Benedict and Kentucky State Bring Region’s Top Two Rankings to SIAC Championship

Benedict and Kentucky State will meet for the SIAC football championship with more than conference bragging rights on the line. The two programs hold the top spots in Super Region Two in the NCAA Division II football NPI rankings released Nov. 8, adding postseason significance to their upcoming showdown.

The Tigers will host the Thorobreds on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 10:30 a.m. ET at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. ESPNU will televise the game nationally.

According to the SIAC’s release, Benedict moved up two positions to take the region’s No. 1 ranking with an NPI of 62.956 and a 9–1 record against Division II opponents. The Tigers also reached No. 7 in the national NPI standings, the highest position held by an SIAC program.

Benedict earned the conference’s top seed and the opportunity to play for the championship at home by defeating Central State 45–38 on Saturday.

Kentucky State secured its championship berth with a 34–10 win over Morehouse. The Thorobreds enter the matchup ranked second in the region and 12th nationally, carrying a 62.150 NPI and an 8–1 record against Division II competition.

The championship arrives just one day before the NCAA Division II Football Selection Show, giving both teams one final opportunity to strengthen their postseason standing.

The SIAC’s presence in the regional rankings extends well beyond its championship participants. Conference programs occupy three of the top four spots and five of the top 10.

Central State sits fourth in Super Region Two with a 58.896 NPI despite its loss to Benedict. The Marauders are also 20th nationally, joining Benedict and Kentucky State among the country’s top 20 programs in the NPI standings.

Edward Waters holds the region’s No. 9 position, while Miles climbed four spots to No. 10. The Golden Bears reached the regional top 10 for the first time this season with a 53.831 NPI and a 5–3 record against Division II opponents.

Here is where SIAC programs stand in Super Region Two following games played through Nov. 7:

Albany State improved two positions to No. 15, while Allen rose four places to No. 22.

The SIAC release explains that the NPI system, introduced for Division II football in 2026, evaluates results and strength of schedule. It replaces the traditional regional ranking process while providing national and regional standings for championship consideration.

The NCAA Division II Football Selection Show is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 15, at 6 p.m. ET. Final NPI rankings will be released publicly after the show.

For Benedict and Kentucky State, the immediate focus is Columbia, where the region’s two highest-ranked teams will compete for the SIAC crown. Support our HBCU schools as they prepare for championship weekend and the next step toward the NCAA postseason.

Source: Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Nov. 8 release.

By HBCU Original | November 9–15, 2026

The postseason spotlight is turning toward HBCU women’s volleyball. The CIAA and SIAC will hold their championship tournaments this week, while MEAC and SWAC programs finish important conference matchups ahead of their tournaments later this month. The HBCUAC’s championship weekend falls just before this preview’s date range, placing that conference at a different stage of its postseason journey.

Here is the conference-by-conference outlook. All listed match times are Eastern.

CIAA: Eight Teams Chase the Championship in Rocky Mount

The 47th CIAA Volleyball Championship runs November 9–11 at the Rocky Mount Event Center in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Fayetteville State secured the No. 1 seed after a three-way tie with Virginia State and Livingstone required the conference’s tiebreaking procedures. Virginia State enters second and Livingstone third.

That tightly contested finish sets up a tournament where the top seed comes with opportunity, but little room for comfort.

No. 3 Livingstone vs. No. 6 Shaw1:30 p.m.

No. 2 Virginia State vs. No. 7 Bowie State4 p.m.

No. 1 Fayetteville State vs. No. 8 Bluefield State6:30 p.m.

The semifinals are Tuesday, November 10, at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The championship match follows Wednesday, November 11, at noon. Admission is free, with parking listed at $10.

SIAC: Fort Valley State Hosts a Championship Challenge

The SIAC tournament takes place November 10–12 at Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Georgia. The host school confirmed the three-day event following the conclusion of its regular season.

Spring Hill enters as the No. 1 seed after finishing conference play 19–0. Albany State follows with an 18–1 conference record, while Miles finished 15–4. Those records make the top of the bracket compelling, but all eight qualifiers have an opportunity to extend their seasons.

No. 2 Albany State vs. No. 7 Fort Valley State4:30 p.m.

No. 3 Miles vs. No. 6 Clark Atlanta7 p.m.

Benedict’s official tournament preview confirms these pairings and the three listed start times. It also identifies a Wednesday semifinal at 1 p.m. for the winners of Spring Hill–Benedict and Edward Waters–Tuskegee. Matches are scheduled to stream on the SIAC Network.

