The stage is set for arguably the best showdown in the SWAC in 2025 when Alabama State football faces Jackson State at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium Saturday, Oct. 11. Alabama State football earned the No. 2 in the NCAA’s latest HBCU power rankings, one spot behind No. 1 Jackson State.

Week 7’s rankings is the third straight Alabama State football has secured No. 2 behind Jackson State. The Hornets and the Tigers are the only teams in the SWAC East unbeaten in conference standings, setting up an intriguing situation for both teams. A win would likely put the winner in the driver’s seat of the division.

Alabama State has won four straight after defeating Bethune-Cookman 52-35 Saturday, Oct. 4. Quarterback Andrew Body has been the hot topic around the SWAC this season, but it’s been the Hornets run game headlining Alabama State’s recent wins, accounting for five touchdowns against the Wildcats.

Alabama State has yet to crack into the top 25 polls in the FCS, but both polls are giving the Hornets votes. The only HBCU football team to crack the top 25 has been Jackson State, coming in at No. 14 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll and No. 15 in the Stats Perform Poll. A win over Jackson State on Saturday could change that narrative for Alabama State.

NCAA Week 7 HBCU Football Power Rankings

RANK	TEAM
1	Jackson State
2	Alabama State
3	North Carolina Central
4	Prairie View A&M
5	Delaware State
6	South Carolina State
7	Howard
8	Texas Southern
9	Grambling State
10	Alabama A&M
11	Morgan State
12	Bethune-Cookman
13	Southern
14	Tennessee State
15	Arkansas-Pine Bluff
16	North Carolina A&T
17	Florida A&M
18	Hampton
19	Norfolk State
20	Mississippi Valley State
21	Alcorn State