Preseason Honors
The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced its 2026 preseason football selections and individual award winners, marking the countdown to a campaign that will officially begin on August 27.
Alabama State quarterback Andrew Body was highlighted as the Offensive Player of the Year after a dominant 2025 campaign in which he threw for 1,770 yards and 20 touchdowns while also adding 500 rushing yards and four scores on the ground. His 203.6 passer efficiency rating and 221.3 yards per game underscore the explosiveness of the offense he led, helping the Bulldogs finish the regular season at 10‑2 overall and 7‑1 in conference play.
Defensive standout Kam Sallis of Jackson State earned Defensive Player of the Year honors. The secondary anchor recorded two interceptions and contributed to a unit that limited opponents to just 18.8 points per game and 111.7 rushing yards per contest, a performance that helped the Tigers finish 9‑3 overall.
The conference recognized a total of nine preseason all‑conference selections from Alabama State, the most of any member institution, while Jackson State, Bethune‑Cookman and Alcorn State each placed six players on the lists, reflecting depth across the league.
With the season opener looming, fans can expect a competitive slate as the SWAC looks to build on the momentum generated by these award winners and the broader recognition of its programs.