Norfolk State and Jackson State Poised to Represent HBCUs in the 2026 NCAA Basketball Tournament
Norfolk, VA – June 2025 – The upcoming 2025-26 college basketball season is shaping up to be a landmark year for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as two prominent programs, Norfolk State and Jackson State, are predicted to carry the torch for Black college basketball in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. ESPN’s bracketology expert Joe Lunardi projects both teams as No. 16 seeds competing in the First Four, signaling strong prospects for these storied programs.
Norfolk State comes into this season riding the momentum of their recent success. The Spartans, who claimed the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) tournament title last season, earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament, where they faced a tough first-round matchup against the eventual national champions, Florida. Though they fell short, Norfolk State’s ability to compete on the national stage has cemented their reputation as a rising force in HBCU basketball. Early projections have Norfolk State facing Central Connecticut State in the First Four, a challenge the Spartans seem ready to meet given their competitive spirit and recent accomplishments.
Leading Norfolk State is a well-rounded roster featuring standout players such as 6’2” guard Brian Moore Jr., a transfer from Murray State who earned First-Team All-MEAC and Newcomer of the Year honors. Christian Ings, known for his electrifying playmaking, secured Third-Team All-MEAC accolades, while the imposing 6’11” senior Kuluel Mading anchors the team defensively. Head coach Robert Jones continues to build on the legacy of the program, emphasizing disciplined defense and team-oriented basketball. “Our goal every season is to not just compete, but to leave a mark,” Jones said. “We understand the history of Norfolk State basketball and the responsibility that comes with representing HBCUs on a national level.”
Jackson State, a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), returns with strong ambitions after narrowly missing out on the SWAC title last season, falling to Alabama State in the championship game. Lunardi’s bracketology now predicts the Tigers will break through in the 2026 tournament, also earning a No. 16 seed and slated to square off against Vermont in the First Four. Jackson State’s program has steadily risen under the leadership of head coach Mo Williams, a former NBA star who has infused the team with a professional mindset and strategic acumen.
The Tigers’ journey to the tournament reflects a broader narrative of resurgence and renewed focus common among HBCU programs in recent years. Jackson State’s recruiting has improved significantly, tapping into local talent and leveraging NIL opportunities that allow players to benefit financially while staying rooted in their communities. Coach Williams has highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the court. “We want our players to succeed not only as athletes but as leaders who carry our heritage forward,” he stated. “Making the NCAA Tournament would be another step in showing the world the caliber of basketball and character that HBCUs represent.”
The significance of these projections stretches beyond wins and losses. HBCU athletics carry a weighty cultural and historical importance, serving as pillars of Black heritage, education, and community pride for over a century. Basketball at Norfolk State and Jackson State reflects traditions that include fierce rivalries, vibrant marching bands, and passionate alumni support that fill arenas with energy unmatched in many college sports settings. The visibility that comes with NCAA Tournament appearances helps spotlight these institutions and their contributions to the fabric of American sports and society.
Looking ahead, the 2025-26 season kicks off in November, with Norfolk State and Jackson State preparing rigorously to navigate challenging non-conference schedules and secure their conference crowns. Both programs understand the hurdles that lie ahead, including competition from larger programs and the complexities introduced by the evolving landscape of college athletics, such as NIL policies and the transfer portal. However, their recent success has shown that HBCUs can compete on equal footing and inspire the next generation of Black college athletes.
This upcoming season also holds promise for expanding HBCU basketball’s national profile, potentially paving the way for more frequent tournament bids and higher seedings moving forward. As Norfolk State demonstrated in 2012 with their historic upset over Missouri, HBCU teams are capable of stunning the college basketball world and rewriting the narrative on the biggest stages.
With the eyes of the HBCU sports community and basketball fans nationwide turning toward these programs, Norfolk State and Jackson State are primed not only to chase tournament victories but also to embody the enduring spirit and pride of HBCU athletics. Their predicted appearances in 2026 could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Black college basketball, showcasing the talent, resilience, and rich heritage that define these institutions.
Fans and alumni should keep a close watch on these teams as the new season unfolds, ready to rally behind their favorites as they prepare to make history once again. The journey starts this November, and the message is clear: HBCUs are back on the national stage, ready to compete and inspire.