North Carolina A&T State University’s Blue and Gold Marching Machine is ranked No. 1 in the 2026 Red Lobster Band of the Year Division I preseason media poll, according to HBCU Gameday. Twenty-two media outlets participated in the poll, which assesses bands across categories including musicality, drill design, percussion, drum majors, and auxiliaries.
The Blue and Gold Marching Machine previously won the inaugural Division I championship in 2023 and finished as runner-up in 2024. Southern University is the reigning champion, having secured the 2025 title. Jackson State University is ranked second, while Bethune-Cookman University holds the fifth position.
Notably, Jackson State and Bethune-Cookman previously announced intentions to withdraw from the finals process, citing internal priorities and concerns about the competition format. However, HBCU Gameday reports that both bands will still be evaluated throughout the season. The rankings are a preseason assessment, distinct from in-season evaluations based on adjudicated performances, which begin with monthly submissions.
Florida A&M leads in musicality and drill design, while Norfolk State, Jackson State, and North Carolina A&T lead in percussion, drum majors, and auxiliaries, respectively. The 2026 Red Lobster Band of the Year competition will culminate Dec. 11 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The rankings highlight the continued importance of marching band programs and their impact on HBCU culture and student experiences.
For more information, visit hbcugameday.com.