The 2024 HBCU football season has come to an end, and what a season it was from start to finish.
There isn’t much left to say or do except reveal the final HBCU Sports’ Ultimate Division I poll, so here is how the Top 10 shakes out.
1. Jackson State (12-2)
It was indeed the year of the Tiger as Jackson State finished 2024 on a 10-game winning streak that included the SWAC East title, the SWAC championship and finally, their first Celebration Bowl win. This could be the beginning of another long run at the top for J-State.
2. South Carolina State (9-3)
The Bulldogs were great all the way until the final game of the season, which is likely disappointing for them but nothing to be ashamed of as they were far and away the best team in a very physical MEAC schedule.
3. Tennessee State (9-4)
Tennessee State’s best season under Eddie George ended with a loss to Montana in the FCS playoffs, but as long as George is in charge, Big Blue could be a contender for an FCS title.
4. North Carolina Central (8-3)
Central’s 2024 season could be considered a disappointment considering the highs the program has seen before, but eight winning seasons out of the previous 10 isn’t bad at all. The Eagles return a few key pieces, so they’ll be in the hunt for the MEAC crown in 2025.
5. Southern (8-5)
Southern outlasted everyone else in the SWAC West to get to the conference championship game but eventually ran out of gas against JSU.
Terrence Graves has proven himself as a head coach and if Southern can figure out the quarterback situation, they’ll be favorites to win the Wild Wild West again next season.
6. Florida A&M (7-5)
One year after their Celebration Bowl triumph, the Rattlers took a surprising step back, but they’ll regroup with a full off-season under James Colzie and look to reclaim glory in 2025.
7. Alabama State (7-5)
Alabama State’s quarterback injuries likely cost them a shot at the Celebration Bowl, but a stingy defense helped them to another winning record in 2024.
8. Morgan State (6-6)
The Bears’ best record since their MEAC championship year of 2014 was achieved with a lot of peaks and valleys during their season. If Morgan State can find a consistent and potent offense, they’ll be among the favorites for an invite to Atlanta next December.
9. Alcorn State (6-6)
The Braves were the preseason pick to win the SWAC West but finished far from that lofty goal. How head coach Cedric Thomas and his team approach this offseason will be the key to whether Alcorn makes good on ’24’s promise in ’25.
10. Alabama A&M (6-6)
AAMU finished a break-even team, and it was not enough to save Connell Maynor’s job.
A new coach will be trusted to help the Bulldogs chew through the Top 3 fence constructed by Jackson State, FAMU and their bitter rivals Alabama State.