The Alabama State Hornets are heading to the NCAA Tournament! They clinched the 2026 SWAC Baseball Championship with a hard-fought 8-6 victory over Florida A&M on Sunday at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. This marks the Hornets’ third SWAC tournament title, capping off an incredible undefeated run through the bracket.
A Championship Performance
Entering the tournament as the No. 4 seed, the Hornets played with the heart of a champion. They dominated from the start, opening with a strong win against Grambling State and maintaining their momentum. The championship game against Florida A&M was a nail-biter, with the Hornets building an 8-2 lead before the Rattlers mounted a late comeback. Alabama State’s resilience shone through, securing the win and their spot on the national stage.
This championship adds another significant chapter to Alabama State’s baseball legacy, joining their previous SWAC titles in 2016 and 2022. The Hornets showcased their offensive power throughout the tournament, racking up 13 hits in the final game. A pivotal moment came in the sixth inning when Trey Callaway blasted a three-run home run, extending the lead to 8-2 and providing the crucial cushion needed to withstand Florida A&M’s late surge.
Oropeza Leads the Charge
Tournament MVP Miguel Oropeza was instrumental in Alabama State’s success. He delivered a stellar performance, hitting .571 with eight hits, 13 RBIs, and two home runs across four games. Oropeza continued his strong play in the championship game, contributing two hits, an RBI, and scoring twice. His consistent offensive threat set the tone for the Hornets all week.
The Hornets’ victory wasn’t a one-player show. Fabian Santana, James Peterson, and Jorhan LaBoy also earned All-Tournament Team honors. Santana added key hits and an RBI in the final, Peterson secured the win on the mound, and LaBoy anchored the pitching staff. This balanced team effort, with contributions from the lineup, pitching, and defense, was key to their championship run.
Florida A&M’s Fight
Florida A&M certainly made Alabama State earn the title. The Rattlers fought back fiercely, tying the game early and chipping away at the Hornets’ lead with runs in the fourth, seventh, and eighth innings. Jackson McKenzie and Jay Campbell were standout performers for FAMU, hitting .529 and .500 respectively during the tournament. Despite giving up 14 hits, Alabama State’s pitching, particularly Peterson’s composure in the ninth inning, limited the damage and secured the win.
A Big Moment for HBCU Baseball
This SWAC championship is a significant moment for HBCU baseball, providing another compelling storyline heading into the NCAA Tournament. The Hornets, carrying an eight-game winning streak and a 34-21 record, will represent the SWAC in the Tuscaloosa Regional. They are set to face No. 1 seed Alabama on Friday, May 29, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with Oklahoma State and USC Upstate also in the regional.
Head coach José Vázquez has built a strong program, leading the Hornets to two SWAC tournament titles in five seasons. This latest championship demonstrates their ability to develop talent and perform under pressure. Alabama State’s journey from the No. 4 seed to SWAC champions and NCAA Tournament participants is a testament to their grit and determination.
What are your predictions for Alabama State in the NCAA Tournament? Let us know in the comments!