HBCU Power 5 Rankings – Week 7

No. 1 Jackson State and No. 2 Alabama State will clash in Week 7.

HOUSTON - Curated by Ray Rogers, the HBCU Power 5 Rankings spotlight the top Division I HBCU football programs each week.

The elite teams continued to distinguish themselves in Week 6, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown for the undisputed crown in Week 7. This is the week when all debates are put to rest, as fans and analysts alike agree: Jackson State vs. Alabama State is the must-watch game across all of FCS.

With that in mind, here are this week’s Power 5 rankings:

Jackson State - HBCU Power 5 Rankings – Week 7 | RUN THE YARD, HBCU PAS

 Jackson State

For anyone still questioning Jackson State’s No. 1 ranking, their dominant Week 6 performance against Alabama A&M silenced all doubt. Led by veteran quarterback Jacobian Morgan, the Tigers racked up an astonishing 702 yards of total offense en route to a 57-point outburst on the road.

Flexing their full potential, Jackson State returns home to Jackson, Mississippi, brimming with momentum as they prepare for a massive homecoming clash against No. 2-ranked Alabama State. Head Coach T.C. Taylor understands the magnitude of what’s ahead:

“It’s going to be a lot of eyes watching this — the top two teams in some HBCU polls, two well-coached programs — so it’s an opportunity to go out and show that we’re playing some good ball, not only in HBCU, but for an FCS game as well.”

Alabama State - Week 7 | hbcu pass and run the yard

Alabama State

Not to be overshadowed, the Hornets put up an impressive 52 points in their Week 6 win over Bethune-Cookman. What many predicted as a potential “trap game” quickly turned one-sided, as Alabama State erased an early 7-point deficit with a 24-point first-half barrage.

The Hornets dominated on the ground, rushing for 389 yards and five touchdowns, overwhelming a Bethune-Cookman defense that had no answers.

Quarterback Andrew Body, who missed last year’s matchup against Jackson State due to injury, now leads a high-flying offense with confidence and purpose. Widely regarded as the top QB in HBCU football, Body is poised to lead the Hornets into a crown-defining matchup during Jackson State’s homecoming.

NCCU - HBCU Power 5 Rankings – Week 7 | run the yard, hbcu pass

 North Carolina Central

The Eagles hold steady at No. 3 after a bye in Week 6. They now prepare for a road showdown with former MEAC rival Florida A&M. For Head Coach Trei Oliver, the matchup carries extra meaning:

“I love playing the SWAC,” Oliver shared during his weekly media appearance.

North Carolina Central enters the game as a strong favorite and looks to solidify its position as a top contender in both HBCU and FCS football.

SC STATE - HBCU Power 5 Rankings – Week 7 | RUN THE YARD, HBCU PASS

 South Carolina State

The Bulldogs returned to the win column with a much-needed homecoming victory over Savannah State in Orangeburg. The win breaks a tough skid and offers a chance to recapture their championship form.

Next up: a trip to Greensboro for an all-HBCU battle against North Carolina A&T — a matchup that carries both pride and postseason implications.

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M - HBCU Power 5 Rankings – Week 7M | RUN THE YARD, HBCU PASS

 Prairie View A&M

The Panthers gutted out a gritty road win over Alcorn State to remain undefeated in SWAC West play. While questions linger about the overall strength of the division, one thing is clear: there’s a cultural shift happening in Prairie View.

With a bye week ahead, PV has time to rest, regroup, and prepare to make another statement in a pivotal Week 8 clash against Southern.

 HBCU Power 5 – Week 7 Snapshot

1. Jackson State
2. Alabama State
3. North Carolina Central
4. South Carolina State
5. Prairie View A&M

Closing

The HBCU Power 5 Rankings™ are curated weekly by Ray Rogers and published on HBCU Legends (SI) in partnership with HBCU Pass. Graphics powered by Run The Yard.

Follow @HBCUPass for weekly updates, highlights, and exclusive coverage.

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