
HBCU Football Season Kicks Off with Star Power and Classic Matchups
The upcoming HBCU football season opens with marquee matchups, highlighted by Alabama State’s Andrew Body, who earned preseason Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Eddie Robinson Jr. across Football.

The upcoming HBCU football season opens with marquee matchups, highlighted by Alabama State’s Andrew Body, who earned preseason Offensive Player of the Year honors.
The first-ever Birmingham Classic will be televised on ESPNU, featuring a historic matchup between two coaching icons and a spotlight on Alabama State’s new quarterback.
Alabama State’s linebacker unit blends senior leadership with emerging talent as the 2026 season approaches.
Alabama State University is banking on a revamped defensive line for 2026, blending new staff expertise with talented newcomers to achieve the consistency and leadership the program needs.
After star wide receiver Jalen Jones departed for the transfer portal, Alabama State's coaching staff is trusting the organic development of talent to replace his production.
During the second week of fall camp, Alabama State’s coaching staff addressed sluggishness, missing players and emerging position battles as the team prepares for its Birmingham showdown.
Coach Eddie Robinson Jr. says the 2026 offensive line is the most exciting unit of his early tenure, combining returning stalwarts like Elijah Baker with dynamic newcomers such as Marvin Lee Jr. and Marc O'Bannon.
On August 8, Alabama State’s football squad staged its first fall camp scrimmage at ASU Stadium, using full‑tackle drills to evaluate players ahead of the season. Highlights included a 50‑yard touchdown pass from Body to Randall King and the debut of offensive coordinator Tony Hull’s play‑calling.
Alabama State University is reshaping its defensive backfield as the 2026 season approaches, placing particular emphasis on the cornerback position.
Alabama State football camp intensifies with a 'fourth quarter' focus, key player updates and a band‑driven atmosphere.
Andrew Body’s 2025 campaign earned him HBCU National Player of the Year honors, but a late‑season shoulder injury halted his momentum. As the Hornets prepare for 2026, his health, depth behind him, and dual‑threat abilities dominate the conversation.
The first preseason practice on July 30 saw the team battling 90‑degree heat, with Body taking all first‑team reps and Pierre catching steady passes, setting the tone for a deep and competitive roster.
Alabama State’s football team, ranked atop the East Division, embraces intense preseason heat and internal standards to turn early optimism into a championship‑contending campaign.
Alabama State’s football program is ranked fourth in the initial Black College Football Poll for 2026, fueled by the return of HBCU Player of the Year Andrew Body, a revamped offense and a home‑heavy schedule that could reshape the SWAC landscape.

The Alabama State Hornets have been ranked fourth in the inaugural Preseason Black College Football Poll, reflecting their 10‑2 record and the growing influence of HBCU programs.
A year‑and‑a‑half in the making, the new Birmingham Classic will see Alabama State face Southern in a non‑conference contest that promises financial rewards, heightened visibility and a celebration of the city’s deep‑rooted sports culture.

Coach Eddie Robinson Jr. of Alabama State emphasizes standards that have produced a flawless record since 2021, while the 2026 schedule promises five ESPN broadcasts, key classic matchups and new scouting opportunities for HBCU athletes.
Alabama State’s football program, guided by head coach Eddie Robinson Jr., has maintained an unblemished record since 2021, leveraging ESPN broadcasts to attract recruits and highlight HBCU talent.
Alabama State football enters the 2026 season as the preseason favorite in the SWAC East, backed by a strong poll showing and a coach determined to chase the SWAC championship and the HBCU National Championship.
Alabama State quarterback Andrew Body uses his Instagram devotional ‘GOD1VATION’ to share daily reflections, sparking a wave of spiritual encouragement among teammates and fans alike.

Andrew Body’s 2025 performance earned him multiple national honors, a 10‑win season and a return for 2026, where he hopes to put Alabama State on the national map.
After leading Alabama State to its first 10-win season in 21 years, quarterback Andrew Body was named Small College Athlete of the Year and collected multiple national awards, signaling a promising future for the program.

The Black College Football Hall of Fame honored three distinguished figures — coach Rudy Hubbard, safety Nick Collins, and journalist Steve Wyche — for their enduring impact on the sport and its coverage.
Alabama State quarterback Andrew Body’s standout performance led his team to its first 10‑win season in 21 years, collecting a suite of conference and national honors that will be celebrated at Jacksonville State University.