BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) announced its 2025–26 Men's Basketball Preseason Poll and All-Conference Teams on Tuesday morning, and while Florida A&M University was tabbed eighth in the predicted order of finish, the Rattlers are entering the season with confidence, purpose, and the belief that their best basketball is still ahead.

Chatman Earns Preseason All-SWAC Honors
Florida A&M senior guard Jordan Chatman was named to the All-SWAC Second Team, highlighting his growing impact within the program. Chatman emerged as one of the Rattlers' most consistent contributors last season, combining scoring ability, defensive toughness, and leadership on and off the court.

"Jordan has worked tirelessly to elevate his game," said Head Coach Charlie Ward. "He represents everything we want in a Florida A&M basketball player — discipline, determination, and pride in wearing the orange and green. We're thrilled to see him earn preseason recognition, and we expect him to be one of the top guards in the conference this year."

Rattlers Motivated by Underdog Status
The preseason poll placed the Rattlers eighth with 115 points, trailing Grambling State (151) and just ahead of Prairie View A&M (99). Bethune-Cookman led the poll with 232 points and 12 first-place votes, followed by Southern (214), Jackson State (208), and Alabama State (183).

Despite the middle-of-the-pack prediction, the Rattlers are not deterred. The team has retooled with returning experience and talented newcomers, emphasizing defense, chemistry, and offensive efficiency as key priorities for the upcoming season.

"Our players see this as an opportunity to prove themselves," Ward added. "The SWAC is as competitive as it's ever been, and we know we can compete with anyone in the league. Our focus is on daily improvement and building toward a championship standard."

SWAC Honors and Outlook
Jackson State's Daeshun Ruffin was named Preseason Player of the Year, while Bethune-Cookman's Doctor Bradley earned Preseason Defensive Player of the Year honors. Both headline a talented list of players across the league.

Florida A&M's Chatman joins an elite group of preseason honorees, including First-Team selections Michael Jacobs (Southern), Daniel Rouzan (Bethune-Cookman), Ruffin (Jackson State), Kintavious Dozier (Alabama A&M), and Bradley (Bethune-Cookman).