​The 2026 HBCU college football season is nearly here, with the SWAC having unveiled its preseason award winners on Wednesday, July 8. Alabama State led the way among member institutions with a league-high nine selections on the preseason All-Conference list. At the forefront of these honors is Hornet quarterback Andrew Body, who was named the SWAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year as the 2026 season approaches. Body played a pivotal role in guiding Alabama State to its first 10-win campaign in 21 years and earned SWAC Offensive Player of the Year recognition in 2025 after completing nearly 71 percent of his passes for 1,770 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just one interception. He also contributed 518 rushing yards and four touchdowns during the 2025 season. Off the field, Body has enjoyed a busy offseason, having been named the ASWA’s Small College Athlete of the Year in 2025, placed on the 2026 Walter Peyton Award Preseason Watch List, and served as a counselor at the Manning Passing Academy.
The full slate of 2026 SWAC Football Preseason Awards includes several standout performers across both sides of the ball. Andrew Body of Alabama State was named Offensive Player of the Year. On defense, Kam Sallis of Jackson State earned Defensive Player of the Year honors. The offensive roster features a formidable group: at quarterback, Andrew Body (Alabama State); running backs Jaylen Jennings (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) and Chase Bingmon (Prairie View A&M); and offensive line standouts Elijah Baker (Alabama State), Calvin McMillian (Prairie View A&M), Quaveon Davis (Jackson State), Christian Loving (Bethune-Cookman), and Cameran Rogers (Alcorn State). In the receiving corps, Nate Rembert (Jackson State) and D’Avery Robinson (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) were recognized, with Travon Jones (Prairie View A&M) earning the Tight End honor.
On the defensive side, the line includes Malik Gucake (Prairie View A&M), Eric Thomas Jr. (Alcorn State), Arenza Davis (Alabama A&M), and Michael Joiner Jr. (Alabama State). Linebackers honored were Danarius Hilliard (Arkansas-Pine Bluff), Wyatt Wright (Alabama A&M), and Stephen Sparrow Jr. (Bethune-Cookman). In the secondary, Ta’Shaun Sims (Alabama State), Kam Sallis (Jackson State), Eric Zachery (Prairie View A&M), and Herman Brister III (Southern) earned Defensive Back honors. Special teams recognition went to place kicker David Faulk (Alabama A&M), punter Demetrion Duvall (Alcorn State), return specialist Nehemiah Hixon (Alabama State), and long snapper Cole Hash (Bethune-Cookman).
A separate set of preseason notes highlighted further offensive and defensive talents across the conference. In offense, Jared Lockhart (Jackson State) was listed at quarterback, with running backs Trey Holly (Southern) and Jamarie Hostzclaw (Alabama State) among the top backs. The offensive line selections included Dezmond Penn (Alabama State), Abe Diallo (Alcorn State), Jayden Daniels (Texas Southern), Alexander Vigil (Grambling State), and Nick Carter (Arkansas). These listings reflect the depth and variety of talent across the SWAC as teams prepare for the 2026 season.
The preseason awards not only spotlight individual excellence but also set the stage for the SWAC’s competition this fall. Alabama State’s nine selections underscore the program’s strong electric mix of quarterback play, running game, and frontline blocking, while the presence of top defenders like Kam Sallis signals Jackson State’s defensive prowess. As the season nears, fans will be watching to see how these honorees translate their preseason hype into in-season performance and whether they can lead their teams to conference success and postseason opportunities.