Eddie Robinson Jr. enters his fifth season as head football coach at Alabama State University in 2026, continuing to build one of the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s most consistent and competitive programs.
Since being named the 30th head coach in program history on Nov. 26, 2021, Robinson has guided the Hornets to a 30-16 overall record and a 21-11 mark in SWAC play while restoring Alabama State’s prominence on the conference and national levels. Under his leadership, the Hornets have produced four consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 2010-15 and have emerged as annual contenders in the SWAC Eastern Division.
Robinson’s tenure has been highlighted by sustained success on both sides of the ball. Alabama State tied for first place in the SWAC East in 2025 after consecutive second-place finishes in 2023 and 2024. The Hornets’ defense has consistently ranked among the nation’s elite, finishing first or second in the SWAC and among the top programs in the Football Championship Subdivision in scoring defense, total defense, rushing defense and pass defense. In 2024, Alabama State fielded one of the top defensive units in the country, ranking among the FCS leaders in total defense, scoring defense, sacks, turnovers gained and turnover margin.
The Hornets have also excelled on special teams, leading the SWAC and ranking among the FCS leaders in blocked kicks during Robinson’s tenure. Offensively, Alabama State took a major step forward in 2025, ranking first or second in 10 conference statistical categories.
Under Robinson’s guidance, Alabama State student-athletes have earned 29 All-SWAC selections and 12 All-America honors. James Burgess captured the 2024 Aeneas Williams Award, while multiple Hornets have earned finalist recognition for national awards. Robinson has also helped launch professional careers, with five players signing NFL or CFL free-agent contracts and 19 Hornets participating in the HBCU Legacy Bowl.
Beyond wins and losses, Robinson has energized the Alabama State fan base. The Hornets have ranked among the top 10 FCS programs in total and average home attendance during each of his four seasons, drawing more than 100,000 fans in three of those years. Alabama State has also thrived in traditional rivalry and showcase games, posting a 14-4 record in football classics under his leadership.
A legendary Hornet himself, Robinson returned to his alma mater following a distinguished playing, professional, and broadcasting career. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, he attended Alabama State on an academic scholarship and earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1994.
As a standout linebacker for the Hornets, Robinson earned All-SWAC honors and was named SWAC Defensive Player of the Year in both 1990 and 1991. He was a two-time Sheridan Broadcasting Network All-American and received the Toyota Leadership Award in 1990. His accomplishments led to his induction into the SWAC Hall of Fame in 1998 at age 28, making him the youngest inductee in league history at the time. He was later recognized as a MEAC/SWAC Challenge Legend and inducted into the Alabama State University Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.
Robinson was selected by the Houston Oilers in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft and went on to enjoy an 11-year professional career with the Houston Oilers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, and Buffalo Bills. Known throughout the league as “Steady Eddie” for his preparation and leadership, he totaled 850 tackles, 23 sacks, and six interceptions while helping the Titans reach Super Bowl XXXIV.
Following his playing career, Robinson became a respected college football analyst for Fox Sports South, ESPNU, ESPN3, and Comcast Sports South. He has remained deeply committed to mentoring young athletes, supporting HBCUs, and serving communities through youth camps, educational outreach, and football development initiatives.
He has hosted Youth Football camps at Alabama State University, Texas Southern University and in his Houston Third Ward community. Robinson regularly speaks to high school students and young athletes promoting life skills and planning for success. He is an NFL Ambassador for USA Football helping to promote the game of football to parents and young football players. He mentored and coached an inner-city baseball league in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Houston, and incorporated a program to help young African-American baseball players achieve youth and high school success in baseball with a goal of playing baseball in college and professionally. Two of his players have signed college scholarships to play college baseball with others expected to follow this path and all have plans to attend college. He volunteers his time with the Houston school districts’ Real Men Read program, reading to elementary school kids, and sharing his keys to success.
Robinson was inducted into the SWAC Hall of Fame in 1998, the Alabama State Sports Hall of Fame in 2023 and the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2026. Roinson is a member of the SWAC Alumni Association and a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.. He is the father of three sons who participated in high school and college athletic
