{"id":154398,"date":"2025-11-12T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-12T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/?p=154398"},"modified":"2025-11-12T11:50:18","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T16:50:18","slug":"hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/","title":{"rendered":"HBCU Division I Band Rankings: Final Countdown Begins"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The November update for ESPN\u2019s Red Lobster<\/strong> Band of the Year<\/strong> competition has arrived \u2014 and while no scores have been released just yet, the stage is officially set for the most competitive finish in the event\u2019s history. The cumulative totals will be revealed Friday, marking the end of the regular season rankings before the Red Lobster<\/strong> Band of the Year<\/strong> selection committee narrows the field from ten to five, and ultimately to the final two on November 18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After months of performances, halftime showcases, and social media buzz, the list of elite programs in HBCU band culture is nearly complete. From the symphonic excellence of Norfolk State\u2019s \u201cSpartan Legion\u201d to the crowd-moving precision of North Carolina A&T\u2019s \u201cBlue and Gold Marching Machine,\u201d this month\u2019s standings reaffirm that the world of HBCU<\/strong> marching bands remains as competitive and captivating as ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

North Carolina A&T Retakes the Top Spot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Blue and Gold Marching Machine from North Carolina A&T University has reclaimed the No. 1 ranking for November, driven by consistency across every judging category. Their musical execution, showmanship, and auxiliary coordination have made them a dominant force all season long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Florida A&M University\u2019s world-renowned Marching 100 follows closely behind at No. 2, bolstered by first-place finishes in Pictures, Drill & Design<\/em> and top-five marks in nearly every other category. The Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul, led by Professor Brian Simmons, continues its climb, landing at No. 3 overall \u2014 its highest position of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are honored but not surprised by this incredible recognition as one of the top HBCU bands in the country,\u201d said Simmons, who\u2019s now in his third season at TSU. \u201cThe Ocean of Soul is one of, if not the hardest working band in the nation. America!! Here We Come!!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Southern University\u2019s Human Jukebox (No. 4) and Norfolk State University\u2019s Spartan Legion (No. 5) round out the top five. Both programs remain fixtures in the upper echelon of HBCU band excellence, showing why their performances continue to capture national audiences year after year.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Morgan<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Rising Fast: Morgan State\u2019s Magnificent Marching Machine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest storylines of the 2025 season has been the rise of Morgan State University\u2019s Magnificent Marching Machine, which has jumped into the Top 10 at No. 9 overall. Under the leadership of Dr. Jorim Reid, the program has achieved remarkable growth in both visibility and execution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Magnificent Marching Machine\u2019s rise into ESPN\u2019s Top 10 reflects our students\u2019 excellence, discipline, and spirit of \u2018Growing the Future, Leading the World,\u2019\u201d Reid said. \u201cIn just three years, our band has been selected to perform in the Honda Battle of the Bands, France, Italy, and the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade \u2014 showcasing Morgan State University\u2019s global reach and the power, precision, and pride of HBCU musicianship on the world stage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Morgan State\u2019s versatility has impressed the Band of the Year judges across categories, with Top 10 placements in Musicality<\/em>, Percussion<\/em>, and Drum Majors<\/em>, signaling a balanced and well-rounded approach to performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HBCU Division I Top 10 Overall Rankings \u2013 November<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Rank<\/th>School<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
1<\/td>North Carolina A&T University<\/td><\/tr>
2<\/td>Florida A&M University<\/td><\/tr>
3<\/td>Texas Southern University<\/td><\/tr>
4<\/td>Southern University<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>Norfolk State University<\/td><\/tr>
6<\/td>Hampton University<\/td><\/tr>
7<\/td>Alabama State University<\/td><\/tr>
8<\/td>Tennessee State University<\/td><\/tr>
9<\/td>Morgan State University<\/td><\/tr>
