Alabama State Faces Pivotal Test After Star Quarterback Andrew Body’s Injury

For much of the 2025 season, Alabama State has been one of the most impressive programs in HBCU football, propelled by the dynamic play of quarterback Andrew Body. Known primarily for their stout defense under coach Eddie Robinson Jr., the Hornets entered this year seeking to complement their defensive identity with an offense capable of matching the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s elite. Body delivered exactly that, transforming Alabama State into a balanced, explosive contender.

Body’s dual-threat skill set—marked by precision passing and electrifying mobility—gave the Hornets a new dimension. He routinely led the team in both passing and rushing, turning broken plays into highlight moments that kept defenses on edge. Even after a narrow October loss to Jackson State, Alabama State remained a top contender in the SWAC East, confident that their quarterback could carry them through adversity.

That optimism was shaken last weekend when Body sustained an injury after scoring a pivotal touchdown in a hard-fought win over Prairie View A&M. His exit sent a visible jolt through the team and raised serious concerns about Alabama State’s ability to maintain its championship trajectory. Given Body’s injury history—including the setback that derailed his 2023 campaign—his availability has become a defining storyline.

With the team’s offensive centerpiece sidelined, Alabama State must now turn to backup quarterback Te’Sean Smoot, who will be tasked with keeping the Hornets’ playoff ambitions alive in a crucial stretch of the season.

1. Adjusting Without Their Star

Despite the sudden loss of Body, Alabama State proved it could adapt under pressure. After his injury against Prairie View A&M, the Hornets shifted their offensive strategy dramatically, relying heavily on their ground game to secure the 27–21 victory. The results were impressive: Alabama State rushed 41 times for 213 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing the team’s depth and resilience. Running backs Jamarie Hostzclaw and Jacory Merritt shouldered the load effectively, while the defense tightened up late to preserve the win. Smoot attempted just nine passes in relief, a clear indication that the Hornets intend to minimize risk and lean on their established strengths while their starting quarterback recovers. Coach Robinson has long built his program around discipline, physicality, and defensive precision—traits that could serve Alabama State well in this transitional period. The Hornets have proven capable of controlling tempo and dictating the pace of games, even against more athletic opponents, a skill that could prove vital in the coming weeks. Still, the offense’s efficiency under Body was key to its rise this season. Without his improvisational brilliance and leadership, the challenge becomes sustaining drives and finishing in the red zone against tougher defenses. Robinson and his staff will be counting on creative play-calling and mistake-free football to keep their title hopes intact.

2. A Familiar Foe and an Ironic Twist

The next opponent on Alabama State’s schedule—Texas Southern—adds an intriguing subplot to the Hornets’ current predicament. It’s the very program where Andrew Body first made his name before transferring to Alabama State. A showdown between Body and his former team would have been one of the most compelling matchups of the SWAC season. Unfortunately, his injury means the reunion will have to wait. Texas Southern, under head coach Chris Dishman, has exceeded expectations this season and remains in the hunt for the SWAC West crown. Dishman’s confidence in his squad has been unwavering since preseason. “We’re going to be in Atlanta,” he said in August. “Our goal is to win the West and compete for a championship.” That ambition nearly materialized early, as the Tigers came within a single last-second touchdown of leading their division outright. Led by quarterback K.J. Cooper and standout running back Athlean Renfro—who has amassed 651 rushing yards and six touchdowns—Texas Southern boasts one of the most balanced offensive attacks in the conference. However, their momentum stalled recently in a 33–14 loss to Alcorn State, a defeat that exposed vulnerabilities on both sides of the ball. That inconsistency could prove costly against Alabama State’s disciplined defense. If the Hornets’ front seven can contain Renfro and force Cooper into difficult third-down situations, Alabama State could offset the absence of Body with physical play and defensive dominance.

3. Eyes on the Championship Path

With the regular season entering its final phase, Alabama State’s challenge is clear: survive the next few weeks without Andrew Body and keep their championship hopes alive. The coaching staff has emphasized composure, execution, and ball control as the team’s priorities heading into the matchup with Texas Southern. Smoot’s role will be critical. Though less dynamic than Body, his ability to manage the game efficiently and avoid costly mistakes could keep Alabama State’s offense steady. If the Hornets’ rushing attack continues to thrive behind Hostzclaw and Merritt, the team could remain one of the most well-rounded units in the SWAC. Meanwhile, the defense—anchored by veteran playmakers and a deep secondary—will once again be tasked with setting the tone. For Robinson, it’s an opportunity to prove that Alabama State’s identity extends beyond its quarterback, that resilience and structure remain at the program’s core. Even without their star, Alabama State remains one of the SWAC’s most formidable teams. Their ability to adapt and overcome adversity could ultimately define their 2025 season.