BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced weekly awards for Monday, October 12, 2026, where Florida A&M’s Armand Burris was named Offensive Player of the Week followed by Southern’s Herman Brister III being named Defensive Player of the Week. Rounding out the awards, Grambling State’s Jacobe Robinson earned Newcomer of the Week and Alcorn State’s Omarion Blakes swiped Special Teams Player of the Week.
 
SWAC Football Offensive Player of the Week: Armand Burris, Florida A&M
The Sophomore from Lincolnshire, Ill. made his presence known in Friday afternoon’s win over Alabama State, helping lead the Rattlers to a comeback win with a final score of 28-27. Burris put up video game numbers with four receptions for 216 yards and two touchdowns. Down 27-14 in the fourth quarter, Burris hauled in an 88-yard pass from Armond Parker and let his speed do the rest for a touchdown. The following drive, Burris was found wide open for an 89-yard reception, scoring the touchdown and in result the Rattlers converted on their two-point conversion.  Burris helped the Rattlers add their first SWAC win of the season and the Quinn Gray Era, in result helping him earn his first weekly award of the season.
 
SWAC Football Defensive Player of the Week: Herman Brister III, Southern
The Junior Safety from Baton Rouge, Louisiana was a key contributor for the Jaguars earning their first SWAC win on the season over Prairie View A&M. Brister III added 10 tackles (three solo, seven assisted) followed by two interceptions for 56 yards, including his pick six to seal the game with a 28-14 final. Herman Brister III helped the Southern secondary allow just 179 yards in the air while forcing four turnovers overall (three interceptions in the air). As the Jaguars looked to keep Prairie View from tying the game, Herman Brister III jumped a pass and returned for a 47-yard touchdown helping push the lead for Southern. Herman Brister III’s contribution to Southern’s win earns him first weekly honor of the season.
 
SWAC Football Newcomer of the Week: Jacobe Robinson, Grambling State
The Junior Quarterback led the Tigers’ offense in Saturday’s win over Jackson State with a 45-38 final. Robinson went 17-for-21 while adding 212 passing yards, five total touchdowns (four passing, one rushing), 11 rushes and 52 rushing yards. Robinson’s impact helped Grambling State as he had a hand in all five of the Tigers’ touchdowns. On the season, Jacobe Robinson leads Grambling State with 606 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and a 65 percent completion percentage. As Jacobe Robinson continues his stellar play under center, he earns his first weekly award.
 
SWAC Football Special Teams Player of the Week: Omarion Blakes, Alcorn State
The Junior from Shaw, Mississippi helped Alcorn State dominate in the Homecoming win over Arkansas Baptist, adding two returns for 104 yards with his longest return being a 70-yard punt return for a touchdown. Blakes let his speed show past the defenders, adding his first return touchdown of the season. Omarion Blakes leads Alcorn State with three returns for 120 yards while having the longest return through kickoff or punt. Blakes’ impact on Saturday’s win earns him his first weekly honor.
 
About the SWAC
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is considered one of the premier HBCU conferences in the country and currently ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of HBCU alumni playing with professional sports teams.

Current championship competition offered by the league includes competition for men in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, and Tennis. 

Women’s competitions are offered in the sports of Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, and Volleyball.
 
Follow the SWAC
For complete coverage of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, please follow the SWAC on social media at @TheSWAC on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter or visit the official website of the SWAC at www.swac.org.