FRANKFORT, Ky.  — Kentucky State University football climbed one spot to No. 4 in the Week 8 edition of the 2026 HBCU Division II Football Coaches Poll powered by BOXTOROW, marking the Thorobreds' eighth consecutive week in the national rankings.

Kentucky State (7-2) earned 110 points in this week's poll, moving up from No. 5 in the previous rankings. Along with their national recognition, the Thorobreds currently sit atop the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) standings, further highlighting the program's strong performance this season.

Virginia Union (7-1) claimed the top spot with 171 points and 10 first-place votes, followed by Virginia State (7-1) with 158 points and eight first-place votes. Benedict (7-1) ranked third with 137 points, while Kentucky State secured fourth place ahead of Johnson C. Smith (6-2), which rounded out the top five with 103 points.

The Thorobreds will now turn their attention to SIAC foe Morehouse as they prepare to host the Maroon Tigers on Saturday, Nov. 7. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Alumni Stadium in Frankfort, Kentucky.

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