National Broadcasting TV

09/07/2026

THE NBTV INC A/P HBCU BAND POLL
AFTER WEEK TWO OF THE 2026 FOOTBALL SEASON
🎺 THE HUMAN JUKEBOX TAKES OVER THE TOP SPOT
Can Southern University Stay No. 1 After Week Three?
By NBTV INC Sports
The battle for supremacy in HBCU marching-band culture has officially changed.
After two weeks of the 2026 football season, the Southern University Human Jukebox has climbed to the top of the NBTV INC A/P HBCU Band Poll, taking over the No. 1 position and sending a clear message to the rest of the field:
The Human Jukebox has arrived.
Southern's move to No. 1 comes after a Week 1 poll that had Jackson State's legendary Sonic Boom of the South sitting at the top.
But that's the beauty of HBCU band season.
Nothing is guaranteed.
Every halftime show brings a new opportunity. Every arrangement, formation, drumline feature and performance can change the national conversation.
And after Week 2, the conversation belongs to Southern University.

🥇 NO. 1 — SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
HUMAN JUKEBOX
The Human Jukebox has officially taken the throne.
Southern University moves from No. 2 to No. 1, replacing Jackson State at the top of the NBTV INC poll.
And now comes the difficult part:
Can they stay there?
Holding the No. 1 position is different from reaching it.
Once a band reaches the top, every performance becomes a target. The competition gets tougher, expectations get higher, and every rival wants the opportunity to knock off the reigning No. 1.
For Southern, Week 3 becomes the first real test of its ability to defend the crown.
NBTV INC Week 2 Ranking: #1 ⬆️

🥈 NO. 2 — JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY
SONIC BOOM OF THE SOUTH
The Sonic Boom of the South drops one position, but don't mistake a move from No. 1 to No. 2 as a collapse.
Jackson State remains one of the most powerful forces in HBCU band culture.
The Sonic Boom now finds itself in an interesting position: the challenger instead of the champion.
And that could make Week 3 even more exciting.
Will Jackson State respond to losing the No. 1 ranking?
If history is any indication, fans should expect the Sonic Boom to come out swinging.
NBTV INC Week 2 Ranking: #2 ⬇️

🥉 NO. 3 — GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY
WORLD FAMED TIGER MARCHING BAND
The World Famed Tiger Band holds steady at No. 3.
Grambling remains firmly positioned behind the two heavyweights at the top of the poll.
The Tigers now have an opportunity to make Week 3 a statement week.
A dominant performance could put Grambling right back into the conversation for the top spot.
With Southern at No. 1 and Jackson State at No. 2, the margin separating the top three could become very interesting as the season develops.
NBTV INC Week 2 Ranking: #3 —

🔥 NO. 4 — BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY
MARCHING WILDCATS
One of the biggest stories of Week 2 is the rise of the Bethune-Cookman Marching Wildcats.
Bethune-Cookman jumps from No. 10 in Week 1 all the way to No. 4.
That's a six-position jump.
And that makes the Marching Wildcats one of the biggest movers in the entire NBTV INC poll.
Bethune-Cookman has gone from closing out the Top 10 to knocking on the door of the Top 3.
Now the question becomes:
Was Week 2 a breakout performance — or the beginning of a championship run?
Week 3 will tell us a lot.
NBTV INC Week 2 Ranking: #4 ⬆️

NO. 5 — FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
MARCHING 100
The legendary FAMU Marching 100 moves from No. 4 to No. 5.
Dropping one position doesn't diminish the stature of one of the most recognizable names in marching-band history.
But the competition at the top is becoming extremely competitive.
FAMU now has four bands ahead of it and plenty of season remaining to change the rankings.
The Marching 100 remains firmly in the championship conversation.
NBTV INC Week 2 Ranking: #5 ⬇️

NO. 6 — NORTH CAROLINA A&T UNIVERSITY
GOLDEN DELIGHTS
North Carolina A&T moves from No. 5 to No. 6.
The Aggies remain inside the Top 10 and continue to be a band worth watching as the season progresses.
With the competition tightening, one outstanding Week 3 performance could quickly change the rankings.
NBTV INC Week 2 Ranking: #6 ⬇️

NO. 7 — ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
MARCHING MAROON & WHITE
Alabama A&M's Marching Maroon & White remains in the Top 10 at No. 7.
The band has established itself as a consistent presence in this year's poll.
Now the challenge is moving upward.
Can Alabama A&M break into the upper half of the rankings?
Week 3 provides another opportunity.
NBTV INC Week 2 Ranking: #7 —

NO. 8 — TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
OCEAN OF SOUL
The Ocean of Soul remains at No. 8.
Texas Southern continues to bring its distinctive energy and performance style to the HBCU football experience.
With the season still young, the Ocean of Soul has plenty of time to make a move.
The question is whether Week 3 becomes the week Texas Southern starts climbing.
NBTV INC Week 2 Ranking: #8 —

