Halloween weekend no doubt brought both tricks and treats to the ever-tightening SWAC and MEAC conference races. However, the Fab Five and Flop Five remain relatively constant this week with little movement up or down. In fact, the Fab Five programs this week seem to be settling in for the long haul and all with an eye on the FCS postseason, which is literally right around the corner. The month of November means that every game counts towards conference standings and postseason berths are now on the line throughout the FCS.
HBCU Fab Five (as of November 5)
1. Alabama State (6-2 Overall, 4-1 SWAC)
The Hornets retain their top position this week, but this placement is tenuous because starting QB Andrew Body was injured after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of Alabama State’s 31-28 victory over Prairie View A&M. With your starting QB’s throwing arm in question, Alabama State may feel like their season is in peril. Let’s see what happens this week as the SWAC race is heating up.
2. Jackson State (6-2 Overall, 4-1 SWAC)
Nothing says “comeback” after a heartbreaking loss than a big win over Florida A&M 41-16 on Saturday night. With Alabama State’s QB position in question, the Tigers may strike and reclaim the top of the Fab Five this coming week.
3. Delaware State (6-3 Overall, 2-0 MEAC)
First-year head coach DeSean Jackson is generating a lot of interest in this program nationally and for good reason. With a marquee win over Norfolk State (and fellow NFL teammate Michael Vick) on October 30th in front of a national audience on ESPN, the Hornets seem to be in the driver’s seat in the MEAC right now. Delaware State will have another national ESPN game this week and is building more of a positive spotlight on both its program and HBCU football in general.
4. South Carolina State (6-3 Overall, 2-0 MEAC)
While Delaware State is garnering all the attention in the MEAC right now, South Carolina State is quietly taking care of business and is in a position to challenge the Hornets for the conference lead. The two programs will meet in the regular season finale on Saturday, November 22, where a spot in the Celebration Bowl could be on the line.
5. North Carolina Central (6-3 Overall, 1-1 MEAC)
The Eagles needed a bounce-back win after losing to Delaware State at home during Homecoming and they took care of the Howard Bison 35-14. Could they make a move up in the MEAC standings and challenge for a conference title? With a conference loss on their record, a MEAC title will be an uphill battle, but not out of reach for NCCU.
Honorable Mention: Grambling State (6-3 Overall, 3-2 SWAC)
The Grambling State Tigers have won three in a row, including a hard-fought 13-10 win over Alabama A&M last weekend. The Tigers are this week’s sleeper team, but they’re on a roll right now and could be dangerous in the coming weeks.
HBCU Flop Five
1. Alcorn State (3-6 Overall, 2-3 SWAC)
I can’t downgrade Alcorn State too much since they beat Texas Southern on the road this week and have won two games in a row. Could a .500 season be in the cards?
2. Alabama A&M (4-5 Overall, 1-4 SWAC)
The Bulldogs dropped another one this weekend with a close 13-10 loss to Grambling State, but W’s and L’s count, not the score. Alabama A&M needs to get its season back on track before 4-5 becomes 4-8.
3. Mississippi Valley State (1-7 Overall, 0-4 SWAC)
What can be said that hasn’t already been said this season? Better luck next year is probably the best moniker this team can strive for right now.
4. Norfolk State (1-8 Overall, 0-2 MEAC)
I think a lot of football fans want to see Michael Vick win some games as a head coach, and in the long run, he probably will help turn around the Spartan football program. For now, start planning for the 2026 season early.
5. Southern University (1-8 Overall, 0-5 SWAC)
This is what it feels like when driving a car when all of the wheels fall off. The Jaguars have hit the bottom pretty hard this season and can only salvage a bit of pride with what’s left of the 2025 season. This is a storied HBCU program, and better days are coming… probably not for another season or two.
Photo Credit to Grambling State University Athletics
