FAMU eyes upset
Jackson State, fresh off its 2024 national title run, dominated the East Division polling with 126 points and 16 first-place votes. The Tigers are poised to defend their crown under head coach T.C. Taylor, who returns a loaded roster. FAMU, under second-year coach James Colzie III, garnered 99 points and three first-place votes, signaling respect from voters but underscoring the gap to close with Jackson State.
“Preseason polls are about expectations, but it’s up to us to turn projections into results,” said FAMU’s second-year Head Coach James Colzie. “Every team starts 0-0 in August.”
The Rattlers will face off against the Tigers on November 1, in Bragg Stadium, in what could be a battle for the SWAC East Championship.
Alabama State (91 points, 2 first-place votes) landed third, followed by Alabama A&M (62 points). Bethune-Cookman (45 points, 1 first-place vote) and Mississippi Valley State (24 points) rounded out the division. Notably, fifth-place Bethune-Cookman received a lone first-place nod, hinting at potential underdog intrigue.
SWAC West: Southern dominates polls, Alcorn State in pursuit
Southern’s 120 points and 17 first-place votes cemented the Jaguars as West Division frontrunners. Alcorn State (90 points, 2 first-place votes) trailed in second, while Prairie View A&M (72 points, 1 vote) and Texas Southern (60 points) followed. Grambling State (55 points) and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (28 points, 1 first-place vote) completed the rankings, with UAPB’s solitary top vote adding a preseason curiosity.
Season outlook
The predictions set up a potential SWAC Championship Game rematch between Jackson State and Southern, who clashed in 2024. For FAMU, the challenge will be leveraging its revamped defense to dethrone Jackson State, which has won there of the last four SWAC East titles.
FAMU kicks off its 2025 season on August 30, in Miami Gardens, FL, when it faces Howard University in the Orange Blossom Classic.