The SWAC announced its 2025 preseason poll at the conference’s annual football media day, and the favorites have not changed.
Jackson State (126) was selected to finish first in the SWAC Eastern Division. Florida A&M (99), Alabama State (91), Alabama A&M (62), Bethune-Cookman (45), and Mississippi Valley State (24) round out the East Division Preseason Poll rankings.
Southern (120) was tabbed to finish in first place in the SWAC Western Division. Alcorn State (90), Prairie View A&M (72), Texas Southern (60), Grambling State (55), and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (28) round out the West Division Preseason Poll rankings.
The Southern Jaguars tallied the most first-place votes, with 17 overall, followed by Jackson State (16) and Florida A&M (3).
If the order holds, Jackson State and Southern will play in the conference championship game for the second straight season, and the third time in the last five years. In 2024, JSU scored a 41-13 win over Southern to clinch a berth in the Celebration Bowl.
2025 SWAC Football Predicted Order of Finish
SWAC East
Jackson State- 126 points (16)
Florida A&M- 99 points (3)
Alabama State- 91 points (2)
Alabama A&M- 62 points
Bethune-Cookman- 45 points (1)
Mississippi Valley State- 24 points
SWAC West
Southern- 120 points (17)
Alcorn State- 90 points (2)
Prairie View A&M- 72 points (1)
Texas Southern- 60 points
Grambling State- 55 points
Arkansas-Pine Bluff- 28 points (1)