NO. 9 — ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY
MARCHING MIGHTY HORNETS
Alabama State falls from No. 6 to No. 9.
It's a three-position drop, but the Marching Mighty Hornets remain among the nation's Top 10 in the NBTV INC A/P HBCU Band Poll.
The road back up begins with Week 3.
NBTV INC Week 2 Ranking: #9 ⬇️

NO. 10 — NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY
SPARTAN LEGION
Norfolk State rounds out the Week 2 Top 10.
The Spartan Legion moves from No. 9 to No. 10, but remains in the national rankings.
The challenge now is simple:
Move up or get passed.
With so much talent across HBCU marching bands, every week matters.
NBTV INC Week 2 Ranking: #10 ⬇️

📊 THE NBTV INC A/P HBCU BAND POLL
WEEK TWO — 2026
Rank
University
Band
Movement
🥇 1
Southern University
Human Jukebox
⬆️ +1
🥈 2
Jackson State University
Sonic Boom of the South
⬇️ -1
🥉 3
Grambling State University
World Famed Tiger Band
—
4
Bethune-Cookman University
Marching Wildcats
🚀 +6
5
FAMU
Marching 100
⬇️ -1
6
North Carolina A&T
Golden Delights
⬇️ -1
7
Alabama A&M University
Marching Maroon & White
—
8
Texas Southern University
Ocean of Soul
—
9
Alabama State University
Marching Mighty Hornets
⬇️ -3
10
Norfolk State University
Spartan Legion
⬇️ -1

🎺 THE WEEK 3 QUESTION
CAN THE HUMAN JUKEBOX HOLD ONTO NO. 1?
That's the question everyone will be asking.
Southern University has taken the crown.
Jackson State wants it back.
Grambling is waiting for an opportunity.
Bethune-Cookman has suddenly become one of the hottest bands in the poll.
And FAMU is never far from the championship conversation.
The beauty of the NBTV INC A/P HBCU Band Poll is that the rankings aren't permanent.
They have to be earned every week.
One performance can change everything.
One unforgettable halftime show can launch a band up the rankings.
And one mistake can open the door for a competitor.
Southern University is No. 1 after Week 2.
But the question isn't whether the Human Jukebox can reach the top.
The question is whether they can stay there.
Week 3 is coming.
And the entire HBCU band world will be watching.

🎶 NBTV INC A/P HBCU BAND POLL
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# THE NBTV INC A/P HBCU BAND POLL

# # AFTER WEEK ONE OF THE 2026 FOOTBALL SEASON

# # # Jackson State's Sonic Boom Leads the Charge as NBTV INC Unveils Its First Top 10 of the 2026 Season

**ATLANTA, GA —** The 2026 HBCU football season is officially underway, and with it comes one of the most anticipated traditions in college football: the return of the nation's legendary HBCU marching bands.

At HBCU football games, the competition doesn't stop at the football field. The bands bring their own level of pageantry, musicality, precision, energy and school pride. From the opening note to the final formation, these ensembles represent generations of tradition while continuing to push the boundaries of modern marching-band entertainment.

After evaluating the opening week of the 2026 football season, **NBTV INC is proud to introduce the first NBTV INC A/P HBCU Band Poll of the year.**

Our Week 1 rankings recognize the bands that made the strongest overall impressions as the 2026 marching season gets underway.

And at the top of the list is a familiar powerhouse.

---

# # 🏆 NO. 1 — JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY

# # # Sonic Boom of the South

**The Sonic Boom of the South starts the 2026 season at No. 1.**

Jackson State's legendary band once again demonstrates why it remains one of the most recognizable names in HBCU marching-band culture.

The Sonic Boom brings a combination of **power, precision, showmanship, musicianship and visual presentation** that immediately captures attention. The band's reputation extends far beyond Jackson, Mississippi, and its performances have consistently placed it among the nation's most celebrated HBCU bands.

NBTV INC believes the Sonic Boom enters the 2026 season with the complete package and earns the first No. 1 ranking of the season.

**NBTV Week 1 Ranking: #1**

---

# # 🥈 NO. 2 — SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

# # # Human Jukebox

Right behind Jackson State is Baton Rouge's legendary **Human Jukebox**.

Southern University's band is synonymous with powerful sound, sophisticated arrangements and an unmistakable performance style. The Human Jukebox has long been one of the premier names in HBCU band culture, and Week 1 did nothing to diminish that reputation.

The battle between Jackson State and Southern could become one of the most closely watched storylines of the 2026 marching season.

**NBTV Week 1 Ranking: #2**

---

# # 🥉 NO. 3 — GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY

# # # World Famed Tiger Marching Band

The **World Famed Tiger Marching Band** earns the No. 3 position in the inaugural NBTV poll.

Grambling's band carries one of the richest traditions in HBCU marching-band history and continues to combine musical excellence with visual entertainment.

