In a huge, stunning blow, transfer Mekhi Hagens has been removed from Bulldog’s roster due to academic concerns. The news, first reported by FCS Craig Haley and others, confirmed sources close to Bulldog’s program leaving first year head coach Sam Shade scrambling to find a solution to solidify his offensive plans in the SWAC Conference. Hagens, a dynamic quarterback who transferred from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff earlier this season, was expecting to bring firepower and competition to Alabama A&M’s program. Last season, Hagens ranked second in the conference with 2,541 passing yards and third in touchdown passes while adding 134 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. He threw for over 200 yards in eight games, showcasing his arm strength and fearlessness in the pocket, though his completion rate is under 50% with 10 interceptions across his career totals of 3,0393 passing yards and 19 touchdowns during his time at UAPB.

Hagen's journey to Alabama A&M was circuitous. After entering the portal in late April after the UAPB spring game, Hagens briefly committed to Lamar University before flipping over to the Bulldogs, drawn perhaps by the opportunity to compete in the SWAC under a new team and coaching staff. His arrival was seen as a potential game-changer for the Bulldogs after they came off a 6-6 record in 2024, which led to Connell Maynor in December. But those hopes disappeared this week, when Hagens was sidelined for what Haley called “an academic issue”. The Bulldogs have not issued an official statement, nor has Coach Shade commented about the situation. As for Shade, who arrived at Alabama A&M after leading Miles College to the SIAC title and playoff berth in 2024. The Bulldogs were anticipated to feature a heated starting QB competition between Hagen and Cornelious Brown IV, but now the spotlight is on Brown, a senior who has experience but is inconsistent as a starter. Brown has not yet fully cemented himself as a top-tier SWAC quarterback, joining a mix of earning starting quarterback positions with fellow redshirt senior Zavier Wright, and transfers redshirt freshman JD Davis III, redshirt freshman Eric Handley, and redshirt sophomore Ashley Tucker Jr.

Things couldn't be worse for Alabama A&M, which opened its 2025 season on the road against Arkansas. Without Hagens, the Bulldogs may lack the explosiveness needed to challenge in their conference/division. Fans and analysts are left wondering how this academic setback will reshape the team and their identity this season under new head coach Shade.