Preseason Poll Highlights Set Expectations for Alabama State Soccer
The 2026 SWAC preseason poll released on August 5 ranks Alabama State University’s men’s soccer team eighth overall with 46 points, positioning the Hornets behind a cluster of traditional powerhouses. Jackson State tops the chart with 110 points and six first‑place votes, while Grambling State follows in second with 97 points and a single first‑place vote.
Alabama A&M, Alcorn State and Texas Southern occupy the third through fifth spots with 92, 85 and 65 points respectively, underscoring a deep field of contenders. Prairie View A&M, Southern and Arkansas Pine‑Bluff round out the poll with 63, 52 and 20 points, illustrating the competitive balance within the conference.
Alabama State’s schedule begins with two home scrimmages against Southern Union on August 9 and Mobile on August 10, before the team’s first regular‑season encounter against Southern Mississippi on August 13 at the ASU Soccer Complex. These early matches will serve as a litmus test for a squad that is still integrating new tactics under its coaching staff.
Second‑year head coach Alicia Wilson brings a fresh perspective to the program, emphasizing disciplined defending and quick transitions. Wilson’s experience as a former collegiate midfielder informs her focus on ball possession and set‑piece efficiency, goals she hopes will translate into more points on the scoreboard.
A Tough Road Ahead
While the preseason rankings place Alabama State behind several established programs, the Hornets view the upcoming season as an opportunity to prove their mettle. The non‑conference fixtures, including the early home scrimmages, are designed to build chemistry and confidence before entering the rigorous SWAC slate.
The coaching staff and players alike are aware that each point earned will be crucial in the fight for playoff positioning. With a clear plan and a determined roster, Alabama State aims to climb the standings and finish the season stronger than its eighth‑place preseason projection.