As we go into Week 4 of the HBCU FCS football season, a few teams are looking to build upon their success from the previous week.
Grambling State survives a scare from DII Kentucky State. Can the Tigers go 3-1 in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2016-2017? Delaware State has matched the win total of the previous two seasons in the first three games of 2025. Even though Bethune-Cookman came up short last week, they were able to score 40+ points for the first time in 1,050 days. Can they or Morgan State earn their first win of the season? North Carolina A&T snapped its 12-game losing streak, earning its first CAA victory. Saturday, they look to snap another skid, as the Aggies try to avoid losing four in a row to long-time rival North Carolina Central.
Alabama State, Alcorn State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Florida A&M, Jackson State, Mississippi Valley State, Southern, Tennessee State, and Texas Southern are all on byes this week.
Here are my top five matchups and predictions for this week.
Predictions Record:
2025 record: 46-7
Week 3: 17-1
Week 4 FCS HBCU Top 5 Games
All times are Eastern
5. Northwestern State (1-2) at Prairie View A&M (1-2), Saturday, 7:00 PM (SWAC TV)
You shouldn’t make much out of Northwestern State’s blown-out losses to Power 4 teams over the past two weeks to the tune of 136-0. The Demons have found a way to compile a record of 17-14 all-time against SWAC opponents. However, the Panthers defeated Northwestern State 37-31 last year in Natchitoches. Prairie View’s defense must find a way to contain the Demons’ ground game, which amassed 205 yards on 41 carries in their Week 1 victory over Alcorn State.
Panthers 24, Demons 21
4. Edward Waters (3-0) at Bethune-Cookman (0-3), Saturday, 3:00 PM
This matchup is intriguing because of its upset potential. The first meeting between these programs since 2010, the Wildcats currently control this series with a 6-0 record. Fast-forward to Saturday, Bethune-Cookman hasn’t won a game since November of last year and has allowed 142 points in its first three games this season. Edward Waters, however, has the sixth-best scoring offense on the DII level. Led by ex-BCU head coach Brian Jenkins, the Tigers are averaging 39.6 points per game during their current five-game win streak.
Tigers 35, Wildcats 30
3. Delaware State (2-1) at Saint Francis (0-3), Saturday, 1:00 PM (ESPN+)
Delaware State is 2-1 in the DeSean Jackson era, winning back-to-back games for the first time since 2022. Saint Francis has beaten the Hornets three times in a row, including their 28-17 victory last year in Dover. Look for Delaware State to be physical offensively when they travel to Loretto, with the best run game in the nation, averaging 280 yards a game. Meanwhile, the Flash is allowing 262.7 yards per game on the ground.
Hornets 31, Red Flash 17
2. Hampton (1-2) vs. Howard (2-1), Saturday, 4:00 PM (HBCU Go Sports) Truth & Service Classic
The Pirates should be a better team than the one that dropped a double-overtime game last week. The Bison haven’t beaten Hampton in a decade, but dropped their last three contests against Hampton by a total of 11 points. Pirates’ dual-threat quarterback Isaiah Freeman had 563 total yards, four total touchdowns, and an interception. He is always a threat to run the ball, rushing for 242 yards in three starts. That said, keep an eye on Howard signal caller Tyriq Starks (499 total yards, five total touchdowns, one interception), who has continued to improve in his first season as a starter.
Pirates 31, Bison 28
1. North Carolina Central (2-2) at North Carolina A&T (1-2), Saturday, 4:00 PM (FloSports) Aggie-Eagle Classic
Passion and pride will be on display in this storied rivalry despite the Eagles winning three in a row over the Aggies, including their 66-24 drubbing of A&T last year in Durham. The Aggies, however, have a renewed sense of confidence under head coach Shawn Gibbs, courtesy of their first DI victory in 1,080 days this past Saturday. Nevertheless, A&T will need to slow down NCCU quarterback Walker Harris, who threw for 387 yards and scored four total touchdowns a week ago.
Eagles 30, Aggies 24
More HBCU Predictions
MEAC
Central State (0-3) at Morgan State (0-3), 12:00 PM, Saturday (ESPN+)
Bears 28, Marauders 6
South Carolina State (2-1) at #18 South Florida (2-1), Saturday, 12:00 PM (ESPN+)
Bulls 49, Bulldogs 20
Sacred Heart (2-1) at Norfolk State (1-2), Saturday, 4:00 PM (ESPN+)
Pioneers 21, Spartans 14
SWAC
Lane (0-2) at Alabama A&M (2-1), Saturday, 7:00 PM (YouTube)
Bulldogs 30, Dragons 17
East Texas A&M (0-2) at Grambling State (2-1), Saturday, 7:00 PM (SWAC TV)
Tigers 31, Lions 27
