By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Alabama State University is making its case as one of the best teams in Black college football. The Hornets (8-2, 6-1 SWAC) are tied with Jackson State for first in the SWAC East, though JSU holds the tiebreaker. If Jackson State loses its season finale to Alcorn State, ASU could seize the division by winning out.
Despite winning seven of their last eight games, Alabama State remains unranked in major FCS polls. Instead, they sit in the “receiving votes” category, sparking a lively debate across social media over whether the Hornets are being overlooked.
HBCU Premier Sports & More reflected the sentiment bluntly, posting: “The shenanigans continue. Alabama State, 8-1 in FCS play, remains unranked… while five teams with four losses continue to be ranked.”
Why Some Say ASU Should Be Ranked
On the field, the Hornets have delivered. They boast eight wins, key SWAC victories, and one of the best defenses in the conference. Their only major setback came in a close four-point loss to Jackson State.
Supporters argue that wins should matter most. “I’ve put ASU in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25,” FCS voter The Underdawg posted, adding that Alabama State suffers from “weak non-conf FCS record (SWAC) & poor exposure across the FCS landscape.”
Why Some Voters Disagree
Opponents point to schedule strength. The SWAC’s overall performance in non-conference play continues to hurt its teams nationally. Alabama State is 1-1 outside the league, with a loss to FBS UAB and a win over Division II Miles College. Their only game against a ranked FCS opponent—Jackson State—was a loss.
Pollsters compare ASU to four-loss teams like South Dakota and Abilene Christian, which both hold multiple ranked wins.
Analytics place ASU just outside the Top 25. As Opta FCS Football noted, “Alabama State at No. 26… is hardly ‘shenanigans.’”