10<\/td>Prairie View A&M University<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Category Breakdowns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Each Band of the Year<\/strong> category offers a glimpse into how these programs excel in specific aspects of performance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Musicality<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Norfolk State claims the top spot, edging out A&T and Florida A&M with its powerful brass and rich symphonic sound. Texas Southern and Southern round out the top five, continuing the dominance of SWAC and MEAC programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pictures, Drill & Design<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Florida A&M once again proves its precision, ranking No. 1. Southern and Norfolk State follow closely, with Texas Southern and North Carolina A&T completing a strong top five. The visual artistry of these bands remains one of the defining hallmarks of HBCU<\/strong> pageantry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Percussion<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Hampton University\u2019s \u201cForce\u201d drumline leads the way, setting the tempo for the entire field. A&T, Texas Southern, and Alabama State each deliver dynamic and synchronized percussion ensembles that embody the heartbeat of the HBCU<\/strong> marching tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drum Majors<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Alabama State\u2019s iconic Stingettes and Honey Beez<\/strong> have long drawn headlines, but it\u2019s the Mighty Marching Hornets\u2019<\/strong> Drum Majors who claim the top spot this month. Their precision and flair have made them the standard for leadership and swagger in motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Auxiliaries<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

No surprise here \u2014 Southern University\u2019s Fabulous Dancing Dolls<\/strong> once again reign supreme. Tennessee State\u2019s Aristocrat of Bands and North Carolina A&T\u2019s Golden Delight follow closely, with Florida A&M and Hampton also in the top five.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

The Road to the Final Five<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s Red Lobster Band of the Year competition features a major change: for the first time, the top five<\/em> bands will all be considered for the final selection, rather than just the top two. <\/a>The committee will weigh cumulative scores, show consistency, and artistic impact before revealing the finalists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bethune-Cookman and Jackson State \u2014 both previously ranked \u2014 withdrew from final consideration earlier this fall, creating openings that allowed bands like Hampton, Tennessee State, and Morgan State to climb higher in the standings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With just days left before the cumulative totals are released, fans across the country are speculating about which programs will make the final cut. Will North Carolina A&T and Florida A&M maintain their spots? Could Texas Southern\u2019s surge push them into a top-two finish? Or will a surprise contender like Alabama State or Hampton make history with a late-season run?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bigger Picture: What\u2019s at Stake<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

More than a trophy or a title, the Red Lobster Band of the Year competition celebrates culture, creativity, and community. These bands are not just halftime entertainment \u2014 they are ambassadors of their universities and storytellers of the Black college experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For students, the recognition validates years of practice, sacrifice, and passion. For alumni and fans, it reinforces the pride that defines the HBCU legacy. Each performance is a living blend of art, athleticism, and cultural heritage that connects generations of band members past and present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Dr. Reid of Morgan State put it, \u201cOur performances aren\u2019t just about sound or motion. They represent a legacy of excellence that spans continents and generations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking Ahead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The final Red Lobster Band of the Year rankings will be revealed later this month, with the cumulative totals released on Friday, November 14, and the top two selections announced November 18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Until then, HBCU fans can relive the season\u2019s best moments \u2014 from the sonic power of the Ocean of Soul to the unmatched pageantry of the Human Jukebox \u2014 as anticipation builds for the finale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One thing is certain: whether it\u2019s the Blue and Gold Marching Machine, the Marching 100, or a rising powerhouse like Morgan State or Alabama State, the spirit of HBCU marching bands continues to set the rhythm for Black college culture \u2014 one beat, one step, and one unforgettable halftime at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The November Red Lobster Band of The Year rankings are in and the heavyweights are battling.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":154405,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_ml_titleColor":"#000000","_ml_titleFont":"Roboto","_ml_titleFontSize":1.136,"_ml_titleFontWeight":"400","_ml_titleLineHeight":1.3,"_ml_metaColor":"#708090","_ml_metaFont":"Montserrat","_ml_metaFontSize":0.6785,"_ml_metaFontWeight":"400","_ml_metaLineHeight":0.92,"_ml_bodyColor":"#a9a9a9","_ml_bodyFont":"Open Sans","_ml_bodyFontSize":0.85,"_ml_bodyFontWeight":"400","_ml_bodyLineHeight":1.2,"_ml_wooPriceColor":"#666","_ml_wooPriceFont":"Open Sans","_ml_wooPriceFontSize":0.9,"_ml_wooPriceFontWeight":"400","_ml_wooPriceLineHeight":1.27,"_ml_headingColor":"#000","_ml_headingFont":"Merriweather","_ml_headingFontSize":2.02,"_ml_headingFontWeight":"700","_ml_headingLineHeight":1.47,"_mlglobal_userfontcolors":{"headingColorUser":[],"titleColorUser":[],"metaColorUser":[],"bodyColorUser":[],"wooPriceColorUser":[]},"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[573627570],"tags":[573627544,811699,573635886,468618],"class_list":["post-154398","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bands","tag-featured","tag-meac","tag-red-lobster-band-of-the-year","tag-swac"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHBCU Division I Band Rankings: Final Countdown Begins - HBCU Gameday<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Get the latest updates on the HBCU Band of the Year competition. Discover which bands are leading the rankings this month.