Preseason Rankings
Alabama State University’s football team entered the first-ever Black College Football Poll ranked fourth, trailing only South Carolina State, which claimed the top spot with 36 first‑place votes. The Hornets earned six first‑place votes themselves, underscoring confidence in their upcoming campaign.
The Hornets are riding the momentum of a 10‑win season, their best record since 2004, and a near‑miss in the SWAC Championship game that slipped away due to a tiebreaker with Jackson State. That experience has set a high bar for the upcoming schedule.
Key Player Return
Quarterback Andrew Body, named the 2026 SWAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, has re‑committed to Alabama State after a brief stint in the transfer portal. His return is expected to bolster the offense and drive the team toward its championship aspirations.
The Hornets will open the season at the Birmingham Classic, facing Southern on August 28, a matchup that will test their early‑season form and set the tone for the rest of the schedule.