What Is 2016 Alabama State football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 Alabama State football team represented Alabama State University in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 4-7 record under head coach Brian Jenkins. They competed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and did not qualify for the postseason.

Key Facts

4-7 overall record in the 2016 season
2-6 conference record in the SWAC
Head coach Brian Jenkins in his third season
Played home games at Horn Stadium in Montgomery
Lost to rival Alabama A&M 37-21 in the Magic City Classic

Overview

The 2016 Alabama State Hornets football team represented Alabama State University during the 2016 NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) season. Competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the team was led by head coach Brian Jenkins, who was in his third year at the helm.

Despite high expectations following previous competitive seasons, the Hornets struggled with consistency, finishing the year with a 4-7 overall record and a 2-6 mark in conference play. They did not qualify for the FCS playoffs and ended the season without a bowl or conference championship appearance.

Record: The team finished with a 4-7 overall record, marking a decline from their 6-5 performance in 2015 due to inconsistent offensive execution.
Conference performance: In SWAC play, Alabama State went 2-6, placing them near the bottom of the Western Division standings.
Head coach:Brian Jenkins served as head coach for the third consecutive season but faced growing scrutiny due to the team’s underperformance.
Home stadium: The Hornets played their home games at Horn Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama, which has a seating capacity of approximately 21,000.
Rivalry game: They lost the annual Magic City Classic to Alabama A&M 37-21, a key blow to their season momentum and fan morale.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 2016 season was defined by missed opportunities and defensive lapses, particularly in high-stakes SWAC matchups. While the Hornets showed flashes of potential early, they were unable to sustain momentum over the full 11-game schedule.

Season opener: Alabama State defeated Mississippi Valley State 27-24 in Week 2 (after a bye), showing promise with a balanced offensive attack.
Key loss: A 45-17 defeat to Southern in October exposed weaknesses in both offensive line protection and secondary coverage.
Best win: The Hornets secured a notable 27-24 victory over Prairie View A&M, their only SWAC win outside of non-conference play.
Defensive struggles: The team allowed an average of 33.5 points per game, among the highest in the SWAC, indicating systemic defensive breakdowns.
Offensive stats: Quarterback Willie Allen threw for 1,731 yards and 10 touchdowns, but with 10 interceptions, efficiency was a concern.
Running game:LeDayon Henderson led the ground attack with 562 rushing yards, though the team averaged only 3.8 yards per carry for the season.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2016 Alabama State Hornets compared to key SWAC rivals in overall and conference performance:

Team	Overall Record	SWAC Record	Head Coach	Postseason
Alabama State	4-7	2-6	Brian Jenkins	None
Grambling State	10-3	8-1	Broderick Fobbs	SWAC Champ, FCS Playoffs
Alcorn State	4-7	4-4	Cedric Thomas	None
Alabama A&M	5-6	4-4	James Rodgers	None
Southern	6-6	6-2	Dr. Dawson Odums	SWAC Semifinalist

The table highlights Alabama State’s struggles relative to conference leaders like Grambling State, who dominated the SWAC with a 10-3 record and a playoff berth. While Alabama State matched Alcorn State in overall wins, their weaker conference record reflected poorer performance in critical matchups. The Hornets’ inability to win close games, especially against division rivals, underscored their season-long inconsistency.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was a turning point for Alabama State football, signaling the need for programmatic changes both on and off the field. Poor results led to increased pressure on the coaching staff and athletic administration to revamp recruiting and player development strategies.

Program evaluation: The 4-7 record prompted athletic department reviews of coaching effectiveness and long-term strategic planning.
Recruiting impact: Losing seasons can hinder recruiting efforts, making it harder to attract top-tier SWAC-level talent.
Financial implications: Lower attendance and reduced ticket revenue followed the team’s poor performance and lack of postseason play.
Player development: The season revealed gaps in quarterback stability and offensive line depth that needed addressing.
Conference reputation: Consistent underperformance affects the SWAC’s national standing and media exposure.
Coaching changes: Brian Jenkins was eventually relieved of duties after 2018, with 2016 viewed as the start of a downward trend.

In summary, while the 2016 Alabama State Hornets did not achieve on-field success, the season served as a catalyst for future reforms aimed at restoring competitiveness in one of HBCU football’s most storied conferences.