The 2025 Alabama A&M Bulldogs are entering into a brand new chapter of HBCU soccer. Below first-year head coach Sam Shade—recent off main Miles School to the 2024 SIAC title—the Bulldogs have constructed a roster rooted in regional expertise and bolstered by a wave of transfers, notably from different HBCUs. Shade replaces Connell Maynor and inherits a program desperate to reclaim its place within the SWAC.
Alabama Dominates the Map
An in depth take a look at the 2025 roster reveals that Alabama stays the guts of Alabama A&M’s recruiting footprint. The Bulldogs characteristic 56 gamers from inside the state—greater than half of the whole roster. That features standouts from key recruiting hubs equivalent to Birmingham (8), Cellular (7), Madison (5), and Huntsville (3). These numbers mirror Shade’s dedication to constructing from inside state traces.
Past Alabama, the Bulldogs additionally draw important expertise from throughout the South:
Alabama – 56 gamers
Florida – 16 gamers
Georgia – 12 gamers
Texas – 9 gamers
Mississippi – 3 gamers
This regional focus reinforces Alabama A&M’s id as a Southern HBCU program with deep roots and recruiting ties throughout the Solar Belt.
HBCU transfers heavy
Equally hanging is the variety of school transfers on the roster. By our depend, at the very least 34 gamers have transferred in from different packages, giving the Bulldogs a mix of expertise and maturity that may very well be essential in Shade’s first 12 months.
Breakdown by Degree
FBS (Soccer Bowl Subdivision): 15 transfers(e.g., Vanderbilt, UAB, Memphis, Western Michigan)
FCS (Soccer Championship Subdivision): 8 transfers(e.g., Jackson State, Kennesaw State, Stephen F. Austin)
JUCO/Group School: 5 transfers(e.g., Lackawanna, Dodge Metropolis, Ellsworth)
Division II HBCUs: 13 transfers
Miles School: 11
Fort Valley State: 1
Kentucky State: 1
This final class is especially essential. The pipeline from Miles School is the deepest of any single faculty, with 11 gamers following Shade from Fairfield to Huntsville. Key names embrace extensive receivers Jaylin Peterson and Franck Pierre, tight finish Travaunta Abner, and linebacker Jalen Wright. This group brings not simply talent, however familiarity with Shade’s system and expectations.
HBCU-to-HBCU transfers
Quarterback Battle: The Bulldogs record 5 quarterbacks, together with FBS transfers like Cornelious Brown IV (UT-Martin/Georgia State) and JD Davis II (Western Michigan). Anticipate a fierce battle for QB1.
In-State Freshman Growth: A lot of AAMU’s youngest gamers—notably linemen and working backs—hail from Alabama. This indicators long-term funding in native expertise.
Large Our bodies Up Entrance: The offensive line options 13 gamers over 300 kilos, with some topping 350. Clearly, Shade desires to win within the trenches.
HBCU-to-HBCU Motion: Gamers like Duke Miller (Jackson State), Kentrell Lawson (Fort Valley State), and Amahni Spinks (Kentucky State) present how the switch portal has strengthened inter-HBCU mobility.
Conclusion
The 2025 Alabama A&M roster is a blueprint for contemporary HBCU soccer success—regional at its basis, however strategically constructed with nationwide transfers and HBCU ties. Sam Shade has clearly leaned into relationships constructed throughout his time at Miles School, creating continuity whereas making ready the Bulldogs for a quick rebuild. If this mixture of homegrown expertise and confirmed transfers gels, Alabama A&M may shock the SWAC beneath its new management.
