Week 2 Crystal Ball: HBCU Football's Biggest Rivalries Take Center Stage

Week Two of the 2026 HBCU football season delivers high-stakes conference matchups, bitter rivalries, and critical opportunities for struggling programs to find their footing. From the storied Aggie-Eagle Classic to a potential shootout in South Carolina, HBCU football fans are in for an exciting weekend.

Before diving into this week's predictions, let's reflect on a stellar Week One performance that saw a 25-5 record, bringing the 2026 overall prediction record to 44-15. The best pick came from the Orange Blossom Classic, where South Carolina State defeated Florida A&M 31-13 (predicted 31-20). The worst miss? Texas College fell 30-19 to Arkansas Baptist, not the predicted 33-21 victory.

Game of the Week: The Aggie-Eagle Classic

The 98th edition of the Aggie-Eagle Classic headlines Week Two as North Carolina A&T (0-2) faces North Carolina Central (1-1) on Saturday, September 12 at 6 p.m. on ESPN+. This rivalry needs no introduction — two schools that don't like each other, both desperate for confidence after early-season struggles.

Central secured a win over Elizabeth City State, though the performance left Eagle faithful concerned about the team's prospects. Meanwhile, the Aggies suffered a crushing defeat to Georgia State in Week 1, reigniting debates about whether the football program is in over its head in the Coastal Athletic Association.

As coach speak-ish as it sounds, the winner of this game will be the team that makes the fewest mistakes.

Prediction: North Carolina Central 27, North Carolina A&T 17

Battle of the Unbeatens

Virginia State (2-0, 1-0 CIAA) travels to face South Carolina State (2-0) on Saturday, September 12 at 6 p.m. EST on the MEAC Network. The Bulldogs overcame a slow start to win the Orange Blossom Classic and will look for a 3-0 start against a Trojans team featuring the hottest quarterback in HBCU football.

Redshirt sophomore R.J. Matthews has been nothing short of spectacular, throwing for nearly 700 yards and seven touchdowns in the Trojans' first two games. South Carolina State's focus will be containing the young gunslinger, but their powerful offense should be up to the task if this game becomes a shootout.

Prediction: South Carolina State 35, Virginia State 20

More Week Two Action

The Chicago Football Classic brings HBCU football to Soldier Field as Mississippi Valley State (0-2) faces Lincoln (Pa.) (0-1) on Saturday, September 12 at 4 p.m. EST on SWAC TV. With Valley's winless start and the Lions riding a 13-game losing streak dating back to the 2024 season, this matchup represents a critical opportunity for both programs.

Prediction: Mississippi Valley State 21, Lincoln (Pa.) 20

In SIAC action, Kentucky State (1-1, 1-0 SIAC) visits Clark Atlanta (1-1, 1-0 SIAC) on Saturday, September 12 at 6 p.m. on the SIAC Network. Two high-scoring teams with conference title aspirations meet at Panther Stadium. CAU rebounded from a tough opener at Grambling to defeat AUC rival Morehouse, while the Thorobreds faced a 34-15 loss against Southern.

Prediction: Kentucky State 33, Clark Atlanta 30

Originally reported by HBCU Sports.