We are 60 days away from the start of the 2023 HBCU football season.
The season kicks off with a rematch of the 2021 Celebration Bowl when Jackson State and South Carolina State clash in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge.
While Jackson State will be beginning a new era under first-year head coach TC Taylor in a quest for a third straight SWAC title, North Carolina Central will look to build on an HBCU national championship season.
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As the countdown to the start of the season wages on, here is the Ultimate Division I HBCU Sports Preseason Football Poll.
| Rank | Team | Previous Rank | 2022 record |
| 1 | North Carolina Central | 1 | 10-2 |
| 2 | Jackson State | 2 | 12-1 |
| 3 | Florida A&M | 3 | 9-2 |
| 4 | Southern | 5 | 7-5 |
| 5 | North Carolina A&T | 4 | 7-4 |
| 6 | Prairie View A&M | 7 | 6-5 |
| 7 | Howard | 6 | 5-6 |
| 8 | Alabama State | 9 | 6-5 |
| 9 | Texas Southern | 8 | 5-6 |
| 10 | Alcorn State | 10 | 5-6 |
