Benedict Defeats Edward Waters to Climb Poll Rankings
The Tigers secured a 45-24 victory over the visiting Tigers in Columbia, shifting the HBCU D2 Football Coaches Poll standings.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Football
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Benedict College solidified its position in the HBCU D2 Football Coaches Poll after a decisive 45-24 victory against Edward Waters. The home team dominated the contest in Columbia, leading 35-3 at halftime before coasting to the final result.
Why it matters
The result directly impacts the late-season rankings for both programs, as Benedict leapfrogged its opponent in the latest HBCU D2 Football Coaches Poll. The win marks a significant shift in the competitive hierarchy of the division as teams approach the final stretch of the season.
Benedict improved its season record to 6-1, while Edward Waters dropped to 5-2 following the 45-24 loss. The home team established an early advantage by outscoring their opponent 35-3 in the first half.
The players
Benedict
Benedict is a college football program currently holding a 6-1 season record.
Edward Waters
Edward Waters is a college football program that holds a 5-2 record after traveling to Columbia.
Virginia State
Virginia State is currently ranked No. 1 in the HBCU D2 Football Coaches Poll.
Johnson C. Smith
Johnson C. Smith is tied for No. 3 in the HBCU D2 Football Coaches Poll.
The details
Benedict maintained its halftime momentum throughout the second half to keep Edward Waters at bay. The visitors traveled from Jacksonville to Columbia for the game, which served as a crucial test for both programs vying for position in the Division II rankings.
Timeline
Oct. 22, 2026: Game results and updated poll rankings are published.
Oct. 31, 2026: Virginia State is scheduled to play Johnson C. Smith.
Season Trajectory
This win alters the competitive landscape of the division by shuffling the middle-tier of the HBCU D2 Football Coaches Poll. The result puts Benedict in a stronger position to challenge top-ranked programs as the season nears its conclusion.
The result moves Benedict to No. 4 and drops Edward Waters to No. 5 in the latest coaches poll. The outcome leaves Benedict with a 6-1 record, positioning them ahead of Edward Waters in the current conference standings.
The takeaway
Maintaining a dominant halftime lead proved vital for Benedict to secure their path up the division rankings. Teams with late-season momentum like Benedict often find themselves in better position for postseason consideration as poll voters finalize their selections.
What happens next
Virginia State is scheduled to play Johnson C. Smith on Oct. 31, 2026.
Further reading
For more news and coverage on local games, visit Columbia Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Amsterdam News.
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