Two National Polls, Two Different Opinions: Alabama A&M Emerges as One of the Biggest Storylines of the 2026 HBCU Football Preseason

The countdown to the 2026 HBCU football season officially shifted into high gear this week as two major preseason rankings were released, giving fans an early look at how teams stack up before kickoff.

The newly launched Black College Football Poll and NCAA Digital's annual HBCU Football Preseason Power Rankings offer two different perspectives on the nation's top HBCU programs. While both polls agree on many of the teams expected to contend this fall, one program stands out for being evaluated very differently: Alabama A&M.

A Historic First

For the first time, the SWAC, MEAC, CIAA and SIAC have partnered to create the Black College Football Poll, a weekly national ranking voted on by HBCU head coaches and media members. The poll features separate rankings for NCAA Division I (FCS) and Division II HBCUs and is intended to become the official measuring stick for Black college football throughout the season.

The inaugural Division I preseason poll has defending HBCU national champion South Carolina State at No. 1 after receiving 36 of the 48 first-place votes. Prairie View A&M, Jackson State, Alabama State and North Carolina Central round out the top five.

Inaugural Black College Football Poll (Division I)

Rank	Team
1	South Carolina State
2	Prairie View A&M
3	Jackson State
4	Alabama State
5	North Carolina Central
6	Delaware State
7	Grambling State
8	Bethune-Cookman
9	Texas Southern
10	Florida A&M

Others Receiving Votes: Alcorn State, Howard and Alabama A&M.

The Division II preseason poll is led by Johnson C. Smith, followed by Virginia Union, Albany State, Benedict and Kentucky State.

NCAA.com Sees the Bulldogs Differently

Just two days before the Black College Football Poll debuted, NCAA Digital's Stan Becton released his annual Road to Atlanta: 2026 HBCU Football Preseason Power Rankings.

Unlike the Black College Football Poll, which is determined by a panel of coaches and media members, NCAA.com's rankings are editorial and are based on returning production, coaching stability, recent success and each team's outlook entering the new season.

Stan Becton's preseason rankings also feature a different order at the top. Alabama State claims the No. 1 spot, followed by Jackson State, South Carolina State and Prairie View A&M.

NCAA.com HBCU Preseason Power Rankings

Rank	Team
1	Alabama State
2	Jackson State
3	South Carolina State
4	Prairie View A&M
5	Grambling State
6	Delaware State
7	Texas Southern
8	Alcorn State
9	North Carolina Central
10	Alabama A&M

Alabama A&M Becomes One of the Biggest Talking Points

Perhaps the most intriguing difference between the two preseason rankings is how they view Alabama A&M.

In the inaugural Black College Football Poll, the Bulldogs narrowly missed the Top 10, receiving votes but falling just outside the rankings. However, NCAA.com's Stan Becton views Alabama A&M much differently, placing the Bulldogs No. 10 nationally entering the season.

The contrasting evaluations illustrate just how difficult Alabama A&M is to project in 2026.

For supporters of the Bulldogs, the NCAA.com ranking reinforces the belief that Alabama A&M has the talent to compete with the SWAC's elite. Meanwhile, the Black College Football Poll suggests the coaches and media want to see more before placing the Bulldogs among the nation's Top 10.

Either way, Alabama A&M enters the season with something to prove.

Plenty to Debate

The release of both polls immediately sparked conversation throughout the HBCU football community.

The biggest debate begins at the top. The Black College Football Poll crowns South Carolina State as the nation's preseason favorite, while NCAA.com gives the edge to Alabama State. Prairie View A&M, Jackson State, Delaware State and North Carolina Central also appear prominently in both rankings, although their positions vary.

The polls also differ on teams such as Alcorn State and Texas Southern, with both earning Top 10 recognition from NCAA.com but not cracking the inaugural Black College Football Poll's Top 10. Conversely, Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman appear in both polls but in different positions.

What It Means

Although preseason rankings don't determine championships, they do establish expectations and create storylines before the opening kickoff.

With conference media days underway and fall camps just weeks away, every game will influence how these polls evolve. Teams near the top will try to justify the hype, while those outside the rankings will look to make statement victories.

No team may have a greater opportunity than Alabama A&M.

Ranked No. 10 by NCAA.com but left just outside the inaugural Black College Football Poll, the Bulldogs enter the season with national recognition from one respected outlet and added motivation from another. If Alabama A&M lives up to NCAA.com's expectations, it won't take long for the Bulldogs to earn their place in both polls.

One thing is certain: the 2026 HBCU football season already has plenty of intrigue before the opening kickoff, and Alabama A&M has become one of its most compelling storylines.

-T. Gooden