Norfolk State, Virginia State Take Early Lead in First 2026 Red Lobster Band of the Year Rankings
By: Dez B.
ATLANTA — The first 2026 Red Lobster Band of the Year rankings were released Tuesday, officially opening the race for spots in this year's national championship competition in Atlanta.
Photo: Band of the Year
Division I: A Four-Way Race Emerges
In Division I, Norfolk State University's Spartan Legion holds the top spot with 304.6 points, narrowly ahead of North Carolina A&T State University's Blue and Gold Marching Machine at 304.5. Bethune-Cookman (303.5), Florida A&M (303.4) and Jackson State (301.5) round out the opening top five. Just 1.2 points separate the top four bands, setting up a tightly contested race throughout the fall.
Division II: Virginia State Sets the Pace
In Division II, Virginia State University's Trojan Explosion leads the initial rankings with 299.3 points, followed by Fayetteville State University's Marching Bronco eXpress (273.25), defending Division II champion Miles College's Purple Marching Machine (264.2), Winston-Salem State's Red Sea of Sound (264.15) and Tuskegee University's Marching Crimson Pipers (261.1).
How the Rankings Work
The rankings evaluate performances across several categories, including musicality, pictures, drill and design, marching maneuvers, percussion, drum majors and auxiliaries. Throughout the season, a panel of marching band experts will continue assessing HBCU band performances as programs compete for a spot in the Red Lobster Band of the Year national championship.
John T. Grant, executive director of the Red Lobster Band of the Year, said the September rankings reflect exactly what organizers envisioned for the competition — a platform that showcases excellence while pushing every program to elevate its performance. He pointed to the tightly bunched Division I field and the overall strength of the Division II bands as evidence that the competition has never been stronger.
Grant added that the rankings highlight excellence across every element of these programs, from musicality and precision to percussion, auxiliaries and leadership, calling the event bigger than a ranking and a chance to spotlight the talent, discipline and commitment of student musicians on a national stage. He said the road to Atlanta is just beginning, with an exciting journey ahead toward the championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Championship Details
The top two ranked Division I bands and top two ranked Division II bands will advance to compete for their respective national championships. The 2026 Red Lobster Band of the Year competition is scheduled for Dec. 11 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, one night before the Cricket Celebration Bowl, creating a full weekend celebrating HBCU excellence, culture and tradition. The event will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
Complete rankings, band information, tickets and additional updates are available at bandoftheyear.com.
Source: Red Lobster Band of the Year press release, Sept. 22, 2026