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"HBCU Division I Band Rankings: Final Countdown Begins\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Get the latest updates on the HBCU Band of the Year competition. Discover which bands are leading the rankings this month.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"HBCU Gameday\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/hbcugameday\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-11-12T15:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-11-12T16:50:18+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SpartanLegion50.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"675\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Steven J. Gaither\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@twitter.com\/stevenjgaither\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@HBCUGameday\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Steven J. Gaither\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Steven J. Gaither\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#\/schema\/person\/57abdf4381bcd624f4a238650b27c9d7\"},\"headline\":\"HBCU Division I Band Rankings: Final Countdown Begins\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-12T15:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-12T16:50:18+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/\"},\"wordCount\":1190,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SpartanLegion50.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"featured\",\"MEAC\",\"Red Lobster Band of The Year\",\"SWAC\"],\"articleSection\":[\"HBCU Bands\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/\",\"name\":\"HBCU Division I Band Rankings: Final Countdown Begins - HBCU Gameday\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SpartanLegion50.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-12T15:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-12T16:50:18+00:00\",\"description\":\"Get the latest updates on the HBCU Band of the Year competition. Discover which bands are leading the rankings this month.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SpartanLegion50.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SpartanLegion50.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":675},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"HBCU Division I Band Rankings: Final Countdown Begins\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/\",\"name\":\"HBCU Gameday\",\"description\":\"The leader in HBCU Sports and Culture.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"HBCU Gameday\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/gameday-site-identify.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/gameday-site-identify.jpg\",\"width\":512,\"height\":512,\"caption\":\"HBCU Gameday\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/hbcugameday\/\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/HBCUGameday\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/hbcugameday\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCoMv284iYWxL3JSY-9agY2w\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#\/schema\/person\/57abdf4381bcd624f4a238650b27c9d7\",\"name\":\"Steven J. Gaither\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8e3946b1967d140f7ab10c4186270d08?s=96&d=identicon&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8e3946b1967d140f7ab10c4186270d08?s=96&d=identicon&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Steven J. Gaither\"},\"description\":\"HBCU Gameday Founder. Veteran journalist\/blogger.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/x.com\/twitter.com\/stevenjgaither\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/author\/stevenjgameday\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"HBCU Division I Band Rankings: Final Countdown Begins - HBCU Gameday","description":"Get the latest updates on the HBCU Band of the Year competition. Discover which bands are leading the rankings this month.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"HBCU Division I Band Rankings: Final Countdown Begins","og_description":"Get the latest updates on the HBCU Band of the Year competition. Discover which bands are leading the rankings this month.","og_url":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/","og_site_name":"HBCU Gameday","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/hbcugameday\/","article_published_time":"2025-11-12T15:00:00+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-11-12T16:50:18+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":675,"url":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SpartanLegion50.