Spring Hill is an SIAC member, although it is not an HBCU; its inclusion reflects coverage of the full conference tournament.

MEAC: Friday Night Features All Eight Programs

The MEAC’s November 13 schedule brings four conference matchups, including Coppin State’s trip across Baltimore to face Morgan State. Howard welcomes Norfolk State, Delaware State hosts Maryland Eastern Shore, and South Carolina State faces North Carolina Central.

Norfolk State at HowardWashington, D.C.

North Carolina Central at South Carolina StateOrangeburg, South Carolina6 p.m.

Maryland Eastern Shore at Delaware StateDover, Delaware7 p.m.

The home schools’ schedules confirm these listings. Both Delaware State and Maryland Eastern Shore list 7 p.m., superseding the 6 p.m. time in the MEAC’s earlier broadcast announcement.

The MEAC championship tournament is scheduled for November 20–22 at Coppin State in Baltimore, according to the conference’s championship calendar. This Friday’s action offers teams another opportunity to build momentum before tournament play.

SWAC: A Full Weekend Before the Tournament

The SWAC’s upcoming slate includes six matches Friday and six Sunday. Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman host Jackson State and Mississippi Valley State, while the Texas and Alabama campuses welcome visiting conference opponents.

Jackson State at Bethune-Cookman6 p.m.

Grambling State at Prairie View A&M7 p.m.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Texas Southern7 p.m.

Southern at Alabama A&M7 p.m.

Alcorn State at Alabama State7 p.m.

Friday’s listings are supported by official school schedules, with Central times converted to Eastern.

Grambling State at Texas Southern1 p.m.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Prairie View A&M1 p.m.

The host schedules support the listed Sunday times. Alabama A&M lists its Alcorn State match at 11 a.m. Central, or noon Eastern; Alcorn lists noon Central, or 1 p.m. Eastern. Fans should confirm that start time with the host before traveling.

The SWAC tournament follows November 20–22 at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama.

HBCUAC: Conference Tournament Falls Before This Week’s Window

The HBCUAC scheduled its championship tournament for November 6–8 at Bossier Parish Community College’s Billy Montgomery Gymnasium in Bossier City, Louisiana. Its semifinal slate featured Fisk against Paul Quinn and Talladega against Dillard, with the final scheduled for Sunday, November 8. The official tournament page reviewed for this preview had not yet posted a verified championship result.

That means the HBCUAC championship should not be listed as an upcoming November 9–15 event. The next national postseason dates to watch are the NAIA selection show on November 16 and opening-round matches on November 21. Qualifiers and opponents will depend on the official national field announcement.

Across the five conferences, this week brings championship opportunities, familiar opponents and the final preparations for tournament volleyball.

Who is your pick to make a postseason run? Represent your school and let HBCU Original know.

Information checked November 8, 2026. Match times remain subject to change; unresolved listings are identified above.

HBCU football | Week of November 9-15, 2026

Two conference championships, a full MEAC and SWAC slate and a handful of marquee non-conference matchups highlight HBCU football this weekend. The CIAA and SIAC each crown a champion on Saturday, while the MEAC and SWAC play the next-to-last weekend of their regular schedules.

All times Eastern. Schedules were checked Nov. 8 and are subject to change.

CIAA: Two Days of Football in Durham

The CIAA’s first expanded championship weekend lands at Durham County Memorial Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.

On Friday, Nov. 13, Virginia State meets Fayetteville State in the inaugural Friday Night Blitz at 6 p.m. The game pits the conference’s third- and fourth-ranked teams and gives both a chance to strengthen their NCAA playoff cases.

On Saturday, Nov. 14, top-seeded Virginia Union takes on Johnson C. Smith for the CIAA Championship at 3 p.m. It is a rematch of last year’s title game, which Smith won 45-21 to end a 55-year championship drought.

Virginia Union (9-1) earned the top seed by finishing 8-0 in conference play for the second straight year. The Panthers closed the regular season with a 36-14 win over Virginia State. Johnson C. Smith, the defending champion, reached the title game by beating Livingstone 27-14 in its finale and finished 7-1 in the CIAA.

SIAC: Benedict Hosts Kentucky State

The SIAC Championship is in Columbia, South Carolina, where Benedict hosts Kentucky State at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 14. Kickoff is 10:30 a.m. on ESPNU.

