Jackson State: Jackson State entered as one of the top favorites in the SWAC last season. The Tigers had a 12-2 record and were 8-0 in conference play. They ended the season winning both the SWAC Championship and the Celebration Bowl. Jackson State returns with the same but different team that led them to the SWAC Championship, led by 2024 FCS Football Central All-American, 2024 Cricket Celebration Bowl Defensive Most Valuable Player, and 2025 Preseason First Team All-SWAC defensive lineman Jeremiah Williams, and 2024 Cricket Celebration Bowl Offensive MVP, 2024 Preseason First Team All-SWAC, and 2025 SWAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Jacobian Morgan. Last season, Jackson State was number one in offense, passing, and rushing, and number two in defense in the SWAC. With a physical defense and high-power offense, they can be back-to-back SWAC champions.

Southern Jaguars: SWAC West Champion Southern Jaguars capped an 8-5 overall record and a 7-1 conference record. Despite losing to Jackson State in the SWAC Championship, the Jaguars are still one of the top-tier teams in their division. 2024 Co-Defensive Player and 2025 Preseason Player of the Year Celby Givens, one of the best defensive linemen in the nation and SWAC, returns to lead the Jaguars defense. Last season, Givens led the SWAC in tackles for loss (27.5) and was second in sacks. Every great defense needs a great offense. Southern is struggling on offense to find a quarterback. Sophomore Jalen Woods and East Mississippi Community College transfer Jamari Jones are battling for the starting position.

Florida A&M: The Rattlers are another strong contender in the SWAC. Last season, Florida A&M ranked sixth in both offense and defense. Despite having a 7-5 overall and 5-3 conference record, they are looking to bounce back. The Rattlers had six players earn All-Preseason First Team honors, led by offensive linemen Charles Davis and Asht Grable, both first-team all-team selections. Grable was an NCAA All-HBCU selection and All-SWAC First Team in 2024, while Davis was All-SWAC First Team in 2024. Running back Thad Franklin made the All-SWAC Preseason First Team. Last season, Franklin had 120 carries, 653 yards, and 5 touchdowns; he ranked number nine in rushing and eleven in rushing touchdowns. On defense, defensive end Davion Westmore (who led the team in tackles for loss and sacks), linebacker Nay’Ron Jenis (led team tackles), and cornerback TJ Huggins (led the team in interceptions and ranked sixth in the SWAC in interceptions) are key players. The Rattlers are looking good on both sides. The Rattlers had quarterback C.J. Monte, a transfer from Fordham University and 2023 Walter Payton Award finalist, who committed to play for them but decided to transfer to Kent State. However, the Rattlers still have quarterbacks they got from the portal: J. Johnson III (Toledo), Tyler Jefferson (Central Michigan), and Roman Purcell (Indiana).

Alabama State Hornets: "Offense wins games but defense wins championships," Paul Bryant said. Last season, the Hornets had the number one defense in the SWAC, led by All-SWAC Defense First Team member Keane Lewis. This defense was ranked number one in sacks, total defense, rush defense, scoring defense, interceptions, forced fumbles, turnovers gained, fewest first downs allowed, turnover margin, and sacks. Keane Lewis had a great season with 40 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions, and 1 sack. On November 2, 2024, Lewis had eight solo tackles. The following season, he was named All-SWAC Second Team. This Hornet defense needs to keep the same momentum as last season. If they do, they will be a force to be reckoned with. But like I said before, a great defense needs a great offense. The Hornets have a great offense led by All-SWAC First Team offensive lineman Desmond Daniels. This past season, Desmond played 11 out of 12 games, gave up one sack, and with help from another lineman, the offense had 2,372 rushing yards. Last season, he was named All-SWAC Second Team. One thing Alabama needs to do is keep transfer Houston quarterback Andrew Body healthy. Last year, Andrew suffered a season-ending shoulder injury against North Carolina Central. During his last three seasons at Houston, Andrew threw 2,879 yards, 15 touchdowns, rushed 867 yards, and five TDs. If Andrew Body stays healthy, he will be one of the top QBs in SWAC and the Hornets will be the number one team in their division.