THE HILL | Football returned to Louis Crews Stadium on Thursday morning as Alabama A&M University opened its 2026 fall camp with a spirited two-hour practice.
 
The Bulldogs worked in helmets during their first official practice in preparation for the program's second season under head coach Sam Shade. The opening session emphasized fundamentals, conditioning, execution and establishing the level of competition expected throughout camp.
 
"I thought the energy was good, and our guys came out ready to work," Shade said. "There were some first-day mistakes that we will need to clean up, but the effort was there. Our focus is on improving each day, competing at every position and developing the consistency we will need when the season begins."
 
Alabama A&M returns several experienced players while welcoming a group of newcomers who will compete for roles on offense, defense and special teams. The Bulldogs will use the coming weeks to evaluate personnel, build depth and prepare for a challenging 2026 schedule.
 
For Shade, the opening practice represented another step in the program's continued development.
 
"We are further along because our returning players understand the expectations and the standard we have established," Shade said. "Now, it is about leadership, accountability and execution. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I like the direction of this football team and the way our players approached the first day."
 
The Bulldogs will practice in helmets again Friday before moving to shells Saturday. The first full-pads practice is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 5, with the first scrimmage set for Saturday, Aug. 8. All fall camp practices are closed to the public.
 
Fall Schedule
The Bulldogs open the 2026 season on the national stage with the 2026 Cricket Wireless MEAC/SWAC Challenge against Howard at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Saturday, Aug. 29. The first home game is a week later (Sept. 5) as Alabama A&M plays host to Miles College in the 16^th Annual Louis Crews Classic. 
 
Classic Games
Alabama A&M will play in five signature games this season, starting with the MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Aug. 29 against Howard. A week later, the Maroon & White will play host to Miles College in the 16^th Annual Louis Crews Classic. The Bulldogs will look to make it two straight in The Legacy Series when AAMU host Tennessee State on Sept. 12. Alabama A&M faces Jackson State in the Gulf Coast Challenge on Oct. 3 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala. and conclude the classic games with the 84th Annual Magic City Classic on Oct. 31 at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala.
 
Ticket Information
Season tickets for the 2026 season are on sale now. Purchase your tickets today to guarantee your seat for the upcoming season. To purchase tickets, visit aamusports.com or call the ticket office at: 256.372.7255 or 256.372.7254. 
 
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