Here is the ranking of the top Division II football teams coming off Week 5 of the HBCU football season.
| Rank | Team | Previous Rank | 2023 record |
| 1 | Benedict | 1 | 5-0 |
| 2 | Virginia State | 2 | 5-0 |
| 3 | Miles | 4 | 4-1 |
| 4 | Tuskegee | 3 | 4-1 |
| 5 | West Virginia State | 6 | 4-1 |
| 6 | Fort Valley State | 9 | 4-1 |
| 7 | Virginia Union | 8 | 4-1 |
| 8 | Fayetteville State | 10 | 3-2 |
| 9 | Johnson C. Smith | NR | 4-1 |
| 10 | Albany State | NR | 3-2 |
