BG
Senior Member
1. Alcorn State (0-0)
The Braves return after opting out of the spring season due to concerns related to COVID-19. Before opting out, Alcorn State won the SWAC East Division for six straight years and won the SWAC championship in 2018 and 2019. With the addition of Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman to the conference this season, Alcorn State moves to the West. SWAC sports information directors and coaches voted the Braves to win the division in the preseason poll.2. Alabama A&M (0-0)
The Bulldogs are the reigning SWAC champions after dominating the spring with a 5-0 record. Alabama A&M returns many key pieces, including spring SWAC Offensive Player Aqeel Glass. SWAC SIDs and coaches voted AAMU to win the East.3. Jackson State (0-0)
Talent isn't a question for the Tigers. On paper, Jackson State has the most talented team in the SWAC, brining in Power 5 transfers and four-star prospects under coach Deion Sanders. The question lies on whether or not this new group, at a program that finished 4-3 in the spring and has freshman Shedeur Sanders starting at quarterback, can gel together quick enough to contend for a conference championship.4. Florida A&M (0-0)
The Rattlers join the SWAC after not playing in 2020 or in the spring as former members of the MEAC. FAMU brings in a signing class that features two three-star high school prospects and four-star transfer Savion Williams from Tennessee. The biggest replacement the Rattlers have to make is at the quarterback position, with program record-holder Ryan Stanley's college career ending. RaSean McKay is the projected new starter, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.5. Southern (0-0)
The Jaguars were 5-1 in the spring season. Southern had nine players selected to the preseason All-SWAC teams, headlined by reigning conference Defensive Player of the Year Jordan Lewis.
Clarion Ledger SWAC football rankings: Week 1
Here are the Clarion Ledger's first SWAC football rankings for the 2021 season.
www.clarionledger.com
