The 2026 Southwestern Athletic Conference football season is set to showcase one of the most historic conferences in college athletics. Founded in 1920, the SWAC has built a legacy centered around tradition, competition, and excellence.
As one of the premier HBCU conferences in the country, the SWAC has played a significant role in providing opportunities for student-athletes while producing some of the most memorable programs and players in college football history.
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With 12 Historically Black Colleges and Universities competing for a conference championship, the SWAC continues to highlight the passion, rivalries, and traditions that make HBCU football unique.
From championship contenders to historic rivalry matchups, the 2026 season will bring another exciting year of SWAC football as teams compete for a spot at the top of the conference.
Matchups To Watch This Season
- Southern vs. Jackson State (BoomBox Classic) — September 26
- Alabama State vs. Alabama A&M (Magic City Classic) — October 31
- Florida A&M vs. Bethune-Cookman (Florida Classic) — November 21
2025 SWAC Football Standings
East Division
- Alabama State — Overall: 10-2, Conference: 7-1
- Jackson State — Overall: 9-3, Conference: 7-1
- Bethune-Cookman — Overall: 6-6, Conference: 5-3
- Florida A&M — Overall: 5-7, Conference: 4-4
- Alabama A&M — Overall: 4-8, Conference: 1-7
- Mississippi Valley State — Overall: 2-10, Conference: 1-7
West Division
- Prairie View A&M — Overall: 10-4, Conference: 7-1
- Texas Southern — Overall: 6-5, Conference: 5-3
- Grambling State — Overall: 7-5, Conference: 4-4
- Alcorn State — Overall: 5-7, Conference: 4-4
- Arkansas-Pine Bluff — Overall: 4-8, Conference: 2-6
- Southern — Overall: 2-10, Conference: 1-7
Prairie View A&M Looks To Defend Its SWAC Championship
Prairie View A&M enters the 2026 season as the reigning SWAC champions after a thrilling 23-21 victory over Jackson State in last year’s SWAC Football Championship Game. The Panthers' championship marked the program's first conference title since 2009 and added another chapter to one of the most competitive races in HBCU football. They are a team to watch this upcoming season as they look for their 13th conference championship.
2026 SWAC Football Preseason Awards
- Offensive Player of the Year: Andrew Body, Alabama State
- Defensive Player of the Year: Kam Sallis, Jackson State
HBCU National Player Of The Year Watch List
- Elijah Baker, Alabama State (OL)
- Andrew Body, Alabama State (QB)
- Herman Brister III, Southern (DB)
- Cornelious Brown IV, Alabama A&M (QB)
- Quaveon Davis, Jackson State (OL)
- Danarius Hilliard, Arkansas-Pine Bluff (LB)
- Jaylen Jennings, Arkansas-Pine Bluff (RB)
- RJ Johnson III, Grambling State (QB)
- Calvin McMillian, Prairie View A&M (OL)
- Kam Sallis, Jackson State (DB)
- Ta’Shaun Sims, Alabama State (DB)
Archived Footage On FloCollege
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