Norfolk State’s Spartan Legion and Virginia State’s Trojan Explosion lead the first 2026 Red Lobster Band of the Year rankings, released Tuesday, Sept. 22. A fraction of a point separates one race. The other begins with a commanding advantage.
After four weeks of drum cadences, dance team performances, and drum major shows, Norfolk State high steps as the Division I leader with 304.6 points, just 0.1 ahead of North Carolina A&T’s Blue and Gold Marching Machine. Bethune-Cookman (303.5), Florida A&M (303.4), and Jackson State (301.5) complete the top five.
Virginia State is marching strong, leading their Division II opponents with 299.3 points, 26.05 ahead of Fayetteville State’s Marching Bronco eXpress. Defending Division II champion Miles College is third at 264.2, only 0.05 ahead of Winston-Salem State. Tuskegee is fifth at 261.1…