Alcorn State has been selected to finish third in the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s West Division in the 2026 preseason poll, as announced during SWAC Media Day in Birmingham, Alabama, on Wednesday, July 15. The poll was voted on by league head coaches and sports information directors.
The Braves received 90 points and one first-place vote. Defending SWAC champion Prairie View A&M was predicted to finish first in the division with 130 points and 19 first-place votes, followed by Grambling State with 93 points and two first-place votes. Texas Southern earned 79 points and one first-place vote, while Southern received 65 points and one first-place vote. Arkansas-Pine Bluff was picked sixth with 32 points.
Head coach Cedric Thomas said during the event, “We respect the process, but we don’t put a lot of stock in a preseason poll. Our guys know what we’re capable of, and we’re excited to go earn our own ranking on the field this fall.”
In the East Division, Alabama State was chosen to finish first with 131 points and 16 first-place votes, led by preseason Offensive Player of the Year Andrew Body. Jackson State was second with 122 points and seven first-place votes, followed by Bethune-Cookman, Florida A&M, Alabama A&M, and Mississippi Valley State.
Alcorn went 5-7 overall and 4-4 in SWAC play in 2025. The team placed six players on the preseason All-SWAC teams, including offensive linemen Cameran Rogers and Abe Diallo, defensive back Eric Thomas Jr., and punter Demetrion Duvall, all on the first team. Defensive linemen Kenneth Andrews and defensive back Tayvion Haney earned second-team honors.
The Braves open the 2026 season on Saturday, Aug. 29, hosting Miles at Jack Spinks–Marino Casem Stadium in Lorman. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Follow Alcorn State Sports on Twitter (@BravesSports), Instagram (@AlcornSports), and YouTube (Braves Sports Network) for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
