Albany State’s football program is entering a pivotal phase as head coach David Bowser prepares the 2026 squad for a demanding schedule.
A Roster Transformed
The roster has more than doubled, growing from 42 players in January to 94 by summer, with daily attendance averaging 70 to 75 athletes. The group includes 28 freshmen in a summer success academy, 52 high school signees — 28 from South Georgia — and 10 to 12 transfer players who rounded out the summer cohort.
Strength and conditioning coach Troy Williams oversees the daily workouts, while Bowser has instituted regular wellness checks to monitor both academic progress and personal well‑being.
Camp and Competition
The program recently hosted a seven‑on‑seven tournament with local high schools, and a second event is scheduled for July 9 at Albany State. Satellite camps were held in Raleigh‑Durham, Lexington and Tampa, giving prospects a chance to experience the campus environment and interact with the coaching staff.
Ticket Offer and Media Days
Early‑bird season tickets are available for $135 through July 15, granting access to three home games and the matchup against Florida A&M. Three Bulldogs — De’avary Weeks, Derek Drayton and Cameron Watts — will represent Albany State at SIAC Media Days, with Drayton arriving as a recent All‑American and Watts earning all‑conference honors on special teams.
Looking Ahead
Camp opens on August 2, with the first practice set for August 4. The team will also host a golf tournament on July 31 at the Flint River course, and coaches expect the Bulldogs to be ranked third to fifth in preseason polls.