College football is slowly but surely returning.
That return is evidenced by conferences beginning to outline who they think will be star players in the upcoming campaign. On Wednesday, the SWAC, which features three Mississippi schools, did just that.
The 2026 SWAC preseason awards featured a Jackson State defensive back being projected to be the best player on his side of the ball, five other Tigers earning All-SWAC honors, a whopping six Alcorn State players being named All-SWAC selections, and a Mississippi Valley State player also making the list.
Jackson State
The Tigers are entering year four of the T.C. Taylor era with high expectations after ending the most recent campaign as SWAC champion runners-up. With a revamped roster, Jackson State will look to run through 2026 with a vengeance. Leading that effort on the field will be defensive back Kam Sallis, who was named the SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
Sallis, also a first-team All-SWAC preseason honoree, helped anchor Jackson State defense in 2025 that ranked among the league’s best. He recorded two interceptions while helping the Tigers limit opponents to just 18.8 points per game, 111.7 rushing yards per contest, and force eight team interceptions.
2026 Pre-Season All @theswac Team 📯#GuardTheeYard #TheeYard pic.twitter.com/A8HThlgPXf
— Jackson State Football (@gojsutigersfb) July 8, 2026
On the offensive side of the ball, offensive lineman Quaveon Davis and wideout Nate Rembert were first-team selections. Rembert notably logged 774 yards and 7 touchdowns on 45 receptions in 2025. As for second-team honorees, Jackson State had three — quarterback Jared Lockhart, linebacker Carmello Jones, and defensive back KJ Chisolm. Lockhart is notably filling the shoes of veteran JaCobian Morgan.
Jackson State will kick off the 2026 season versus Tennessee State in Nashville on Aug. 29.
Alcorn State
The Braves will look to get back in the winning column more frequently after a 5-7 finish in 2025. Heading into year three as the program’s frontman, Cedric Thomas believes he has the roster to compete at a high level, and the SWAC seemingly agreed in its preseason list.
Alcorn State had a balanced group of first-team honorees, with a player in each phase of the game being recognized. Offensive lineman Cameran Rogers anchored his side of the ball, while defensive lineman Eric Thomas Jr. held down the fort on his side. Thomas had 26 total tackles, 4 sacks, and a fumble recovery in 2025. In the special teams room, punter Demetrion Duvall was a first-teamer.
As for second-team honors, the Braves also had three players get the nod — offensive lineman Abe Diallo, defensive lineman Kenneth Andrews, and defensive back Tayvion Haney.
Alcorn State will kick off the 2026 season versus Miles in Lorman on Aug. 29.
Mississippi Valley State
The Delta Devils will enter year two of the Terrell Buckley era looking to improve upon last season’s 2-10 finish. Mississippi Valley State will head into the upcoming campaign with just one preseason All-SWAC honoree — linebacker Douglas Franklin. The junior from Cleveland totaled 37 tackles and a pass deflection while anchoring his team’s defense in 2025.
Mississippi Valley State will kick off the 2026 season at Nicholls on Aug. 27.
