There's shuffling in the top 10 of Week 4's HBCU football power rankings. It's time to take a look at the latest changes from NCAA Digital's Stan Becton.
These are the third rankings of the regular season. The rankings will be done weekly throughout the regular season, sorting each HBCU football team at the FCS level based on their performances this season. Nicknamed "The Road to Atlanta," the weekly power rankings lead to the annual meeting of HBCU football's two best teams at this year's Celebration Bowl held in Atlanta.
See the latest power rankings below.
The Road to Atlanta: 2024 Week 4 HBCU football power rankings
| Week 4 RANK | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Jackson State |
| 2 | Florida A&M |
| 3 | Tennessee State |
| 4 | North Carolina Central |
| 5 | Morgan State |
| 6 | Texas Southern |
| 7 | Grambling State |
| 8 | South Carolina State |
| 9 | Howard |
| 10 | Hampton |
| 11 | Alabama State |
| 12 | Alcorn State |
| 13 | Prairie View A&M |
| 14 | Southern |
| 15 | Delaware State |
| 16 | North Carolina A&T |
| 17 | Alabama A&M |
| 18 | Norfolk State |
| 19 | Arkansas-Pine Bluff |
| 20 | Bethune-Cookman |
| 21 | Mississippi Valley State |
PAST POWER RANKINGS: Preseason | WK 2 | WK 3
1. Jackson State | SWAC | 2-1 (0-0) | Prev: 1
Jackson State dominated Southern in the first half en route to a win. The Tigers have been on a roll to start the season, even with injuries at quarterback.
JACKSON STATE TAKES A 16-0 LEAD OVER SOUTHERN! 🐅
— LIGHT ON COLLEGE SPORTS (@LightOnSports)
Jacobian Morgan to Marvin Landy 30-YARD TD!
📷: ESPN+
2. Florida A&M | SWAC | 2-1 (0-0) | Prev: 2
Florida A&M stays put after a bye.
2024 HBCU football: Following the 2024 HBCU football season from start to finish
3. Tennessee State | OVC | 2-1 (0-0) | Prev: 5
Tennessee State has dominated the bottom-tier HBCU football teams so far this season. With Howard the only HBCU remaining on its schedule, the Tigers of Nashville will finish with a winning record against HBCUs.
DJ's fake handoff finds a🕺🏾🥋 for 6️⃣
— Tennessee State Football (@TSUTigersFB)
2Q | 12:29
TSU — 17
UAPB — 7
4. North Carolina Central | MEAC | 1-2 (0-0) | Prev: 3
North Carolina Central quarterback Walker Harris got hurt while attempting to make it a one-score game before halftime against North Carolina. With Harris' health a question mark, the Eagles drop a spot.
North Carolina Central QB Walker Harris injured just before halftime against North Carolina
— HBCU Premier Sports & More (@HBCUSports1)
🎥ACCDN
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5. Morgan State | MEAC | 1-2 (0-0) | Prev: 6
Morgan State's defense only allowed an FBS team to score 21 points, but its offense couldn't find the endzone. The Bears offense has only scored five touchdowns this year.
6. Texas Southern | SWAC | 1-1 (1-0) | Prev: 7
Texas Southern had a bye last week.
HOMECOMING SCHEDULE: Here's every 2024 HBCU football homecoming and classic in the FCS
7. Grambling State | SWAC | 2-1 (0-0) | Prev: 10
Grambling State found a way to win against Texas A&M-Commerce in overtime. That's the best nonconference win of any SWAC school this season.
The play that clinched tonight’s victory! Patrick Marshall came up HUGE | | 🐯
— Grambling State Football 🐯 (@GSUFootball01)
8. South Carolina State | MEAC | 1-2 (0-0) | Prev: 8
South Carolina State couldn't hang with Georgia Southern from the FBS. The Bulldogs stay put.
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9. Howard | MEAC | 2-1 (0-0) | Prev: 9
Howard handled Morehouse in New York. Its biggest test of the season is next week against a team that just entered the top 10.
ICYMI : Another successful business trip🫡
— HOWARD FOOTBALL (@HUBISONFOOTBALL)
10. Hampton | CAA | 2-1 (0-0) | Prev: 15
Hampton beat Norfolk State by 30 points. The Pirates will face another rival when it heads to D.C. to play Howard.
Pirates with another TD! 35 yard touchdown pass from Malcolm Mays to Christian Greenlaw!
— Hampton Football (@Hampton_FB)
11. Alabama State | SWAC | 1-2 (0-0) | Prev: 4
Alabama State looks lost without either of its quarterbacks from Week 1. If they don't figure out that position soon, they might not make it to the Magic City Classic with a winning record.
12. Alcorn State | SWAC | 1-2 (0-0) | Prev: 11
Alcorn State handled Edward Waters but the Braves have yet to throw a passing touchdown in three games.
13. Prairie View A&M | SWAC | 1-2 (0-1) | Prev: 14
Prairie View A&M got shut out against Michigan State.
14. Southern | SWAC | 1-2 (0-0) | Prev: 12
Southern played as bad of a half of football as it could've played in the Boombox Classic. While the Jaguars fought to tighten the game in the second half, that first half will leave a lasting memory for Jaguar nation.
15. Delaware State | MEAC | 1-2 (0-0) | Prev: 16
A loss to Wagner is not good, but with a DI win under its belt, Delaware State comes in at No. 15.
16. North Carolina A&T | CAA | 1-2 (0-1) | Prev: 17
North Carolina A&T didn't stand a chance against Delaware, allowing over 500 yards of total offense.
17. Alabama A&M | SWAC | 2-1 (0-0) | Prev: 18
Alabama A&M won its second-straight game but regressed on the field with a close contest against Georgetown (KY). It seems like the Bulldogs played down to their opponent.
18. Norfolk State | MEAC | 1-3 (0-0) | Prev: 13
Norfolk State was dominated by Hampton in the Battle of the Bay. That's a horrible way to enter a three-game road trip.
MORE HBCU FOOTBALL: Florida A&M defeats Norfolk State to win the 2024 MEAC/SWAC Challenge
19. Arkansas-Pine Bluff | SWAC | 1-2 (0-0) | Prev: 20
Arkansas-Pine Bluff couldn't hang in the Southern Heritage Classic, losing 41-28
20. Bethune-Cookman | SWAC | 0-3 (0-0) | Prev: 21
Bethune-Cookman lost to FBS foe Western Michigan, but on the bright side, Darnell Deas is only one kickoff return for a touchdown away from tying the FCS record.
DARNELL DEAS. KNOW THE NAME.
— Stan Becton (@stan_becton)
The Bethune-Cookman () standout has TWO kickoff returns for touchdowns in the same game against FBS foe Western Michigan.
He now has 6 kickoff returns for touchdowns in his career, moving to No. 2 in FCS history. The career record is 7.
21. Mississippi Valley State | SWAC | 0-3 (0-0) | Prev: 19
Murray State likely finishes in the bottom tier of FCS teams this year and Murray State just beat Mississippi Valley State by 51 points. That drops the Delta Devils to the bottom spot.
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