BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alcorn has been picked to finish third in the West Division in the Southwestern Athletic Conference's (SWAC) 2026 preseason predicted order of finish, as voted on by the league's head coaches and sports information directors and announced during SWAC Media Day in Birmingham, Alabama, on Wednesday, July 15.
Alcorn, entering their third season under head coach
Cedric Thomas, tallied 90 points and a first-place vote in the poll. Defending SWAC Champion Prairie View A&M was tabbed to repeat atop the West with 130 points and 19 first-place votes, followed by Grambling State (93 points, two first-place votes).
Texas Southern (79 points, one first-place vote) and Southern (65 points, one first-place vote) rounded out the middle of the division, with Arkansas-Pine Bluff (32 points) picked sixth, respectfully.
"We respect the process, but we don't put a lot of stock in a preseason poll," Thomas said during the SWAC Media Day event. "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 picked to finish first with 131 points and 16 first-place votes – highlighted by Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Andrew Body. The Hornets were followed by Jackson State (122 points, seven first-place votes), Bethune-Cookman (71 points), Florida A&M (70 points), Alabama A&M (66 points, one first-place vote) and Mississippi Valley State (29 points).
The Braves went 5-7 overall (4-4 SWAC) play in 2025.
Alcorn also placed six players on the Preseason All-SWAC teams: offensive lineman
Cameran Rogers (First Team Offense), defensive back
Eric Thomas Jr. (First Team Defense) and punter
Demetrion Duvall (First Team Special Teams), along with offensive lineman
Abe Diallo, defensive lineman
Kenneth Andrews and defensive back
Tayvion Haney, each named Second Team.
Alcorn opens the 2026 season on Saturday, Aug. 29, hosting Miles at Jack Spinks – Marino Casem Stadium in Lorman. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
Follow Alcorn State Sports on Twitter (
@BravesSports) for all the latest news and updates. Follow us on Instagram (
@AlcornSports) and YouTube (
Braves Sports Network)
for even further behind-the-scenes action across all Braves Athletics.
