Following a 17–10 season and an appearance in the 2026 NAIA National Tournament, the Talladega College women's basketball team has been selected to finish second in the HBCU Athletic Conference preseason poll.

The Tornadoes received 169 points and two first-place votes from the conference's head women's basketball coaches after finishing as the HBCUAC tournament runner-up last season.

Under head coach Andre Payne, Talladega enters the season focused on maintaining its defensive identity while adding more scoring production. After finishing last season among the NAIA's top defensive teams, the Tornadoes have set ambitious goals: lead the nation in points allowed and average 78 points per game.

Returning wing Kiersten Usher and forward Jakalynn McGinnis will provide valuable experience as Talladega builds toward those goals. Both are expected to play key roles in helping the Tornadoes compete for a conference championship and another national tournament berth.

Talladega also welcomes incoming wing Ty'Veonna Davis, who brings an 18-point scoring average, and Madison Presha, a transfer from Georgia Gwinnett who averaged seven rebounds per game. Both newcomers are expected to strengthen the offense, addressing a priority for Payne and his staff.

Fans can expect the same tough defense that helped carry Talladega to the postseason, paired with an emphasis on creating more scoring opportunities.

Payne enters his third season at Talladega and his 24th year as a head coach, bringing 28 years of coaching experience. Talladega's athletics culture and the opportunity to be close to family helped draw him to the program.

With experienced returners and promising additions, the Tornadoes will look to build on last season's success and turn their second-place preseason projection into a championship finish.

Follow Talladega College Athletics for schedules, game coverage and updates throughout the season.