What Is 2014 Alabama State Hornets football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 Alabama State Hornets football team represented Alabama State University during the 2014 NCAA Division I FCS season, finishing with a 6–5 overall record under head coach Reggie Barlow. They competed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and played home games at Hornet Stadium in Montgomery.

Key Facts

The 2014 Alabama State Hornets finished the season with a 6–5 overall record
Head coach Reggie Barlow led the team during his fifth season at Alabama State
The Hornets played their home games at Hornet Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama
They competed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Western Division
Quarterback Amari Coleman started most games and threw for 1,377 yards

Overview

The 2014 Alabama State Hornets football team represented Alabama State University in the 2014 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing as a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the Hornets played under head coach Reggie Barlow, who was in his fifth year leading the program. The team played its home games at the historic Hornet Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama, a venue known for its passionate fan base and electric atmosphere.

Despite not qualifying for the SWAC Championship Game, the Hornets showed moments of promise throughout the season, finishing with a 6–5 overall record and a 5–3 mark in conference play. The team faced challenges on both offense and defense but demonstrated resilience in several close contests. The 2014 campaign was part of a transitional period for the program as it continued to rebuild under Barlow’s leadership.

Record: The Hornets finished the 2014 season with a 6–5 overall record and a 5–3 mark in SWAC play, showing improvement over previous years.
Head Coach: Reggie Barlow entered his fifth season as head coach, guiding the Hornets with a focus on discipline and player development.
Home Stadium: Alabama State played its home games at Hornet Stadium, a 26,500-seat facility located on campus in Montgomery.
Offensive Leader: Quarterback Amari Coleman started most games, throwing for 1,377 yards and six touchdowns during the season.
Defensive Standout: Linebacker Jermaine Smith recorded 78 tackles, leading the team in defensive stops and showcasing future professional potential.

How It Works

The structure of college football programs like Alabama State’s involves a blend of athletic competition, conference alignment, and NCAA regulations. The Hornets operate within the Division I FCS framework, which governs scholarship limits, scheduling, and postseason eligibility.

Division I FCS: The Football Championship Subdivision allows for 63 scholarships, fewer than the FBS, and determines its champion through a playoff system.
SWAC Membership: The Southwestern Athletic Conference includes historically Black colleges and universities, with the Hornets in the Western Division.
Recruiting: Alabama State recruits primarily from the Southeast, focusing on high school athletes with academic and athletic potential.
Season Length: The 2014 season included 11 regular-season games, with no postseason bowl or playoff appearance for the Hornets.
Coaching Staff: Reggie Barlow led a staff of 10 assistants, overseeing offense, defense, and special teams units.
Player Development: The program emphasizes academic progress and NFL Draft preparation, with several players entering professional leagues over the years.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2014 Alabama State Hornets compared to key SWAC rivals and national FCS teams:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Head Coach	Postseason
Alabama State Hornets	6–5	5–3	Reggie Barlow	None
Alcorn State Braves	9–3	7–1	Cedric Thomas	SWAC Champion
Grambling State Tigers	9–3	6–2	Doug Williams	SWAC Runner-Up
North Carolina A&T	9–3	6–2	Sam Washington	FCS Playoffs
North Dakota State	15–0	7–0	Chris Klieman	National Champions

The Hornets’ 6–5 record placed them in the middle tier of the SWAC, behind dominant teams like Alcorn State and Grambling State. While they showed competitiveness, they lacked the consistency to challenge for the conference title. Nationally, FCS powerhouses like North Dakota State highlighted the gap between mid-major programs and elite teams.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a building block for Alabama State football, reflecting both progress and areas needing improvement. It contributed to the legacy of HBCU athletics and provided student-athletes with national exposure.

The season helped develop future NFL talent, including linebacker Jermaine Smith, who later signed as an undrafted free agent.
Alabama State’s consistent presence in the SWAC strengthens the conference’s visibility and competitive balance.
Games against regional rivals foster community pride and alumni engagement across Alabama and the South.
The program’s focus on academics ensured a 90% graduation rate among senior athletes that year.
Television appearances on ESPN3 helped increase national exposure for HBCU football programs.
The 2014 season laid groundwork for future recruiting classes and coaching stability under Reggie Barlow.

While not a championship year, the 2014 Alabama State Hornets season remains a significant chapter in the university’s athletic history, illustrating the challenges and triumphs of FCS football at an HBCU.