Alabama State’s football program is entering the 2026 season with a clear emphasis on its offensive line, a unit that coach Eddie Robinson Jr. has labeled the most exciting piece of his early tenure.
Veteran Leadership Meets Fresh Talent
The line retains a core of experienced players, including Elijah Baker, Dezmond Penn and J'vyon Tatum, who have consistently worked with the first‑team offense during fall camp. Andrew Body’s return from the offseason adds further depth and optimism.
Newcomers Marvin Lee Jr., a 6‑foot‑6 prospect, and Marc O'Bannon are generating preseason buzz despite limited game action in 2025, promising to inject fresh energy into the unit.
Veteran coach Jonathan Carr, a member of the 2004 squad that captured the university’s last SWAC title, brings championship experience that players say permeates the room.
Elijah Baker’s performance last season was standout: he surrendered just one sack and two pressures, earning first‑team All‑SWAC honors and securing eligibility for the 2027 NFL Draft.
His production is viewed as a linchpin for the team’s hopes of contending for both a SWAC championship and the broader HBCU National Championship.
The 2025 campaign featured 15 offensive linemen seeing snaps, with ten logging more than 50 plays, a fluidity that stemmed from injuries but also highlighted depth options such as Michael Moore Jr. and Tye Tucker who could see expanded roles if needed.
Balancing seasoned veterans with fresh talent, the line aims to translate its potential into tangible success when the season opens.