Winston-Salem-State-university-band
Winston Salem State University's "Red Sea of Sound" marching band leads preseason rankings for ESPN/The Undefeated's top Division II HBCU bands. Photo: Qcitymetro
Winston-Salem-State-university-band
Winston Salem State University’s “Red Sea of Sound” marching band leads preseason rankings for ESPN/The Undefeated’s top Division II HBCU bands. Photo: Qcitymetro

We’re a few weeks into the college football season and ESPN/The Undefeated has released its initial 2019 HBCU Band Rankings. Carolina schools land top spots on the list representing historically Black college and university marching bands from NCAA Division I and Division II schools.

In the preseason rankings, North Carolina A&T State University sits at no. 2 in Division I, trailing only Jackson State University. Winston-Salem State University is ranked first in Division II, followed by Fayetteville State University (3), Benedict College (4) and Elizabeth City State University (9).

The first full rankings of the season will be published on Sept. 26. Updated rankings will be announced on Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 5 and Dec. 19.

See the full list here.