Jackson State Predicted to Finish First in SWAC Softball Preseason Poll

Jackson State softball is predicted to finish first in the Southwestern Athletic Conference East Division, according to the conference’s preseason poll announced Monday. The Tigers are coming off a 29-25 season in 2025, with a 15-9 record in conference play.

Jackson State secured its second consecutive SWAC Tournament championship last season with a 3-1 victory over Florida A&M. The team will open the 2026 season at home Friday against Arlington Baptist at the River City Classic, which runs through Sunday.

The tournament begins at the JSU Softball Field on Friday, moves to Key Park in Vicksburg on Saturday, and concludes back at JSU on Sunday. Jackson State received 105 points and 11 first-place votes for the poll, which ranks teams within the conference.

In the SWAC East, Florida A&M was second with 85 points and seven first-place votes, followed by Alabama State with 80 points and three first-place votes. Bethune-Cookman finished with 72 points, Alabama A&M with 48, and Mississippi Valley State with 22.

In the West Division, Prairie View A&M was favored to win with 110 points and 14 first-place votes. Texas Southern was second with 88 points, Southern third with 70, and Grambling State fourth with 67. Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Alcorn State rounded out the division with 44 and 40 points, respectively.

First-place votes are indicated in parentheses next to team names. Fans can follow Jackson State athletics on social media at @GoJSUTigers on Twitter and Instagram, Jackson State Tigers on Facebook, or visit GoJSUTigers.com for more coverage.

Source: Original Article