The offseason brought about major changes within the Division II football ranks, particularly among the two-time reigning SIAC champion Benedict Tigers.
The Tigers’ most noticeable difference came from former head coach Chennis Berry, who, along with many of the team’s key members, moved on to South Carolina State.
While many expect Benedict’s performance to drop this year compared to the previous two seasons, as the old saying goes, “To be the man, you have to beat the man.”
With that in mind, here is our Ultimate HBCU Sports Preseason Division II Football Poll.
| Rank | Team | Previous Rank | 2023 Record |
| 1 | Benedict | 1 | 11-1 |
| 2 | Virginia Union | 2 | 10-2 |
| 3 | Fayetteville State | 3 | 8-3 |
| 4 | Albany State | 4 | 6-5 |
| 5 | Virginia State | 5 | 8-2 |
| 6 | Miles | 6 | 7-3 |
| 7 | Tuskegee | 7 | 7-4 |
| 8 | Fort Valley State | 8 | 8-3 |
| 9 | Johnson C. Smith | 9 | 7-4 |
| 10 | Edward Waters | NR | 6-4 |