Episode 54 | "HBCU Drumline Tier List: 2026 Pre-Marching Season Update"
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The official Pre-2026 Marching Season HBCU Drumline Tier List is here, and no school is safe!
In this loaded episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell evaluate HBCU drumlines based on everything they witnessed throughout the Fall 2025 marching season and Spring 2026 battle season. Each line is judged using four major categories: ensemble sound, visual appeal, level of complexity, and overall energy.
South Carolina State, Florida Memorial, Virginia State, and Norfolk State continue to prove why they belong among the elite—but several programs made major moves. Jackson State and Fort Valley State earn their way into Tier One, Hampton finds itself right on the edge of joining them, and FAMU makes one of the biggest jumps on the entire list.
Jeremie and Bryon also have to make a painful, unbiased decision regarding their alma mater, Bethune-Cookman University. They discuss Sudden Impact’s talent, lack of exposure, missed performance opportunities, and the consistency issues that ultimately affected their ranking.
From established powerhouses to emerging programs finally putting themselves on the map, this episode breaks down where the HBCU drumline world currently stands—and what every line must do to move up during the 2026 season.
🥁 5th Quarter Picks
Jeremie’s Pick:
Alabama A&M University Drumline — 2025 Fan Day Performance
Bryon’s Pick:
South Carolina State University Drumline — Classic Vic Firth Performance
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