyst, Writer, and Contributor to WHAP Fox Sports Radio 1340 AM Hopewell, Virginia covering the Washington Commanders and Washington Wizards. Additionally, Ray works as a reporter and studio analyst for the award winning Roundball Report TV show which highlights the exploits of the high school, college, and professional basketball teams in the Washington, DC area including the Bowie State Bulldogs and WNBA’s Washington Mystics. Ray was born in Washington, DC and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Ray also has a background in mental health and substance use recovery; serving the communities of Washington DC as well as Baltimore. 

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