BIRMINGHAM, Ala. | Alabama State was well represented when the Southwestern Athletic Conference announced its 2026 All-SWAC Baseball honors Tuesday, as the Hornets captured two of the league's top individual awards and placed five student-athletes on the first and second teams.
Outfielder Miguel Oropeza was named the SWAC's Newcomer of the Year, while right-hander Camden Matthews earned Relief Pitcher of the Year honors. The awards were presented during the league's annual ceremony prior to the start of the 2026 SWAC Baseball Championship.
Oropeza headlined Alabama State's All-SWAC selections, earning First Team All-SWAC recognition in the outfield after emerging as one of the conference's most dynamic offensive players in his debut season with the Hornets. Matthews joined him on the first team as a relief pitcher, anchoring the bullpen with a dominant late-inning presence. Starting pitcher Jorhan Laboy also secured First Team All-SWAC honors, giving Alabama State three first-team selections overall.
Alabama State added two more honorees on the Second Team All-SWAC, including catcher Trey Callaway and outfielder Niguel Jenkins.
Together, the five selections underscored a strong season for the Hornets, who showcased both offensive firepower and pitching depth throughout the year.
Oropeza's Newcomer of the Year award highlights his immediate impact at the plate and in the field. He was a consistent run producer and table-setter in the Alabama State lineup, contributing across multiple offensive categories while also providing defensive stability in the outfield. According to the team's season statistics, Oropeza appeared prominently among the Hornets' leaders in hits (70), runs scored (49), multi-hit performances (23) and doubles (17). Oropeza's 17 doubles ranks third in teh SWAC adn are five shy of ASU's single-season record. Additionally, the graduate student was recognized as the SWAC Newcomer of the Week one time.
Matthews, named Relief Pitcher of the Year, excelled in high-leverage situations out of the bullpen. He stabilized the back end of Alabama State's pitching staff, routinely closing out games and limiting opposing offenses. His selection reflects his effectiveness in appearances (19), ERA (3.33), and saves (6).
Laboy's First Team recognition follows his second-team selection in 2025. The senior posted eight wins (2nd SWAC), with a 4.72 ERA (), and 59 strikeouts (8th) while tossing 75.1 innings (7th) with a 2.79 (10th SWAC) opposing batting average against (10th). Addtionall, Laboy earned two SWAC Pitcher of the Week honors during the season.
Callaway handled the pitching staff while also recording productive at-bats throughout the season. Callaway has belted a league best 15 home runs, two shy of the Hornets' single-season record, recording 40 RBI with a .584 slugging percentage (8th SWAC)
Jenkins took over as the everyday center fielder 17 games into the season. batting .348, 15 doubles (T5th SWAC), five home runs, and 26 RBI. Additionally, Jenkins has a .616 slugging percentage (6th), a .510 on-base percentage (5th SWAC), and a 1.125 OPS (5th SWAC).
The Hornets now turn their attention to the SWAC Baseball Touranment, taking on No. 5 seed Grambling State on Wednesday at noon at Richwood Field in Birmingham, Ala.
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