Benedict (9-1, 7-1 SIAC) earned its spot with a 45-38 win over Central State. Kentucky State (8-2, 7-1) arrives after a 34-10 win over Morehouse in which quarterback Juan Gainous threw for 405 yards and five touchdowns. The Thorobreds are making their second SIAC championship game appearance and are still chasing their first conference title as an SIAC member.

MEAC: Three Games, All Six Programs

All six MEAC football programs are in action Saturday, Nov. 14. Games are slated for ESPN networks, with final designations pending.

The headliner is North Carolina Central’s trip to South Carolina State. The Bulldogs arrive after a 35-28 win at Howard on Nov. 5 and have also beaten Morgan State 51-10 this season. N.C. Central (4-5) was 2-0 in MEAC play entering last Saturday’s game at Norfolk State.

SWAC: Six Games, All 12 Teams

Every SWAC team plays a conference opponent Saturday. Jackson State’s trip to Alabama State is on the ESPN schedule and could shape the East Division race.

Kickoffs reflect published schedules, with Central times converted to Eastern. The SWAC Championship Game is Dec. 5.

Around HBCU Football: Games Outside the Big Four

Several more HBCU programs are in action Saturday, Nov. 14:

North Carolina A&T at Hampton is a matchup of two HBCUs, and Tennessee State hosts an Eastern Illinois team from outside the HBCU ranks.

Which matchup has your attention, and who is bringing home a championship?

NFL Names 32 Salute to Service Award Nominees, Including Eagles’ Rachel Washburn

The NFL and USAA announced nominees from all 32 teams for the 2026 Salute to Service Award, recognizing players, coaches, staff members and alumni for their support of service members, veterans and military families.

Announced November 5, the nominations mark the award’s 16th year. Honorees represent a range of military connections, from veterans who served overseas to individuals who support military families through community programs, nonprofit partnerships and personal outreach.

Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader alumna and ambassador Rachel Washburn is among this year’s nominees.

Washburn served six years on active duty as a U.S. Army intelligence officer and completed two deployments to Afghanistan. During her first deployment, she served with the pioneering Cultural Support Team program, working alongside Special Operations forces and connecting with Afghan women. She later deployed as an intelligence platoon leader and earned the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge.

Her commitment to service continued after leaving the military. Through her work at veteran-owned investment bank Academy Securities, Washburn helps support opportunities for veterans transitioning into civilian careers. She also remains involved with the Eagles through military appreciation and community service initiatives.

Fans Can Help Choose the Finalists

Fans can vote at NFL.com/SaluteFanVote through November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Voting is limited to one vote per nominee each day.

Fan participation will help determine three finalists, who will be announced in January 2027. The winner will be recognized at NFL Honors during Super Bowl LXI week in Los Angeles.

NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson said the nominees demonstrate how appreciation for the military can become meaningful action throughout the year. USAA’s retired Maj. Gen. Bob Whittle also emphasized the importance of recognizing their contributions as the country marks its 250th anniversary.

Recognition Includes $50,000 in Military Support

USAA will contribute $25,000 in the winner’s name to official military aid societies representing all U.S. military branches. The NFL Foundation will provide another $25,000 to the recipient’s chosen military nonprofit.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, the 2025 award recipient, will help select this year’s winner. His foundation’s 23 and Troops initiative supports veterans’ physical and mental well-being, with a particular focus on the Special Operations community. According to the announcement, the foundation has invested nearly $700,000 in military support.

McCaffrey will join a judging panel that includes former NFL players Chad Hennings and Donnie Edwards, USAA’s Bob Whittle, and NFL Chief Financial Officer and Army veteran Christine Dorfler.

Complete List of 2026 Nominees

NFL TeamNomineeRoleArizona CardinalsElijah HigginsTight endAtlanta FalconsJerious NorwoodNFL legendBaltimore RavensBen KotwicaSpecial teams coachBuffalo BillsSpencer BrownOffensive linemanCarolina PanthersDevin LloydLinebackerChicago BearsJosh BlackwellDefensive backCincinnati BengalsLandon RobinsonDefensive tackleCleveland BrownsBenjamin BoswellTeam physicianDallas CowboysJake FergusonTight endDenver BroncosSean PaytonHead coachDetroit LionsDave FippSpecial teams coordinatorGreen Bay PackersLukas Van NessDefensive endHouston TexansWoody MarksRunning backIndianapolis ColtsLuke RhodesLong snapperJacksonville JaguarsRayuan Lane IIISafetyKansas City ChiefsKendall GammonNFL legendLas Vegas RaidersAdam ButlerDefensive tackleLos Angeles ChargersCameron DickerKickerLos Angeles RamsMatthew StaffordQuarterbackMiami DolphinsJacob RodriguezLinebackerMinnesota VikingsAaron JonesRunning backNew England PatriotsReggie GilliamFullbackNew Orleans SaintsW.
Stephen ChoateHead team physicianNew York GiantsAllison StangebyVice president of community relationsNew York JetsTony RichardsonNFL legendPhiladelphia EaglesRachel WashburnCheerleader alumna and ambassadorPittsburgh SteelersJon KolbNFL legendSan Francisco 49ersBrant BoyerSpecial teams coordinatorSeattle SeahawksMike MacdonaldHead coachTampa Bay BuccaneersBen BredesonOffensive linemanTennessee TitansJacob MartinDefensive endWashington CommandersTyler OttLong snapper

