As part of the SWAC Media Day festivities, the conference published its predicted order of finish, resulting in a surprising outcome in the SWAC East.
The SWAC picked Alabama State to finish atop the Eastern division ahead of the defending conference champion Florida A&M.
The Hornets received 114 points, including 11 first-place votes, while the Rattlers received 104 first-place votes, including six first-place votes.
One reason for this outcome is the roster turnover of the Rattlers, who entered this season after moving on from 10 of their All-SWAC selections last year.
They also underwent a significant coaching change, with head coach Willie Simmons leaving after five years with the team.
Meanwhile, Alabama State has steadily improved in each of its first two seasons under head coach Eddie Robinson Jr., and it has one of the top defenses in the country.
They also addressed problems at the quarterback position by acquiring former Texas Souther dual-threat signal-caller Andrew Body.
Body, however, is coming off a season in which he missed all but one game due to injury. While he has the skills to lead Bama State to the top of the division, his availability will play a factor in its ability to contend.
Should the Hornets live up to expectations by winning the SWAC East division title, it would be their first time doing so since 2010.