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Steven J. Gaither","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@twitter.com\/stevenjgaither","twitter_site":"@HBCUGameday","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Steven J. Gaither","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/"},"author":{"name":"Steven J. Gaither","@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#\/schema\/person\/57abdf4381bcd624f4a238650b27c9d7"},"headline":"HBCU Division I Band Rankings: Final Countdown Begins","datePublished":"2025-11-12T15:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2025-11-12T16:50:18+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/"},"wordCount":1190,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SpartanLegion50.jpg","keywords":["featured","MEAC","Red Lobster Band of The Year","SWAC"],"articleSection":["HBCU Bands"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/","url":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/","name":"HBCU Division I Band Rankings: Final Countdown Begins - HBCU Gameday","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SpartanLegion50.jpg","datePublished":"2025-11-12T15:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2025-11-12T16:50:18+00:00","description":"Get the latest updates on the HBCU Band of the Year competition. Discover which bands are leading the rankings this month.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SpartanLegion50.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SpartanLegion50.jpg","width":1200,"height":675},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"HBCU Division I Band Rankings: Final Countdown Begins"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/","name":"HBCU Gameday","description":"The leader in HBCU Sports and Culture.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#organization","name":"HBCU Gameday","url":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/gameday-site-identify.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/gameday-site-identify.jpg","width":512,"height":512,"caption":"HBCU Gameday"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/hbcugameday\/","https:\/\/x.com\/HBCUGameday","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/hbcugameday\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCoMv284iYWxL3JSY-9agY2w"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#\/schema\/person\/57abdf4381bcd624f4a238650b27c9d7","name":"Steven J. Gaither","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8e3946b1967d140f7ab10c4186270d08?s=96&d=identicon&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8e3946b1967d140f7ab10c4186270d08?s=96&d=identicon&r=g","caption":"Steven J. Gaither"},"description":"HBCU Gameday Founder. Veteran journalist\/blogger.","sameAs":["https:\/\/x.com\/twitter.com\/stevenjgaither"],"url":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/author\/stevenjgameday\/"}]}},"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"http:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"HBCU Division I Band Rankings: Final Countdown Begins","url":"http:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/12\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SpartanLegion50.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SpartanLegion50.jpg"},"articleSection":"HBCU Bands","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Steven J. Gaither"}],"creator":["Steven J. Gaither"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"HBCU Gameday","logo":""},"keywords":["featured","meac","red lobster band of the year","swac"],"dateCreated":"2025-11-12T15:00:00Z","datePublished":"2025-11-12T15:00:00Z","dateModified":"2025-11-12T16:50:18Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"HBCU Division I Band Rankings: Final Countdown Begins\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/hbcugameday.com\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/12\\\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\\\/\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/hbcugameday.com\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/12\\\/hbcu-division-i-band-rankings-final-countdown-begins\\\/\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hbcugameday.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/SpartanLegion50.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/hbcugameday.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/11\\\/SpartanLegion50.jpg\"},\"articleSection\":\"HBCU Bands\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Steven J. Gaither\"}],\"creator\":[\"Steven J. Gaither\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"HBCU Gameday\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"featured\",\"meac\",\"red lobster band of the year\",\"swac\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2025-11-12T15:00:00Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-12T15:00:00Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-12T16:50:18Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/hbcugameday.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SpartanLegion50.jpg","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":151202,"url":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/09\/18\/hbcu-division-i-red-lobster-band-of-the-year-rankings-sept-2025\/","url_meta":{"origin":154398,"position":0},"title":"HBCU Division I Red Lobster Band of The Year rankings: Sept. 2025","author":"Steven J. Gaither","date":"September 18, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"The first D1 rankings for the Red Lobster Band of The Year are out. See where bands rank and what is new.","rel":"","context":"In "Blue and Gold Marching Machine"","block_context":{"text":"Blue and Gold Marching Machine","link":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/category\/bands\/blue-and-gold-marching-machine\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/NCATBandoftheyearSept25.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/NCATBandoftheyearSept25.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/NCATBandoftheyearSept25.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/NCATBandoftheyearSept25.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/NCATBandoftheyearSept25.