Category: SWAC

South Carolina State, Johnson C. Smith Headline Inaugural 2026 Preseason Black College Football Poll

Brandon King

Defending HBCU champions South Carolina State and Johnson C. Smith have been voted No. 1 in the inaugural 2026 Preseason Black College Football Poll, making history as the first programs to top the newly established national rankings. The poll, which is endorsed by the MEAC, SWAC, CIAA and SIAC, provides an official weekly ranking of HBCU football programs across NCAA Division I (FCS) and Division II. The rankings are determined by a panel of HBCU head coaches and media members and are designed to become the definitive benchmark for Black…

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SWAC Announces 2026 Football Preseason Awards: Andrew Body, Kam Sallis Earn Top Honors

Brandon King

The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) has officially unveiled its 2026 Football Preseason Awards and All-SWAC teams, with Alabama State quarterback Andrew Body and Jackson State defensive back Kam Sallis earning the league’s top individual honors. Body was voted the 2026 SWAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year after leading one of the conference’s most dynamic offenses last season. The Hornets signal-caller also earned First Team All-SWAC honors at quarterback. In just eight games during the 2025 campaign, Body completed 113 of 160 passes (70.6%) for 1,770 yards, 20 touchdowns, and…

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SWAC Announces 2026 Football Media Day Attendees

Brandon King

The Southwestern Athletic Conference has officially released the list of head coaches and student-athletes who will represent each program at the 2026 SWAC Football Media Day, set for July 15 in Birmingham, Alabama. The annual event serves as the unofficial kickoff to the SWAC football season, featuring preseason storylines, player availability, and the release of the predicted order of finish. Each of the 12 member institutions will be represented by its head coach along with two student-athletes. 🏈 2026 SWAC Football Media Day Attendees Alabama A&M Alabama State Alcorn State…

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ICYMI: Alabama A&M Names Former Southern Band Director Nathan B. Haymer as Marching Maroon & White Arranger

Brandon King

The Alabama A&M University Marching Maroon & White has announced the appointment of Nathan B. Haymer as the program’s new arranger, bringing one of the most recognizable names in HBCU band culture back into a prominent collegiate role. Haymer previously served as director of bands at Southern University, where he helped elevate the nationally acclaimed Human Jukebox before his tenure came to an abrupt end. In 2021, Haymer was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to federal program theft involving funds intended for Southern University’s band…

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Kendrick Perkins Joins Jackson State as Men’s Basketball GM

Brandon King

A major name in basketball and sports media is headed to the HBCU ranks. Former NBA champion and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins has agreed to become the men’s basketball General Manager at Jackson State University, adding another high-profile figure to the Tigers’ athletic department. Perkins, a 14-year NBA veteran who won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008, said the opportunity is about more than basketball. “I’m thankful for this opportunity to impact young lives and pour back into my community.” In addition to serving as men’s…

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The John A. Merritt Classic moved to FirstBank Stadium

Staff

Courtesy of Courtesy of Tennessee State Athletics NASHVILLE — Tennessee State and Jackson State will renew one of HBCU football’s most storied rivalries at Vanderbilt University’s FirstBank Stadium when the teams meet in the 2026 John A. Merritt Classic, presented by the Tennessee Titans and ONE Community, on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 7:30 p.m. Tennessee State 2026 single-game tickets, including the John A. Merritt Classic, will go on sale Monday, June 15, at 9 a.m. CT. The game will be played at FirstBank Stadium due to NFL scheduling, which has the Tennessee Titans…

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Former Alabama State Players Ruled Permanently Ineligible in Gambling Scandal

Brandon King

The NCAA has permanently ruled four former Alabama State players ineligible after determining they accepted money from gamblers to influence the outcome of a game during the 2024-25 season. Among those sanctioned is Amarr Knox, the hero of Alabama State’s historic first NCAA Tournament victory, along with teammates Shawn Fulcher, Corey Hines, and Tony Madlock. According to the NCAA, the four players accepted a combined $2,000 from gamblers in an effort to manipulate the outcome of the Hornets’ December 5, 2024 matchup against Southern Miss. The NCAA’s investigation concluded that…

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Former Alabama A&M Receiver Franck Pierre Commits To Alabama State

Brandon King

Alabama State has added another experienced playmaker to its receiving corps, as former Alabama A&M wide receiver Franck Pierre announced his commitment to the Hornets via social media. Pierre arrives in Montgomery after a productive season with the Bulldogs, where he recorded 33 receptions for 548 yards and five touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays gives Alabama State another weapon as the program looks to build on its recent success and compete for a SWAC championship in 2026. The move is particularly noteworthy because it…

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Week 11 of Dr Cavil’s Inside the HBCU Sports Lab Final Major Division Top 5 Poll Rankings

Brandon King

After 11 weeks of exciting action on HBCU diamonds that featured exciting matchups and actress of stand out players and performances, we have reached the final poll rankings for 2026 and a champion will be crowned. 5. UAPB Golden Lions (24–34, 15–12) — 64 pts After being unranked the previous week , the Lions of Arkansas Pine Bluff clawed their way into the final poll rankings at No.5. The Lions did what many did not see coming, and that was take down no.1 seed Bethune-Cookman, who had been the best…

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I’Xana Winters Commits To Mississippi Valley State, Giving Devilettes A Dynamic Backcourt Addition

Brandon King

The roster rebuild continues for the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes, and the latest addition could end up being one of the more impactful under-the-radar pickups in the SWAC. I’Xana Winters, a 5-foot-7 guard transferring from Itawamba Community College, has officially committed to Mississippi Valley State women’s basketball, bringing experience, toughness, and backcourt versatility to the Delta Devils program. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Winters developed into a dependable contributor during her time at Itawamba CC, showcasing the ability to score, facilitate, and defend multiple guard positions. She appeared in 30…

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