2023 National Battle Of The Bands Rankings

HOUSTON — Eight HBCU bands entered, and four were left as elite powerhouse marching bands in an extremely close 2023 PepsiCo National Battle of the Bands competition on Saturday, Aug. 26, inside NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. The competitors were Southern University, Florida A&M, Texas Southern University, Mississippi Valley State University, Norfolk State, Langston University, and Virginia State University. The scorecard for the "National Battle of the Bands" by HBCU Legends evaluates bands in several areas.

Band evaluations included multiple categories:

Entrance
Music selection, Transitions
Sound - Marching and Stands
Showmanship/Presentation
Drum Major(s) Show
Field Procession/Downfield/On-Field
Field Design/Uniqueness
Coverdowns/Straight Lines
Dance Routines
Dance Teams and Auxillary Groups

HBCU LEGEND BAND SCORES

1. Southern University - The Human Jukebox: 90 (tie)
1. Texas Southern - The Ocean of Soul: 90 (tie)
3. Tennessee State - The Aristocrat of Bands: 88
4. Langston University - Marching Pride: 87
5. Norfolk State - The Spartan "Legion" Marching Band: 81
6. Mississippi Valley State - Mean Green Marching Machine: 80
7. Florida A&M - The Marching "100": 79.5
8. Virginia State - Trojan Marching Explosion: 74

We had Southern and Texas Southern tied at 90. While Southern boasted a better overall performance, the Ocean of Soul's sound, energy, and hometown audience engagement were excellent. Southern returned a fan favorite with the dancing "big boys" coming out for the final dance routine. However, TSU had the "Lil' Michael Jacksons," which were better, and knotted them with the Human Jukebox. Dr. Brian Simmons (Texas Southern) and Dr. Kedric Taylor (Southern) have outstanding bands. I can't wait to see how they perform during the season-long Battle of the Bands Championships sponsored by ESPN Events.
Tennessee State is Tennessee State — another intense routine from the Aristocrat of Bands. Still, it didn't have the usual punch towards the end that you usually would get from TSU's band. They showed why they are the only HBCU marching band to win a Grammy with its melodic sounds.
Langston University was a surprising 2nd/3rd place band with an outstanding sound and exceptional marching performance. The only concern was the need for more excitement with a dance routine or gimmick. The Marching Pride was a great addition to the Battle of the Bands.
A very disappointing show from the Marching 100 had a lackluster outing at the NBOTB. Several people pointed out the band members appeared exhausted, and the movement was out of sorts. Perhaps it was because the Rattlers were the last band to play at the NBOTB, but the legendary Dr. Foster wouldn't stand for this show. They will rebound.
Mississippi State and Norfolk State came out strong but tailed off at the end — two larger bands at the NBOTB. At one point, I thought the Green Marching Machine was about to dust the other out of NRG Stadium, but then the show went south. The same goes for Norfolk. The ending lacked focus.
Virginia State presented a very sweet sound for having the fewest band members in the competition. Good show.

Southern, Texas Southern, Tennessee State, and Langston will be elite marching bands in 2023. I expect an intense competition ahead of one of these units finding their way to Atlanta for The Inaugural Band of the Year National Championship crowning on Friday, Dec. 16, ahead of the 2023 Cricket Celebration Bowl.

Overall, it was an enhanced competition from the previous years, with great routines, precision, and creativity from the bands. The intermissions were fantastic as the rap/hip-hop legends Doug E. Fresh, Slim Thug, and Big Boi got the crowd crunked! The ending was awkward for the attendees. The National Battle of the Bands committee should consider naming a winner next season since it's called a competition.

Let HBCU Legends hear your thoughts on who won the competition - VOTE HERE.