BIRMINGHAM, Ala. | Alabama State University's Jaquarius Stanback was honored as the Southwestern Athletic Conference's Defensive Player of the Year on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Stanback averages 5.5 rebounds and 8.4 points per game along with 57 blocks and 34 steals. The Asheboro, N.C., native leads the SWAC and ranks 30th in the NCAA with 1.9 blocks per game, while his 57 blocks lead the SWAC and rank 28th  in the NCAA. Stanback collects 2.1 offensive rebounds per game, 10th best in the league. His 5.5 rebounds are tied for 11th in the SWAC and his 166 rebounds are tied for 7th.
 
Coach of the Year
Reggie Theus, Bethune-Cookman 
 
Player of the Year
Daeshun Ruffin, Jackson State 

Defensive Player of the Year
Jerquarius Stanback, Alabama State 

Newcomer of the Year
Michael James, Mississippi Valley State 

Freshman of the Year
Antonio Munoz, Grambling State 
 
All-SWAC First Team
Daeshun Ruffin, Jackson State
Dontae Horne, Prairie View A&M
Jakobi Heady, Bethune-Cookman 
Quion Williams, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 
Michael James, Mississippi Valley State
 
All-SWAC Second Team
Kintavious Dozier, Alabama A&M
Michael Jacobs, Southern 
Troy Hupstead, Texas Southern
Daniel Rouzan, Bethune-Cookman 
Tai'Reon Joseph, Prairie View A&M