I'm a HUGE college football fan and a junior thinking about where to apply. I'd love to go to a school with a strong sense of spirit and community, and I've heard HBCUs can be amazing for that. Does anyone follow HBCU football and know which schools are top 25 or just generally have killer teams?
Hi there! That's awesome that you're a big football fan! While HBCUs might not frequently be ranked in the NCAA Division I FBS top 25, they have their own deep-seated rivalries, traditions, and spirited competitions that make for an exciting atmosphere. For example, Schools like North Carolina A&T State University, Alcorn State University, and Florida A&M University often have strong programs within the HBCU leagues.
Although the level of play is typically considered to be on par with the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) rather than the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) where you find teams like Alabama and Clemson, the spirit and community at HBCU games are second to none. In addition to the on-field product, there's also the fantastic halftime shows by the marching bands, which are an equally integral part of the experience!
Attending an HBCU always gives you a big family atmosphere, and even more so on game days. If football and a solid community experience are high on your priority list, attending an HBCU could certainly check both boxes!
Hope this helps, and best of luck with your applications!
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