Football

Hornets Aim for SWAC Supremacy

Preseason poll predicts Alabama State atop the East, with Coach Eddie Robinson Jr. targeting both conference and national titles

Hornets Aim for SWAC Supremacy

Alabama State’s football program entered the 2026 season with a clear mandate after being selected as the preseason favorite in the SWAC East, edging out Jackson State in the league’s official poll. The Hornets earned 131 points, including 16 first‑place votes, trailing only Prairie View A&M’s 19.

Coach Eddie Robinson Jr. used the Media Day platform to articulate a vision that stretches beyond conference play. He spoke of daily improvement and a “big picture” that includes capturing both the SWAC championship and the HBCU National Championship, goals that have become the focal point of the team’s preparation.

Building on Near‑Miss Momentum

The Hornets were just a tiebreaker away from contesting the 2025 SWAC title, a near‑miss that has fueled optimism among players and staff. The experience of that close contest has translated into a heightened sense of urgency as the squad gears up for the upcoming schedule.

Quarterback’s Commitment to Consistency

Starting quarterback Andrew Body emphasized that the team’s ambition is not limited to a single game but to maintain competitiveness from the season opener on August 29 through the final match on December 12. His pledge reflects a culture that values steady progress over sporadic brilliance.

The buzz generated at SWAC Football Media Day underscores the growing reputation of Alabama State’s program. Fans, alumni, and media alike have rallied around the Hornets, signaling a community‑wide belief that the team can translate preseason expectations into tangible success on the field.

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