SWAC Preseason Honors Revealed

Andrew Body Leads Alabama State to Preseason Spotlight

Body's award comes off a dominant 2025 season at Alabama State. He guided the Hornets to a 10-2 overall record and a 7-1 mark in conference play, per Fresno Bee. That performance earned him First Team All-SWAC honors in 2025, which directly fueled his preseason recognition heading into 2026.

A 10-2 record placed Alabama State among the SWAC's elite programs last season. Body's consistency under center made him the clear choice for the conference's top preseason offensive honor.

1 source

Kam Sallis Named Top Preseason Defender in SWAC

Jackson State's Kam Sallis claimed the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year award. Sallis plays defensive back for the Tigers, one of the SWAC's most historically prominent programs. His selection signals Jackson State's continued presence as a defensive force in the conference, according to Miami Herald.

1 source

SWAC Preseason Honors Set the 2026 Conference Hierarchy

Preseason All-Conference teams are voted on by coaches and media before a single snap is played. They reflect expectations based on past performance and returning talent. Body and Sallis represent two programs — Alabama State and Jackson State — that have been among the SWAC's most competitive in recent years, per Tri-City Herald.

The full 2026 Preseason All-Conference roster signals which players and teams carry the most weight heading into the new season. With the opener set for August 27, teams now have a clear target on their backs — or something to prove, according to The Olympian.

2 sources