BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama State football opened its 2025 campaign in explosive fashion Thursday night, pushing UAB to the wire in a 52-42 setback at Protective Stadium.

Quarterback Andrew Body led the Hornets with a dazzling dual-threat performance, throwing for 312 yards and four touchdowns on 18-of-24 passing while adding 119 yards rushing and a 60-yard score on the ground. His efforts helped ASU pile up 514 yards of total offense, nearly matching the Blazers' 520.

Body spread the ball around to multiple playmakers. Jalen Jones turned in a career night with six receptions for 174 yards, including a 69-yard touchdown strike in the fourth quarter that pulled ASU within three. Ajai Harrell added four catches for 76 yards and a score, while Asa Gregg and Dylan Djete each hauled in touchdown receptions. On the ground, Jamarie Hostzclaw contributed 54 yards and a touchdown to complement Body's rushing attack.

The Hornets went toe-to-toe with the Blazers throughout the evening. ASU led 21-17 at halftime after Body found Harrell for a 31-yard touchdown with just five seconds remaining in the second quarter. Alabama State again surged ahead 28-17 early in the third following Gregg's five-yard TD grab.

UAB responded with three straight touchdowns to swing momentum, but the Hornets fought back. Hostzclaw's seven-yard touchdown run and Jones' highlight 69-yard catch kept Alabama State in striking distance until UAB sealed the game late with a score inside the final two minutes.

Defensively, Keane Lewis led ASU with eight tackles, while Ta'Shaun Sims added seven stops. The Hornets converted 13 of 15 third-down attempts and held a significant time of possession edge (33:55 to 25:46), showcasing efficiency and balance in their season debut.

Alabama State (0-1) returns to action at Southern University on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. in Baton Rouge, La.