The NFL’s Salute to Service efforts continue throughout the year. During Weeks 9 through 11 of the regular season, teams will also recognize the military community through stadium activities, on-field displays and game day appreciation events.

Source: NFL and USAA announcement, November 5, 2026.

SIAC Football Finale: Championship Berths and NCAA Playoff Hopes on the Line

Benedict, Kentucky State and Central State enter Saturday tied atop the conference, while rivalry games and postseason ambitions add to a packed November 7 schedule.

ATLANTA — The final weekend of the SIAC football regular season brings a crowded championship race, major rivalry matchups and an opportunity for several programs to strengthen their NCAA Division II playoff chances.

Benedict, Kentucky State and Central State enter Saturday, November 7, tied for first place with 6-1 conference records. Kentucky State can secure a championship berth with a victory over Morehouse, while Benedict and Central State meet with a trip to the title game directly at stake.

Tuskegee remains in contention but needs a win and help elsewhere. Edward Waters, meanwhile, is pursuing an NCAA playoff berth despite being out of the conference championship race under the league’s tiebreaking scenarios.

The SIAC Championship Game is scheduled for November 14, followed by the NCAA Division II playoff selection show on November 15.

Kentucky State Can Clinch Against Morehouse

Morehouse (3-6, 3-4 SIAC) at Kentucky State (7-2, 6-1 SIAC)
Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Alumni Field, Frankfort, Kentucky
Watch: SIAC Network

Kentucky State returns from a bye week with a clear objective: beat Morehouse and earn a place in the conference championship game.

The Thorobreds kept that opportunity alive with a dramatic 27-24 victory over Savannah State in their previous outing. Quarterback Juan Gainous connected with Aiyon Carter on a 48-yard touchdown pass with 21 seconds remaining to complete the comeback.

Gainous threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns, while Carter finished with 10 catches for 119 yards. Receiver Darius Cyprian, who has 824 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches this season, gives Kentucky State another dangerous option.

Morehouse arrives after a 26-23 loss to Allen, but the Maroon Tigers showed their ability to strike quickly during a late comeback. Receiver Noah Rhodes caught two touchdown passes, and Jordan Woods added a punt return touchdown.

Kentucky State will look for better offensive balance after producing only 21 rushing yards against Savannah State. Morehouse will need to disrupt the passing game and capitalize on its own scoring opportunities to spoil the Thorobreds’ plans.

Benedict and Central State Meet With a Title Berth at Stake

Central State (6-3, 6-1 SIAC) at Benedict (8-1, 6-1 SIAC)
Kickoff: 2 p.m. ET
Location: Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina
Watch: ESPN+

One of Saturday’s biggest games carries a straightforward reward: the winner advances to the SIAC Championship Game.

Central State enters after defeating Edward Waters 35-28, powered by quarterback Jackson Wasik, who accounted for five touchdowns. Wasik threw for three scores and rushed for two more, while Isaiah Thompson added 154 rushing yards.

The Marauders finished with 429 total yards and scored touchdowns on all five of their red-zone possessions.

Benedict counters with a defense coming off a 23-0 shutout of Savannah State. The Tigers allowed only 220 total yards and 52 passing yards while forcing two turnovers.

Kahmari Cook returned an interception for a touchdown, and kicker Logan Karwacki converted three field goals.

Central State’s offensive balance against Benedict’s defensive discipline makes this a compelling matchup. Both teams also enter among the top three programs in the November 1 Super Region Two NCAA Power Index rankings, adding playoff significance to the championship stakes.

