What Is 1986 Alabama State football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1986 Alabama State football team represented Alabama State University during the 1986 NCAA Division I-AA football season, finishing with a 5-6 overall record under head coach Houston Markham. The team competed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and did not qualify for the postseason.

Key Facts

The 1986 Alabama State football team had a 5-6 overall record
Houston Markham was the head coach during the 1986 season
The team played in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)
Alabama State did not qualify for the 1986 NCAA Division I-AA playoffs
The program represented Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama

Overview

The 1986 Alabama State football team represented Alabama State University in the 1986 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Competing as a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the team was led by head coach Houston Markham in his second year at the helm.

Despite some competitive performances, the Hornets failed to secure a winning record, finishing the season with a 5-6 overall mark. They played a challenging schedule that included both conference and non-conference opponents, striving for a SWAC title but ultimately falling short of postseason eligibility.

Record: The team finished the 1986 season with a 5-6 overall record, reflecting a slightly below-average performance for the program.
Head Coach: Houston Markham served as head coach, continuing his rebuilding effort in his second season after taking over in 1985.
Conference: Alabama State competed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), one of the premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) leagues.
Postseason: The Hornets did not qualify for the 1986 NCAA Division I-AA playoffs, which required a winning record and strong conference standing.
Home Games: Most home games were played at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, a historic stadium often used by HBCU programs.

Season Performance

The 1986 campaign was marked by inconsistency, with Alabama State showing flashes of potential but failing to string together enough wins. The team faced a mix of strong SWAC competition and tough non-conference matchups, which tested both depth and preparation.

Early Season: The Hornets opened the season with two wins, defeating Miles College and Mississippi Valley State to build early momentum.
Midseason Struggles: A three-game losing streak in October, including defeats to Southern and Jackson State, derailed playoff hopes.
Offensive Output: The team averaged approximately 18.9 points per game, indicating offensive limitations compared to conference leaders.
Defensive Challenges: Alabama State allowed an average of 23.5 points per game, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities under pressure.
Key Players: While no individual player received major national honors, several contributed significantly in rushing and passing stats.
Final Game: The season concluded with a loss to rival Alabama A&M, a 21-17 defeat that underscored missed opportunities in close games.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 1986 season compares to other recent years in the program’s history:

Season	Overall Record	SWAC Record	Postseason	Head Coach
1984	6-5	5-3	No	Joe Campbell
1985	4-7	3-5	No	Houston Markham (1st year)
1986	5-6	4-4	No	Houston Markham (2nd year)
1987	7-4	5-3	No	Houston Markham (3rd year)
1988	8-3	6-2	No	Houston Markham (4th year)

The 1986 season represented a modest improvement from the previous year’s 4-7 record but fell short of the breakout success seen in later years under Markham. While the team moved in the right direction, it lacked the consistency needed to challenge for a conference title. The progression from 1985 to 1988 shows a steady climb under Markham’s leadership, with 1986 serving as a transitional year.

Why It Matters

The 1986 season is a snapshot of Alabama State’s football development during a rebuilding era. Though not a championship year, it contributed to the foundation that led to stronger performances in the late 1980s.

Program Growth: The 1986 season helped build experience for players who would lead improved teams in 1987 and 1988.
Coaching Stability: Houston Markham’s second year showed progress, reinforcing the importance of continuity in college football programs.
HBCU Legacy: The season contributed to the rich tradition of HBCU football, emphasizing community pride and athletic development.
Rivalry Games: Matchups against Alabama A&M and other SWAC schools strengthened regional rivalries and fan engagement.
Player Development: The season provided valuable game experience for young athletes, many of whom became team leaders in subsequent years.
Historical Record: The 5-6 record is preserved in the annals of Alabama State football, reflecting the team’s competitive journey.

While the 1986 Alabama State football team did not achieve national recognition, its role in the program’s evolution remains significant. It exemplifies the incremental progress often required in collegiate athletics, especially within the competitive SWAC environment.