#UAPBFootball: Golden Lions Wrap Up First Week of Fall Camp with High Energy, Competition and Excitement

8/1/2026 11:42:00 AM

All-SWAC RB Jaylen Jennings returns after rushing for 900+ yards and a SWAC-best 11 TDs in 2025

PINE BLUFF, AR. – The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football team concluded an energetic and productive first week of preseason camp Saturday morning at Simmons Bank Field, completing seven days of preparation as the Golden Lions continue building toward what they hope will be a championship-caliber 2026 season.

The Golden Lions welcomed 110 student-athletes when they officially reported to fall camp on Sunday, July 26, beginning preparations for the upcoming season under fourth-year Head Coach Alonzo Hampton.

Throughout the opening week, UAPB practiced with tremendous enthusiasm, physicality and attention to detail as Hampton and his coaching staff emphasized discipline, competition and execution on both sides of the football. The Golden Lions wrapped up Week 1 in helmets and shoulder pads, allowing the coaching staff to continue installing offensive and defensive schemes while evaluating players in competitive team periods before transitioning into full pads in the coming days.

"We've had a great first week of camp," Hampton said. "Our players have come to work every day with the right attitude and a willingness to compete. The energy has been outstanding, and we're continuing to take steps forward. We know there's still a lot of work to do, but I'm pleased with the effort, focus and commitment our team has shown."

Expectations are high entering the 2026 season as UAPB returns a talented nucleus of veteran players, including five Preseason All-Southwestern Athletic Conference selections, giving the Golden Lions experienced leadership on both sides of the football.

Offensively, the Golden Lions continue to build under Co-Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach Pierre Ingram, who enters his second season directing the offense and calling plays. His up-tempo system will be complemented by Co-Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach Stephen Barnette, Running Backs Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Miguel Black, Offensive Line Coach and Run Game Coordinator Dimitri Hill, and Assistant Quarterbacks Coach Jonathan Green, providing one of the conference's most experienced offensive coaching staffs.

On the defensive side, second-year Defensive Coordinator Jeff Burrow continues to shape an aggressive, disciplined unit that has shown tremendous growth throughout the first week of camp. Burrow is joined by Associate Head Coach and Defensive Line Coach George Ricumstrict, Linebackers Coach and Defensive Recruiting Coordinator Nathan Jones, and Defensive Backs Coach and Special Teams Coordinator Keith Scott, giving the Golden Lions continuity and experience across the defensive staff.

Behind the scenes, General Manager (Football) Charles Roberts continues to oversee football operations, roster management and program support, helping position the Golden Lions for continued success on and off the field.

Competition has been evident throughout camp, with returning veterans and newcomers battling for playing time at every position. Hampton praised the team's leadership and effort while emphasizing the importance of continuing to improve each day as the season approaches.

"The biggest thing is continuing to stack good days," Hampton said. "Our guys understand that championships are built during camp. Every practice, every meeting and every rep matters. We have to continue competing and getting better."

The Golden Lions will continue preseason camp throughout August before opening the 2026 season on Saturday, Aug. 29, against Morehouse College in the inaugural Natural State Kickoff Classic at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m., marking the official start of the college football season in Arkansas. The event will showcase two historic HBCU football programs while featuring the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff's Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4), Morehouse College's House of Funk Band, an exciting tailgating atmosphere and a full day celebrating HBCU pride and tradition.

Fans can purchase tickets online at https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new/team.asp?SponsorID=19660 or contact the UAPB Athletics Ticket Office at 870-575-8601 for additional ticket information.

Print Friendly Version

Related Videos

Related Stories