Golden Lions Ready for the Spotlight at 2026 SWAC Football Media Days
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football program officially kicked off the 2026 season as head coach Alonzo Hampton and members of the Golden Lions represented the university at the 2026 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Football Media Days.
The annual event brought together coaches, student-athletes, conference officials and media representatives from across the SWAC to discuss the upcoming season, highlight returning talent and preview one of the nation’s premier HBCU football conferences.
For Hampton, Media Days provided an opportunity to showcase the direction of the Golden Lions as they continue building toward a successful campaign.
The Golden Lions arrived at Media Days with renewed optimism after months of offseason development, strength and conditioning, and recruiting. UAPB’s player representatives spoke confidently about the team’s chemistry, leadership and determination to compete for a conference championship.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff was well represented with five Golden Lions earning preseason recognition following standout performances during the 2025 campaign. Linebacker Danarius Hilliard, running back Jaylen Jennings, and wide receiver D’Avery Robinson were all named Preseason All-SWAC First Team, while offensive lineman Nick Carter and defensive lineman Marquis Cagle received Second-Team honors.
Media Day also featured the release of the SWAC preseason polls as the Golden Lions were picked to finish last in the Western Division. Coaches addressed topics ranging from roster development and transfer portal additions to NIL opportunities and the increasing national attention surrounding HBCU football.
For UAPB, the event marked the unofficial beginning of football season as the Golden Lions now turn their attention toward preseason camp. The team will spend the coming weeks preparing for the season opener at the Natural State Kick-off Classic set for Aug. 29, at Little Rock’s historic War Memorial Stadium.
With expectations growing and confidence building inside the program, Hampton believes the Golden Lions are ready to make noise in the SWAC.
