Virginia State University Led September Band Rankings
The marching band secured the top spot in the Division II Red Lobster Band of The Year standings.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in R&B
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Virginia State University claimed the first-place position in the September 2026 Division II Red Lobster Band of The Year rankings. The university earned 299.3 points to lead the national field.
Why it matters
The rankings provide band directors with critical diagnostics and performance feedback to help improve future shows. This evaluation process encourages programs to balance their focus across all musical and performance units.
Virginia State University achieved 299.3 points in the September rankings, leading the field in design, marching maneuvers, and percussion. Fayetteville State University holds second place, while Miles College sits in third.
The players
Virginia State University
This public historically black university is based in Petersburg, Virginia.
Fayetteville State University
This public historically black university is located in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Miles College
This private historically black college is located in Fairfield, Alabama.
The details
Virginia State University placed first in categories including pictures, drill, and design, while Fayetteville State University topped the musicality category. Judges utilize a randomized rotating panel to evaluate the bands, with directors accessing performance data through the Competition Suite App.
Timeline
The Division II Band of The Year rankings for September 2026 were released.
Industry Dynamics
The use of the Competition Suite App for band evaluation remains a standard practice across the Division II circuit. The current rankings follow a pattern set by the use of this digital tool to provide directors with granular performance diagnostics.
Followers of the collegiate band circuit can track performance diagnostics through the official evaluation portal. These rankings determine the trajectory of programs as they march toward the national championship.
The takeaway
These rankings reflect the current competitive standing of HBCU bands as they refine their performances throughout the season. Directors can leverage the provided feedback to optimize their drill and percussion sections for future competitions.
Further reading
Find more updates on the competitive music circuit in the R&B section.
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