Alabama State leads all programs with nine preseason honorees as the conference
unveils its full 2026 Preseason All-SWAC Football Team
The Southwestern Athletic Conference officially released its 2026 Preseason All-SWAC Football Team
and individual awards Wednesday morning, and the two biggest honors went right where the buzz had
been building all offseason.
Body and Sallis Take the Top Individual Honors
Alabama State quarterback Andrew Body was named the 2026 Preseason SWAC Offensive Player of the
Year, confirming what had been the expected outcome since Media Day previews began circulating. Body was sensational in 2025, completing 113 of 160 passes (70.6 percent) for 1,770 yards, 20 touchdowns and just 1 interception, while adding 500 rushing yards and 4 more scores on the ground. His 221.3 passing yards per game and 203.6 passer rating helped push Alabama State to a 10-2 overall record and a 7-1 mark in SWAC play.
On the other side of the ball, Jackson State defensive back Kam Sallis was tabbed the 2026 Preseason
SWAC Defensive Player of the Year. Sallis intercepted two passes in 2025 and was a key piece of a
Jackson State defense that held opponents to 18.8 points and 111.7 rushing yards per game, helping
force eight team interceptions. The Tigers finished 9-3 overall and 7-1 in conference, reaching the SWAC
Championship Game.
Alabama State Leads the League in Honorees
Alabama State placed nine total players on the Preseason All-SWAC Team, the most of any program in
the conference. Jackson State, Bethune-Cookman and Alcorn State tied for the second-most recognition with six selections apiece, while Prairie View A&M, Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Alabama A&M each landed five players on the list.
Jackson State’s six honorees beyond Sallis include quarterback Jared Lockhart (Second Team), offensive lineman Quaveon Davis (First Team), wide receiver Nate Rembert (First Team), linebacker Carmello Jones (Second Team) and defensive back KJ Chisholm (Second Team). Alcorn State’s group of six was led by offensive lineman Cameran Rogers and defensive lineman Eric Thomas Jr. on the First Team, along with punter Demetrion Duvall, offensive lineman Abe Diallo, defensive lineman Kenneth Andrews and defensive back Tayvion Haney on the Second Team. Mississippi Valley State’s lone selection was linebacker Douglas Franklin on the Second Team.