Fountain City Classic Brings Rivalry Stakes to Columbus

Fort Valley State (2-6, 1-5 SIAC) vs. Albany State (4-5, 4-3 SIAC)
Kickoff: 2 p.m. ET
Location: A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium, Columbus, Georgia
Watch: ESPN+

Fort Valley State and Albany State renew their rivalry in the Fountain City Classic, with both programs looking to finish the matchup holding bragging rights.

Fort Valley State quarterback Don Hudson enters after a standout performance in a 35-28 loss to Miles. Hudson accounted for 503 total yards and four touchdowns, throwing for 337 yards and rushing for 166.

Albany State arrives following a 21-17 comeback victory over Clark Atlanta. Quarterback Jeffery Davis found Cameran Loyd for the winning 12-yard touchdown with 26 seconds remaining.

The Golden Rams also intercepted three passes, making their ability to create turnovers a key factor against Hudson and the Wildcats.

Special teams could be equally important. Fort Valley State surrendered both a kickoff return touchdown and a blocked field goal return touchdown against Miles, costly mistakes it will need to avoid in the rivalry game.

Savannah State Seeks a Strong Finish

Virginia University of Lynchburg (0-7) at Savannah State (1-8, 1-7 SIAC)
Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Theodore A. Wright Stadium, Savannah, Georgia
Watch: SIAC Network

Savannah State closes its season with a nonconference matchup against Virginia University of Lynchburg.

The Tigers will look to rebound offensively after being shut out by Benedict. Savannah State generated 168 rushing yards in that game but struggled to sustain drives through the air.

Virginia Lynchburg is seeking its first win after a 37-14 loss to Livingstone. Quarterback Max Zavala threw for 212 yards and a touchdown, while Omarion Hairston finished with 101 receiving yards.

Protection will be crucial for the Dragons, who allowed 11 sacks in that loss. Savannah State’s defense recorded four sacks against Benedict and will look to apply similar pressure.

Tuskegee Hosts Miles With Championship Hopes Alive

Miles (4-5, 4-3 SIAC) at Tuskegee (5-4, 5-2 SIAC)
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. CT
Location: Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium, Tuskegee, Alabama
Watch: ESPN+

Tuskegee’s homecoming brings a rivalry matchup with Miles and an opportunity to remain in the conference championship conversation.

The Golden Tigers must win and receive help from other results to reach the title game.

Tuskegee enters after defeating Lane 27-14, holding the Dragons to 38 rushing yards while recording five sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Running back Ja’Khael Rowser scored twice on the ground.

Miles brings momentum from its 35-28 victory over Fort Valley State, a game highlighted by Jaecyn Myles’ 97-yard kickoff return touchdown and Jacobi Whitfield’s 70-yard blocked field goal return touchdown.

Quarterback Anthony Mix delivered the deciding offensive play, finding James Gatewood for a 12-yard touchdown with 2:20 remaining.

Tuskegee’s conference championship pursuit remains separate from the NCAA playoff picture. According to the SIAC release, the Golden Tigers’ scheduled Turkey Day Classic against Alabama State conflicts with the Division II postseason window, preventing NCAA playoff participation.

Edward Waters Looks to Strengthen Its Playoff Case

Allen (3-6, 2-5 SIAC) at Edward Waters (6-3, 5-2 SIAC)
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
Location: Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida
Watch: SIAC Network

The AME Classic gives Edward Waters an opportunity to finish the regular season with seven victories and strengthen its NCAA postseason résumé.

The Tigers enter ranked No. 5 in Super Region Two in the November 1 NCAA Power Index standings. Although conference tiebreakers have removed them from SIAC Championship Game contention, an NCAA playoff opportunity remains within reach.

Edward Waters will look to rebound from its 35-28 loss to Central State. Defensively, Trevon French leads the SIAC with 101 tackles and 15 tackles for loss.

Allen arrives after defeating Morehouse 26-23, with Ty’Juan Simmons rushing for 126 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Brent Upshaw Jr. added 99 rushing yards and another score.

The Yellow Jackets controlled possession for more than 34 minutes in that win. Sustaining drives again could help keep Edward Waters’ offense off the field.

The game also features Senior Day, Greek Takeover and Faculty & Staff Appreciation festivities.

Four SIAC Programs Hold Top-Five Regional Positions

The November 1 NCAA Power Index rankings place four SIAC programs among Super Region Two’s top five:

Those positions give the conference a strong presence in the postseason discussion, but playoff berths remain to be determined.

Saturday’s results will help decide who plays for the SIAC championship and which teams enter the final stage of the NCAA selection process with momentum.

Source: Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Benedict–Central State kickoff updated using Benedict College’s official schedule.