BIRMINGHAM, Ala. | Two-time defending Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) East Division champion Jackson State was picked to finish second in its division during SWAC Media Days on Wednesday morning.

Jackson State (9-3, 7-1 SWAC last season) was picked to finish with 122 total points and seven first-place votes, picked just behind Alabama State with 131 total points and 16 first-place votes. The Tigers were followed by Bethune-Cookman (71 points), Florida A&M (70 points), Alabama A&M (66 points and one first-place vote), and Mississippi Valley State (29 points) in the East Division. 

Meanwhile, defending conference champion Prairie View A&M was picked to win the West Division with 130 total points and 19 first-place votes. They were followed by Grambling State with 93 total points (two first-place votes), Alcorn State (90 points), Texas Southern (79 points), Southern (65 points), and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (32 points).  

Jackson State opens the 2026 season on the road against Tennessee State in the John Merritt Classic on Aug. 29.

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