A New Era, A New Crown
The post-Shedeur Sanders era has officially found its undisputed king. Alabama State quarterback Andrew Body has swept the Stats Perform HBCU National Player of the Year and SWAC Offensive Player of the Year awards, cementing his status as the premier talent in Black college football. After transferring from Texas Southern, Body didn't just fill a void left by Sanders' departure to Colorado. He dominated, delivering one of the most statistically elite seasons in recent SWAC history and announcing himself as the face of HBCU football heading into 2026.
This is not just about hardware. This is about a quarterback who took the reins of a program, elevated his game to historic levels, and reminded everyone why HBCU football remains a breeding ground for elite talent.
The Numbers Don't Lie: A Statistical Masterclass
Let's talk stats, because Andrew Body's 2025 season was nothing short of surgical. The Alabama State signal-caller completed nearly 71 percent of his passes for 1,770 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just one interception. Read that again. One interception. His 203.6 pass efficiency rating is elite by any standard, FCS or otherwise, and places him among the most efficient quarterbacks in the nation.
But Body isn't just a pocket passer. He added 518 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns, proving he's a dual-threat nightmare for SWAC defenses. According to Alabama State Athletics, Body's ability to extend plays and create offense with his legs made him nearly impossible to contain.
These numbers aren't just good. They're historically great. With a 20-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, Body displayed a level of ball security and decision-making that separates good quarterbacks from elite ones. His efficiency rating ranks among the best in FCS football, and his dual-threat ability makes him a matchup problem every single week.
From Texas Southern to Alabama State: A Transfer Done Right
Transfers can be tricky. There's no guarantee a player will fit the system, mesh with new teammates, or replicate past success. Andrew Body didn't just fit in at Alabama State. He thrived.
At Texas Southern, Body posted solid numbers over three seasons, throwing for 2,839 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 867 yards and 5 touchdowns. He set a school record with 265.9 yards per game of total offense in 2021 and earned preseason All-SWAC honors. But his move to Montgomery took his game to another stratosphere.
The Hornets finished the 2025 season with a 10-2 record and claimed a share of the SWAC East Division title at 7-1 in conference play, according to Wikipedia. While Alabama State didn't make the SWAC Championship Game (which saw Prairie View A&M defeat Jackson State 23-21), Body's impact was undeniable. He transformed the Hornets' offense into one of the most explosive units in the conference and kept them competitive week in and week out.
Filling the Sanders-Sized Void
Shedeur Sanders set a high bar during his two-year reign at Jackson State. He went 23-3, led the Tigers to back-to-back Celebration Bowl appearances, and earned the Deacon Jones Trophy as the nation's top HBCU player. His 70.5 percent completion rate in 2022 and 40 touchdown passes were legendary, and his departure left a massive void in the SWAC quarterback hierarchy.
Enter Andrew Body. While Sanders' legacy is secure, Body has carved out his own lane. His 71 percent completion rate matches Sanders' efficiency, and his 20-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio rivals the best single-season performances in SWAC history. According to StatMuse, Sanders posted a passer rating of 160.4 during his time at Jackson State and Colorado. Body's 203.6 rating in 2025 surpasses that mark, proving he's not just Sanders' successor but a talent in his own right.
What makes Body special is his consistency. He didn't have one or two explosive games. He was elite week after week, delivering precision passing, clutch plays, and leadership that elevated everyone around him. That's what separates good players from award winners.
What This Means for HBCU Football and Beyond
Andrew Body's awards are a statement. They remind the college football world that HBCU programs are producing NFL-caliber talent. Body is already generating buzz as a potential NFL draft prospect for 2026, and his performance this season will have scouts circling Montgomery.
For Alabama State, this is validation. The Hornets have built a program capable of attracting and developing elite talent, and Body's success is a blueprint for future transfers and recruits. For the SWAC, it's a reminder that the conference is home to some of the most exciting football in the FCS.
And for Body? This is just the beginning. With another year of eligibility potentially on the table and NFL scouts watching, the sky's the limit. He's proven he can dominate at the HBCU level. Now the question is: how high can he climb?
The Verdict: Long Live the King
Andrew Body didn't just win awards. He earned them. His 2025 season was a masterclass in quarterback play, blending elite efficiency, explosive playmaking, and winning football. He took a talented Alabama State team and made them contenders, all while putting up numbers that will be remembered for years to come.
Shedeur Sanders may have left big shoes to fill, but Andrew Body didn't just fill them. He brought his own pair. The SWAC has a new king, and his reign is just getting started.
Welcome to the Andrew Body era.
