The SWAC’s annual Soccer Media Day takes place this week, and forward of the festivities, we offer you our high 5 questions on Media Day and the 2025 season.
1. Can Jackson State run it again?
The Tigers’ second season underneath T.C. Taylor was a profitable one. They returned to the highest of the SWAC world with Japanese Division and convention titles, adopted by a dominant 28-7 win over MEAC champ South Carolina State within the Celebration Bowl.
Jackson State returns a ton of expertise, most notably beginning quarterback Jacobian Morgan, who was named the SWAC’s offensive preseason participant of the yr on Monday. Additionally returning are receivers Joanes Fortilien and Nate Rembert and defensive lineman Jeremiah Williams.
JSU will face some challenges from improved groups of their division, however Taylor and his workers’s preparation carried the Tigers a great distance final season, and it seemingly will achieve this once more in 2025.
2. How good will Prairie View A&M be?
Since taking the job earlier this winter, New Panthers head coach Tremaine Jackson has been outspoken about profitable recruiting battles and turning into a nationally famend program.
He’ll have an opportunity to show it within the annual Labor Day Basic towards Texas Southern, adopted by video games towards UT-Rio Grande Valley and Northwestern State.
It’s a New Period on the Hill#D.O.G. | #PVAMUFootball pic.twitter.com/RG2o9rGVAx
— Prairie View A&M Soccer (@pvamufb_) January 7, 2025
The Panthers have been SWAC West winners in 2021 underneath Eric Dooley and 2023 underneath Bubba McDowell, so Jackson could have not simply his personal excessive expectations to fulfill, however these of a PVAMU fanbase prepared for a visit to Atlanta.
3. Will Shade cowl the SWAC East?
Sam Shade took Division II Miles from a 1-9 soccer crew to a NCAA Division II playoff winner. He’ll look to do the identical for Alabama A&M, which underperformed underneath Connell Maynor, except for the spring 2021 SWAC title.
The Bulldogs final received a non-pandemic SWAC East title in 2011, so Shade could have some catching as much as do, particularly in a division that options Jackson State, 2023 Celebration Bowl champion Florida A&M and in-state rival Alabama State.
4. Will Southern win the West once more?
The Jaguars received a battle royal for the 2024 SWAC West title, and with convention preseason defensive participant of the yr Ckelby Givens returning to steer a hungry Southern protection, they need to be within the combine once more this yr.
The large query for Southern is at quarterback. The Jags had a minimum of 4 guys take snaps a season in the past, however have been in a position to get away with it. Terence Graves and his workers should establish QB1. That can go a great distance towards a return journey to the SWAC championship sport.
5. Can Florida A&M rebound?
The Rattlers have been within the media for non-football-related causes all summer season lengthy, so a aggressive soccer crew ought to function a worthy distraction from government-installed presidents.
The Rattlers have introduced in FBS-level abilities at quarterback and tight finish to shore up an offense that took a step again following their 2023 Black Faculty Championship yr.
James Colzie’s second yr answerable for this system shall be an vital one as FAMU not solely faces the prospect of attempting to unseat Jackson State, however challenges from Alabama State, Alabama A&M, and probably longtime rival Bethune-Cookman lie forward on the horizon.
