PINE BLUFF, AR — The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football program continues to make a statement on the national stage, as the Golden Lions climbed six spots to No. 4 in the latest 2026 HBCU Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Coaches Poll, administered by BOXTOROW.

After entering last week's rankings at No. 10, UAPB made one of the biggest jumps in the Week 9 poll, collecting 93 points following a commanding 63-21 victory over Bethune-Cookman Saturday afternoon at Simmons Bank Field.

The Golden Lions, under head coach Alonzo Hampton, improved to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play, extending their winning streak to three games and continuing their push in the SWAC Western Division race.

The six-spot surge highlights the Golden Lions' remarkable rise on the national stage, as UAPB has emerged as one of the hottest teams in HBCU football. Behind three consecutive victories, an explosive offense and a defense creating game-changing turnovers, the Golden Lions have quickly transformed their momentum into national recognition. Their climb into the nation's top four reflects a program gaining confidence, making a statement across the conference and establishing itself as a serious contender heading into the final stretch of the regular season.


Golden Lions Deliver Dominant Performance Against Bethune-Cookman

UAPB's rise in the national rankings comes on the heels of one of its most complete performances of the season.

The Golden Lions overwhelmed Bethune-Cookman, scoring 56 unanswered points to open the contest while forcing five interceptions and recording six sacks in the 63-21 victory.

The 63 points marked a season high for UAPB, which finished with 451 yards of total offense, including 333 rushing yards while averaging an impressive 9.8 yards per carry.

Running back Jaylen Jennings delivered an electrifying performance, rushing for 103 yards and two touchdowns on just five carries, averaging 20.6 yards per attempt. His 87-yard touchdown run on UAPB's first offensive play set the tone for the Golden Lions' explosive afternoon.

Wide receiver Demetric Whitlock Jr., who was recently named SWAC Newcomer of the Week, continued his outstanding debut season, hauling in four receptions for 48 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Jack Schierholz completed nine passes for 118 yards and three touchdowns, helping UAPB capitalize on several short-field opportunities.

The Golden Lions also received outstanding contributions from the special teams unit, highlighted by kicker Trey Glymph, who was named SWAC Special Teams Player of the Week. Glymph delivered a perfect performance against Bethune-Cookman, converting all nine of his point-after-touchdown (PAT) attempts to help power UAPB's season-high scoring performance.

Defensively, the Golden Lions turned in one of their most impressive outings of the season, forcing five interceptions, recording 15 tackles for loss and producing two defensive touchdowns. Defensive back Du'Wayne Paulhill electrified the home crowd with a 79-yard interception return for a touchdown, while Camare Jackson added a 37-yard pick-six.

The Golden Lions converted takeaways into 28 points while finishing with a plus-four turnover margin.

The defense also registered six sacks and forced two red-zone turnovers, limiting Bethune-Cookman's scoring opportunities throughout the contest.


UAPB Among SWAC Leaders on Both Sides of the Football

The Golden Lions' resurgence is reflected in their standing among the SWAC's top statistical teams.

Through eight games, UAPB ranks fourth in the SWAC in total offense, averaging 396.6 yards per game, and fifth in scoring defense, allowing 29.6 points per contest.

UAPB leads the conference in rushing offense, averaging an impressive 224.3 yards per game, while ranking third in scoring offense at 36.4 points per outing.

The Golden Lions also rank second in rushing defense, allowing just 130.4 yards per game, giving UAPB one of the conference's most productive rushing attacks and strongest run-stopping units.

The combination of explosive offensive production, physical defensive play and momentum from three consecutive victories has helped position UAPB among the nation's top HBCU FCS programs heading into the final stretch of the regular season.


National Recognition Continues to Grow

The HBCU FCS Coaches and Media Polls are administered by BOXTOROW. The coaches poll, now in its 18th year, is voted on by HBCU Football Championship Subdivision head coaches, while the media poll, in its 20th year, is voted on by media members from around the country who cover HBCU football.

The rankings recognize outstanding programs across the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and other HBCU FCS institutions.

UAPB's impressive climb from No. 10 to No. 4 stands as one of the most significant movements in this week's national coaches poll, further showcasing the Golden Lions' emergence as a rising force in HBCU football.

With three regular-season contests remaining, Hampton and the Golden Lions remain focused on building momentum, competing for a SWAC Western Division title and finishing the 2026 campaign on a strong note.

2026 HBCU FCS Coaches Poll - Week 9
Records through October 31, 2026

Rank	Team	Record	Points	Previous
1	Alabama A&M (12)	7-2	173	1
2	South Carolina State (6)	7-2	168	2
3	Jackson State	6-2	137	3
4	Arkansas-Pine Bluff	5-3	93	10
5	Alcorn State	5-4	92	8
6	Delaware State	5-4	59	NR
7	Prairie View A&M	4-5	58	9
8	Alabama State	4-4	51	5
9	North Carolina Central	4-5	48	NR
10	Bethune-Cookman	5-4	37	4