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":151400,"url":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/09\/22\/jackson-state-university-band-wants-out-of-espn-rankings\/","url_meta":{"origin":154398,"position":1},"title":"Jackson State University band wants out of ESPN rankings","author":"Steven J. Gaither","date":"September 22, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Jackson State\u2019s band wants out of the Red Lobster Band of the Year rankings.","rel":"","context":"In "HBCU Bands"","block_context":{"text":"HBCU Bands","link":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/category\/bands\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG_0020.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG_0020.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG_0020.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG_0020.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG_0020.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG_0020.jpeg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":154504,"url":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/14\/hbcu-d1-red-lobster-band-of-the-year-top-five-revealed\/","url_meta":{"origin":154398,"position":2},"title":"HBCU D1 Red Lobster Band of The Year Top Five Revealed","author":"Steven J. Gaither","date":"November 14, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"These five Division I HBCU bands will head to Atlanta next month.","rel":"","context":"In "HBCU Bands"","block_context":{"text":"HBCU Bands","link":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/category\/bands\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/jukebox-wilson-tribute-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/jukebox-wilson-tribute-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/jukebox-wilson-tribute-2.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/jukebox-wilson-tribute-2.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/jukebox-wilson-tribute-2.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":154508,"url":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/14\/hbcu-d2-red-lobster-band-of-the-year-top-five-revealed\/","url_meta":{"origin":154398,"position":3},"title":"HBCU D2 Red Lobster Band of The Year Top Five Revealed","author":"Steven J. Gaither","date":"November 14, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"The top five HBCU bands in Division II are all in the running to go to Atlanta!","rel":"","context":"In "CIAA"","block_context":{"text":"CIAA","link":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/category\/ciaa\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/VSUTrojanExplosion925.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/VSUTrojanExplosion925.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/VSUTrojanExplosion925.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/VSUTrojanExplosion925.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/VSUTrojanExplosion925.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":154131,"url":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/11\/06\/hbcu-band-of-the-year-update-which-bands-still-have-a-chance\/","url_meta":{"origin":154398,"position":4},"title":"HBCU Band of the Year Update: Which bands still have a chance?","author":"Steven J. Gaither","date":"November 6, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"The Red Lobster Band of the Year rankings are getting close. Here is what to expect moving forward.","rel":"","context":"In "HBCU Bands"","block_context":{"text":"HBCU Bands","link":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/category\/bands\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/NCATBMG.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/NCATBMG.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/NCATBMG.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/NCATBMG.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/NCATBMG.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":151212,"url":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/09\/18\/hbcu-division-ii-red-lobster-band-of-the-year-rankings-sept-25\/","url_meta":{"origin":154398,"position":5},"title":"HBCU Division II Red Lobster Band of The Year rankings: Sept. ’25","author":"Steven J. Gaither","date":"September 18, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"A familiar face is at the top of the Division II HBCU rankings. But the competition will be fierce.","rel":"","context":"In "The Latest in HBCU Sports and Culture"","block_context":{"text":"The Latest in HBCU Sports and Culture","link":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/category\/latest-hbcu-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/VSUTrojanExplosion925.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/VSUTrojanExplosion925.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/VSUTrojanExplosion925.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/VSUTrojanExplosion925.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/VSUTrojanExplosion925.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pfOCUc-Eai","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/154398","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=154398"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/154398\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":154419,"href":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/154398\/revisions\/154419"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/154405"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=154398"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=154398"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=154398"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}