The 2026 Pepsi SWAC Men’s Basketball Tournament arrives with Bethune-Cookman holding the No. 1 seed, but the 12-team field boasts players capable of showing out.
These five standouts from mid-to-lower seeds pack the stats and ability to spark deep runs and etch their names in HBCU March lore.
1. Daeshun Ruffin, Jackson State (No. 7 seed) — SWAC Player of the Year
Ruffin leads the conference at 23.9 points per game, ranking top-10 in assists (4.8 apg) and steals (2.1 spg), and could power a Tigers run in the tournament. His four 30-point games this season showcased the scoring bursts that could carry Jackson State.
2. Dontae Horne, Prairie View A&M (No. 8 seed) — First-Team All-SWAC
Averaging 15.2 points and 4.5 rebounds across 32.4 minutes per game, Horne thrives in creation, hitting 48% from the field and anchoring the Panthers offense. His knack to explode in any game can give the Panthers a shot.
3. Quion Williams, Arkansas-Pine Bluff (No. 6 seed) — First-Team All-SWAC
Williams logs a league-high 36.3 minutes per game with 14.8 points, 5.2 assists and 1.9 steals, making him the Golden Lions’ engine.
4. Kintavious Dozier, Alabama A&M (No. 5 seed) — 14.9 PPG
Dozier’s 14.9 points per game (42% FG) and 3.7 rebounds fuel the Bulldogs’ gritty style. His presence in the early rounds could swing the bracket.
5. Jerquarius Stanback, Alabama State (No. 10 seed) — Defensive Player of the Year
Stanback swats 2.0 blocks per game while adding 12.4 points and 6.2 rebounds, positioning the Hornets as first-round spoilers over Alcorn. If he extends his 15-point, 8-rebound streak, Alabama State could make some noise.