With the legendary rivalry between Grambling State and Jackson State continuing to generate national attention, the World Famed Tiger Band will have plenty of opportunities throughout the season to challenge for the top position.

**NBTV Week 1 Ranking: #3**

---

# # NO. 4 — FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY

# # # Marching 100

Few names in marching-band history carry the international recognition of **Florida A&M University's Marching 100**.

FAMU's ensemble enters 2026 with another opportunity to demonstrate why it remains one of the gold standards of HBCU band culture.

The Marching 100 combines tradition, musicianship, visual presentation and high-energy performance in a way that has influenced generations of marching musicians.

**NBTV Week 1 Ranking: #4**

---

# # NO. 5 — NORTH CAROLINA A&T UNIVERSITY

# # # Golden Delights

North Carolina A&T continues to represent excellence in HBCU band culture, with its visual and musical presentation attracting national attention.

The Aggies' band program has demonstrated that it belongs in the national conversation, and NBTV INC places North Carolina A&T at No. 5 after Week 1.

The Aggies will be one of the bands to watch as the season develops.

**NBTV Week 1 Ranking: #5**

---

# # NO. 6 — ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY

# # # Marching Mighty Hornets

The **Marching Mighty Hornets** make their presence known at No. 6.

Alabama State has developed a reputation for delivering energetic performances that combine musicianship, precision and crowd engagement.

With the 2026 season still in its early stages, the Mighty Hornets have plenty of opportunities to climb the NBTV rankings.

**NBTV Week 1 Ranking: #6**

---

# # NO. 7 — ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY

# # # Marching Maroon & White

Alabama A&M's **Marching Maroon & White** earns the No. 7 position.

Known for its powerful presentation and commitment to musical and marching excellence, Alabama A&M remains one of the programs capable of making a major move as the season progresses.

One strong performance can change the entire complexion of a weekly band poll.

**NBTV Week 1 Ranking: #7**

---

# # NO. 8 — TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

# # # Ocean of Soul

Everything is bigger in Texas — and Texas Southern's **Ocean of Soul** brings plenty of energy to the field.

The Ocean of Soul has established itself as one of the most recognizable band programs in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and continues to provide the excitement HBCU football fans expect.

At No. 8 after Week 1, Texas Southern remains firmly in the national conversation.

**NBTV Week 1 Ranking: #8**

---

# # NO. 9 — NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY

# # # Spartan Legion

Virginia's **Norfolk State University Spartan Legion** takes the No. 9 position.

The Spartan Legion has consistently demonstrated strong musicality, marching precision and visual presentation. The band enters the 2026 season with the talent and tradition necessary to make a significant jump in the rankings.

Don't be surprised if Norfolk State becomes one of the biggest movers in a future NBTV poll.

**NBTV Week 1 Ranking: #9**

---

# # NO. 10 — BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY

# # # Marching Wildcats

Closing out the inaugural NBTV INC Top 10 are the **Bethune-Cookman University Marching Wildcats**.

Bethune-Cookman's band brings energy, entertainment and precision to every performance and remains a major part of the Wildcats' game-day identity.

The Marching Wildcats have made their presence felt nationally and will have an opportunity to move higher as the 2026 season unfolds.

**NBTV Week 1 Ranking: #10**

---

# 🔥 THE NBTV INC TOP 10 AFTER WEEK ONE

| Rank | University | Band |
| ------ | --------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| **1** | **Jackson State University** | **Sonic Boom of the South** |
| **2** | **Southern University** | **Human Jukebox** |
| **3** | **Grambling State University** | **World Famed Tiger Marching Band** |
| **4** | **Florida A&M University** | **Marching 100** |
| **5** | **North Carolina A&T University** | **Golden Delights** |
| **6** | **Alabama State University** | **Marching Mighty Hornets** |
| **7** | **Alabama A&M University** | **Marching Maroon & White** |
| **8** | **Texas Southern University** | **Ocean of Soul** |
| **9** | **Norfolk State University** | **Spartan Legion** |
| **10** | **Bethune-Cookman University** | **Marching Wildcats** |

# # 🎺 THE SEASON IS JUST GETTING STARTED

The NBTV INC A/P HBCU Band Poll is only beginning.

Week 1 establishes the starting point, but the 2026 marching season will be decided on the field — performance after performance, stadium after stadium.

As the football season progresses, NBTV INC will continue following the nation's premier HBCU marching bands and evaluating their performances across **musicality, precision, percussion, drill and design, drum majors, entertainment value, showmanship and overall game-day impact.**

There is plenty of season left.

There are rivalries to settle.

There are halftime shows yet to be performed.

And there is a No. 1 ranking waiting to be defended.

# # # **WHO WILL BE NO. 1 AFTER WEEK TWO?**

**Stay tuned to NBTV INC for the next edition of the A/P HBCU Band Poll.**

**NBTV INC — Celebrating HBCU Football, Culture, Music and Tradition.**

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