Alabama A&M University’s football program entered the 2026 season with a notable presence on the SWAC preseason awards, as five of its student‑athletes earned spots on the conference’s first and second teams. The recognition underscores the Bulldogs’ depth and the coaching staff’s ability to develop talent across both sides of the ball.
Preseason Honors
Arenza Davis, a standout linebacker, was placed on the first team after posting 31 total tackles, five tackles for a loss and four quarterback hurries in the previous campaign, numbers that highlight his disruptive presence in the middle of the defense.
Wyatt Wright, also earning first‑team honors, contributed 72 tackles, six tackles for a loss, three sacks and an interception, illustrating his versatility as a pass‑rusher and ball‑hawk.
Freshman kicker David Faulk made the first team as well, having converted 10 of 12 field‑goal attempts with a career‑best 47‑yard effort, a promising sign for a unit that struggled with consistency last year.
Jordan Chambers‑Smith and Keon Handley Jr. rounded out the second‑team selections; Chambers‑Smith caught 24 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns while also handling punt returns, and Handley Jr. ranked fifth on the team with 44 tackles, four tackles for loss and a sack.
The Bulldogs open the season on August 29 in Atlanta against Howard as part of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, then travel to face Miles College for their home opener just one week later, setting the stage for a demanding early schedule.
With the preseason accolades already in hand, the team’s focus now shifts to turning those individual recognitions into collective victories on the field as they navigate a tough opening stretch.