The Edvocate, a website advocating learning and higher education, ranked the top five HBCU athletics departments in its May 13, 2023 edition.

Recognizing that HBCU sports may not have the same popularity as some Division I athletics programs, they produce talented student-athletes, thriving athletic programs and successful graduates, according to the article's author, Matthew Lynch.

Here are the top five athletics programs according to The Edvocate:

1.      Florida A&M

2.      HAMPTON

3.      Howard

4.      North Carolina A&T

5.      Prairie View A&M

The Edvocate noted the success of the Hampton teams which have won three NCAA national championships in men's tennis, one in women's basketball and numerous Black College Football National Championships, league and conference titles.

In addition, more than half of Hampton's 350 student-athletes earned Dean's List recognition this past semester.   

Founded in 2014, The Edvocate supports education policy and opportunities for learning and improving the nation's education system.