HAMPTON, Va. (July 29, 2025) … Hampton University is tied for 12th in the Boxtorow Preseason Coaches Poll, it was announced. The Pirates posted a 5-7 record a year ago under first-year head coach Trenton Boykin.
 
In 2024, the Pirates excelled on both sides of the ball. The offense increased its scoring output from 23.3 points per game to 29.6, an increase of 6.3. The Pirate offense ranked second in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) in rushing, averaging 195.8 yards per game with 32 touchdowns.
 
Defensively, Hampton led the CAA in total defense yielding 317.7 yards per game, placing them 22nd nationally in the FCS. The Pirate pass defense was tops in the CAA with just 167.8 yards per game and the team had 19 takeaways with 32 sacks.
 
Three Hampton opponents are included in the first poll of the season. The Pirates open the 2025 campaign on Aug. 30 when they play at No. 1-ranked Jackson State. Hampton also takes on longtime foe Howard, tied with Hampton for the 12th spot with 13 votes, in the Battle of the Real HU, and local rival Norfolk State, 15th in the poll, in the Battle of the Bay.
 
2025 Preseason HBCU FCS Coaches Poll

No.	Team	W-L	Pts.
1	Jackson State (16)	12-2	176
2	South Carolina State (1)	9-3	156
3	North Carolina Central	8-3	130
4	Southern	8-5	101
5	Tennessee State	9-4	93
6	Florida A&M	7-5	90
7	Alabama State	7-5	83
8	Alabama A&M	6-3	50
9	Alcorn State	6-6	41
10	Morgan State	6-6	28

Others receiving votes: Prairie View A&M (5-7) 18, Hampton (5-7) 13, Howard (4-8) 13, Texas Southern (1) (5-6) 10, Norfolk State (4-8) 2.