The Jackson State Tigers remain the No. 1 team in HBCU football for the sixth consecutive week, continuing their dominance from the preseason, according to the 2025 HBCU Football Media Poll administered by BOXTOROW. The poll, now in its 19th year, is voted on by media members who cover HBCU football nationwide. 

Two-time defending CIAA champion Virginia Union has won two straight games and jumped three spots in the media poll to No. 5. Prairie View A&M also moved up after its win over Grambling in the State Fair Classic in Dallas, climbing from No. 10 to No. 6 in the media poll. Johnson C. Smith reentered the rankings at No. 10 following a victory over Bluefield State.