The HBCU football season is right around the corner and there is a lot to be excited about in the SWAC.
This offseason has been one for the ages with a number of transfers committing to the SWAC, three players getting selected in the NFL draft, and plenty of top players returning for the 2022 season.
The conference is loaded with talent from top to bottom, which could lead to a heated battle in both divisions for a spot in the SWAC championship game.
In the meantime, let’s take a look at some of the top returning players to watch for this fall.
SWAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Shedeur Sanders, Jackson State
SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Isaiah Land, Florida A&M
Also read: How long is each SWAC school’s conference championship drought?
All-SWAC Preseason First Team
QB: Shedeur Sanders, Jackson State
RB: Caleb Johnson, Mississippi Valley State
RB: Gary Quarles, Alabama A&M
WR: Abdul-Fatai Ibrahim, Alabama A&M
WR: Malachi Wideman, Jackson State
TE: Kemari Averett, Bethune-Cookman
OL: Dallas Black, Southern
OL: Mark Evans II, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
OL: Drake Centers, Texas Southern
OL: Tony Gray, Jackson State
OL: Robert Alston, Alabama State
DL: Jason Dumas, Southern
DL: Sundiata Anderson, Grambling State
DL: Ronnie Thomas, Mississippi Valley State
DL: Jordan Lewis, Southern
LB: Isaiah Land, Florida A&M
LB: Aubrey Miller, Jackson State
LB: Monroe Beard III, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
DB: BJ Bohler, Florida A&M
DB: Omari Hill-Robinson, Bethune-Cookman
DB: Shilo Sanders, Jackson State
DB: Irshaad Davis, Alabama State
K: Jose Romo Martinez, Florida A&M
P: Josh Sanchez, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
RS: Isaiah Bolden, Jackson State
All-SWAC Preseason Second Team
QB: Andrew Body, Texas Southern
RB: Niko Duffey, Alcorn State
RB: LaDarius Owens, Texas Southern
WR: Xavier Smith, Florida A&M
WR: Jacory Rankin, Mississippi Valley State
TE: Jyrin Johnson, Texas Southern
OL: Noah Hayes, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
OL: Tyler Thomas, Grambling State
OL: Trayvon Taylor, Alabama State
OL: Jonathan Williams, Alabama A&M
DL: Gentle Hunt, Florida A&M
DL: Jalen Bell, Mississippi Valley State
DL: Devonta Davis, Jackson State
DL: Troy James, Prairie View A&M
LB: Tarik Cooper, Texas Southern
LB: Claudin Cherelus, Alcorn State
LB: Timon Akins, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
DB: Jamias Presley, Prairie View A&M
DB: Rey Estes, Grambling State
DB: Christopher Daigre, Grambling State
DB: Glenn Brown, Southern
K: Garrett Urban, Grambling State
P: Orlando Fernandez, Mississippi Valley State
RS: Darnell Deas, Bethune-Cookman
