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    The preseason hype is over, and the 2026 HBCU football season begins Thursday night.

    That also means the Chris-tal ball is back for a fourth year as I attempt to predict the winner of each week’s games. There are good weeks, bad weeks and “…I’m glad I don’t endorse gambling” weeks.

    It’s all in fun as we prepare for another great season of the best and brightest in HBCU football fighting for victories, improvement and championships.

    Without further delay, let’s get to these Week 0 matchups.

    2025 Record: 247-79

    Game Of the Week: Jackson State vs. Tennessee State, John L. Merritt Classic, Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tenn., Saturday Aug. 29, 8:30 pm EST, ESPN Plus

    One of the true hallmark rivalry games in HBCU football returns after a three-season absence as Tennessee State and Jackson State square off in the Merritt Classic.

    The Tigers from Mississippi’s capital city made it to the SWAC title game a season ago (falling short to Prairie View) while the Tigers from Tennessee’s state capital slid to a 2-10 record after making the FCS playoffs in 2024.

    JSU will turn the reins of their offense over to sophomore quarterback Jared Lockhart while SWAC preseason defensive player of the year Kam Sallis leads a tough Tiger secondary and defensive unit.

    Tennessee State’s offense will be led by Winston-Salem State transfer Daylin Lee at quarterback and sophomore defensive lineman Bryce Gray will be a force in the trenches.

    This game already has some hype behind it because of the two schools playing each other and some interesting bulletin board material from the Tennessee State side.

    In the T.C. Taylor era, Jackson State hasn’t needed any extra motivation, but they’ll surely take it.

    Prediction: Jackson State 31, Tennessee State 17

    Howard vs Alabama A&M, MEAC/SWAC Challenge, CenterParc Stadium, Atlanta, Ga., Saturday Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m. EST, ABC

    Two teams looking to start fresh in 2026 will meet for D1 HBCU conference pride in Atlanta Saturday night.

    Howard is now coached by program legend Ted White, and he looks to bring life to a Bison offense that was ineffective for most of the 2025 season.

    Alabama A&M meanwhile is in Year Two of the Sam Shade era and Shade is confident his team will be much better than their 4-8 showing a year ago.

    The Bulldogs return a few pieces on each side of the ball, and the Bison will hopefully have a healthy Eden James in the backfield this season.

    The winner of this game will have a boost of confidence heading into the rest of their season. The loser will have to get over it quickly or else.

    Prediction: Alabama A&M 24, Howard 20

    Southern at Alabama State, Saturday Aug. 29, 3 p.m. EST, ESPNU

    The Hornets’ next best chance to win the SWAC begins with a marquee matchup featuring a new head coach with an NFL reputation.

    Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk is now the head coach of the Jaguars, and he will be tasked with taking over a team that went from SWAC runner-up in 2024 to the bottom of the barrel last year.

    Faulk and Southern may not even feel pressure because Eddie Robinson Jr. and the Hornets will likely face it all.

    Getting a healthy Andrew Body back means ASU has the best offensive player, the best offensive weapons and still a respectable defense that can make life difficult for an opponent.

    Southern can’t start slow or this one could get out of hand.

    Prediction: Alabama State 34, Southern 21

    Johnson C. Smith at Benedict, Saturday, Aug. 29, 5 p.m. EST, SIAC Network

    The Golden Bulls, coming off their first CIAA crown in over 50 years, will jump right into the fire with Benedict, a team who had one of the most thrilling and amazing wins of 2025 in the Division II playoffs.

    JCSU now faces the prospect of being the hunted while the Tigers are looking to prove that 2025 was no fluke.

    Get your popcorn ready for this one.

    Prediction: Johnson C. Smith 30, Benedict 27

    Kentucky State at Central State, Saturday Aug. 29, 3 p.m. EST, SIAC Network

    After your program’s best season in 90 years, what can you do for an encore?

    We will soon find out as Kentucky State begins their SIAC title quest with a visit to Central State, who finished last season on a strong note and fields one of Division II’s toughest defenses.

    The winner of this one will likely raise a few eyebrows around the SIAC, though a win will be no surprise to either team.

    Prediction: Kentucky State 27, Central State 24

    Week 0

    Thursday, Aug. 27

    Delaware State 28, Stony Brook 16

    Tusculum 33, Bluefield State 23

    Arkansas Baptist 35, Pikeville 31

    Virginia State 32, Barton 14

    Nicholls (La.) 29, Mississippi Valley State 22

    Friday, Aug. 28

    Virginia Union 34, Lenoir-Rhyne 33

    Saturday, Aug. 29

    Chowan 25, West Virginia State 19

    Grambling 33, Clark Atlanta 15

    South Carolina State 31, Savannah State 18

    Elizabeth City State 20, Fort Valley State 17

    Norfolk State 22, Winston-Salem State 18

    Fayetteville State 21, Shaw 14

    Allen 31, Livingstone 16

    Edward Waters 35, Florida Memorial 27

    North Carolina Central 28, Texas Southern 23

    Arkansas-Pine Bluff 24, Morehouse 17

    Florida A&M 32, Albany State 13

    Alcorn State 26, Miles 20

    Lincoln (Mo.) 16, Central Methodist 13

    Tarleton State 30, Prairie View A&M 28

    Sunday, Aug. 30

    Tuskegee 27, West Alabama 25

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