As the 2025 college football season kicks off, the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is once again set to be one of the most exciting and competitive conferences. From fierce traditional rivalries to nationally-televised HBCU classics, the SWAC delivers high-level football, electric atmospheres, and rich cultural tradition. Jackson State: Jackson State entered one the Top favorites in Swac last season Tigers had 12-2 record and 8-0 in Conference they ended the season winning both the SWAC Champion and Celebration Bowl. Jackson State return with same but different team that lead to SWAC Champion lead by 2024 FCS Football Central All-American,2024 Cricket Celebration Bowl Defensive Most Valuable Player,and 2025 Preseason First Team All-SWAC Defensive lineman Jeremiah William and 2024 Cricket Celebration Bowl Offensive MVP,2024 Preseason First Tea All-SWAC,and 2025 SWAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Jacobian Morgan. Last Season Jackson State was number one in offense passing, rushing and number two defense in SWAC with Physical Defense and High Power offense they can be back to back SWAC champion.
Southern Jaguars: SWAC West Champion Southern Jaguars capped 8-5 overall record and 7-1 overall conference record. Despite losing to Jackson State in the SWAC Championship the Jaguars are still one the top tier team in their division. 2024 Co Defense Player and 2025 Preseason Player of Year Celby Givens one best Defense lineman in Nation and SWAC return to lead Jaguars defense last season Givens led the SWAC in tackles for loss(27.5) and second in Seasons. Every great defense needs a great offense. Southern is struggling on offense finding a quarterback.Sophomore Jalen Woods and East Mississippi Community College transfer Jamari Jones are battling for the starting position.
Florida A&M: The Rattlers are another strong contender SWAC last Season Florida A&M ranked six in both offense and defense despite having 7-5 overall and 5-3 in Conference they are looking to bounce. Rattlers had six players earn All Preseason First led by offensive lineman Charles Davis and Asht Grable both first team all team selection Grable was an NCAA All-HBCU selection and All-SWAC First Team in 2024 while Davis was All SWAC First Team in 2024. While running back Thad Franklin made All SWAC Preseason First Team last season Franklin had 120 Carries,653 yards,and 5 TD he ranked number nine in rushing and eleven in rushing TDs. On defense side defensive end Linman Davion Westmor( who led the team in Tackles loss and sacks), Line Backer Nay’Ron Jenis(Lead Team Tackle),and CornerBack Tj Huggins( Lead Team in Interception and rank six in SWAC in Interceptions). The Rattlers looking good on both sides right now Rattlers is a quarterback C.J Monte a Transfer from Fordham University and 2023 Walter Payton Award Finalist committed to play for them but decided to move his talent to Kent State,but the Rattlers still had quarterback they got from portal J Johnson III (Toledo), Tyler Jefferson (Central Michigan), and Roman Purcell (Indiana).
Alabama State Hornets: "Offense wins games but defense wins championship “ Paul Braynt Last Season The Hornets had number one defense in SWAC led by All SWAC Defense First Team Keane Lewis. This defense was ranked number one in sacks,total defense,rush defense,scoring,interceptions,fumble force,turnovers gained, fewest first downs,turnover margins,and sacks. Keane Lewis had a great season he had 40 Tackles, 2 Fumble Recovery 2 Interceptions, and 1 Sack on November 2,2024 Lewis had eight solo tackles. That following season he was named All SWAC Second Team. This Hornet defense needs to keep the same momentum like they did last season. If they do they will be forced to be reckoned with but like I said before a great defense needs a great offense The Hornets have a great offense led by ALL SWAC First Team offensive lineman Desmond Daniles. This Past Season Desmond played 11 out 12 games, gave up one sack, and with help from another lineman the offense had 2,372 rushing yards last season he was named ALL SWAC Second Team. One thing Alababma need to and that is keep transfer Houston quarterback Andrew Body healthy last year Andrew suffered season shoulder injury against North Carolina Central. During his last three seasons at Houston Adrew threw 2,879 yards,15 Touchdowns, rushed 867 and five TDs. If Andrew Body stays healthy he will top best qbs in SWAC and the Hornets will be number one team in their division.
