As the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) prepares for the upcoming college basketball season, Media Day provides a critical juncture for coaches, players, and fans to evaluate the current state of the league. Media Day is where preseason polls, storylines, and expectations are formally unveiled.
Coaching Carousel: Big Moves That Shake the SWAC
Patrick Crarey II – From FAMU to Grambling State
One of the most discussed moves this offseason is the departure of Patrick Crarey II from Florida A&M (FAMU) to become head coach at Grambling State.
Crarey’s tenure at FAMU spanned one season (2024–25), during which he compiled a 14–17 record, preceding his acceptance of Grambling’s offer. Reports suggest contract negotiations with FAMU reached a standstill, paving the way for Grambling to swoop in.
For Grambling, the hire replaces departed coach Donte Jackson, and signals a new directional shift. Crarey now takes over a program that recently made history with its first NCAA tournament win. His challenge: maintain momentum in a competitive league.
Donte Jackson – Grambling to Alabama A&M
Equally major is the move of Donte Jackson, who leaves Grambling State after a very successful run to take the helm at Alabama A&M. Jackson’s resume at Grambling is impressive. Under his leadership, the Tigers won their first-ever SWAC Tournament title in 2024 and scored the program’s first NCAA tournament victory in a play-in round. Furthermore, he was awarded Coach of the Year honors multiple times within the SWAC.
His move to Alabama A&M represents both ambition and a new chapter. Jackson brings a reputation for turning programs around and competing at a high level in the SWAC. The Bulldogs now expect him to raise their ceiling in league play.
Charlie Ward — The New Leader at FAMU
Perhaps the most eye-catching hire is the appointment of Charlie Ward as head men’s basketball coach at Florida A&M. Ward, best known as the 1993 Heisman Trophy winner at Florida State and a former NBA player, brings star power and a national name to the Rattlers.
Ward’s path to this role includes experience as an assistant in the NBA (Houston Rockets), high school head coaching in Florida, and strong ties to the Tallahassee region. FAMU officially announced him as its 16th head men’s basketball coach in April 2025.
Analysts and former players have lauded the hire. Jeff Van Gundy, a former NBA coach, called it a “stroke of genius” and emphasized Ward’s ability to teach decision-making and invest in player development. Ward’s name, reputation, and regional roots may help energize recruits, boost visibility, and reassert FAMU’s competitiveness in the SWAC.
Bethune-Cookman: Best Offseason Signings in the SWAC?
While coaching changes often command the headlines, Bethune-Cookman deserves attention for its recruiting work. On August 19, 2025, B-CU announced ten newcomers arriving to the men’s basketball program — a significant influx of new talent.
These additions span high-performing transfers, youthful up-and-comers, and players adding depth across multiple positions. The class suggests an aggressive push to climb the SWAC standings and challenge perennial powers.
In a league where roster continuity is often hard to maintain and recruiting battles are fierce, such a signing class is a strong indicator of ambition. If the newcomers can gel quickly, B-CU could surprise many and become early-season dark horse contenders.
What Media Day Will Focus On
At SWAC Men’s Basketball Media Day, expect the following key themes:
- Preseason Polls & Predictions
- League officials and coaches will release a predicted order of finish, All-SWAC teams, and other preseason honors.
- Narrative Spotlight: Coaching Shakeups
- Crarey’s debut at Grambling, Jackson’s transition to Alabama A&M, and Ward’s arrival at FAMU will be front and center. How each coach frames the season ahead — and wins over media, recruits, and fans — will define early momentum.
- Roster & Recruiting Discussions
- Bethune-Cookman’s class will be spotlighted. Coaches will likely talk about how transfers and incoming freshmen reshape depth charts and rotation strategies.
- Conference Dynamics & Competitive Balance
- With upward mobility on many rosters and brands shifting, questions will swirl around which teams are primed to overtake the established order, and how balanced the SWAC will be in 2025–26.
- Setting Expectations for New Coaches
- Ward, Crarey, and Jackson will all face questions about immediate goals — wins, recruiting, and program-building in the short and long term.
Why This Year Feels Different
- The coaching churn is unusually high, signaling that SWAC programs are more willing than ever to reshape leadership in pursuit of immediate success.
- High-profile hires like Charlie Ward bring external spotlight, increasing media interest and recruiting visibility for the league.
- Programs like Bethune-Cookman making bold recruiting pushes set the stage for surprises; the talent gap is narrowing.
- The SWAC’s broadcast deals and digital presence (e.g., media coverage, social media) give these storylines more reach — making Media Day not just a regional event, but one with national intrigue
