Get to Know Your 2026 AAL Teams: Mississippi Wolfpack
- Shady Sports Network
- Apr 13
- 4 min read
One of the four teams that will compete in the American Arena League this season is the Mississippi Wolfpack. As you read on, you'll find out everything you need to know about the chippy team from Batesville, Mississippi, from their history to their 2026 outlook.
Quick Reference:
Established:2025
Location: Batesville, MS
Home Arena: Tunica Arena & Expo Center
Capacity: 2,250-5,500
Owner: Eddie Strong
2025 League/Record: 9-2
2025 AAL2 Champion
Coaching Staff:
HC/OC: Eddie Strong
DC: Kendrick Market
FB/ST: Toward Sanford
DL/LB: O’Bryan Goodson
2025 Recap & Team History
Now let's take a closer look at the coaching staff and the highlights of the team's 2025 recap and history:
The Wolfpack was established before the 2025 season in the wake of other teams that tried to establish themselves in the same area. Eddie Strong, the current head coach and owner, has taken them in a completely different direction from other teams by growing from within and not trying to push beyond what is realistically possible. While doing so, he has also ensured steady growth at the franchise, personnel, and community levels.
After evolving from an idea to a franchise, they have steadily grown, even upgrading to a full-out arena in Tunica early in the 2025 season, while still being a member of the AAL2. While they have a short history, only one season, all they know is winning.
The 2025 season wasn’t without its hardship. Early in the season, they would stumble in a low-scoring fight for yards against the RiverGators. Though like any strong-led team, they would get up, brush off, and go on a run. Through the next eleven games, they would only drop one more and record a handful of blowouts along the way.
Eventually, they won the South Division and walked through the playoffs. Eventually landing a match-up with fellow “move up” in the Jersey Bearcats, in the 2025 AAL2 championship game. They would go on to win, albeit controversially, 32-29. They come into the AAL with a ready-made rival in Jersey and a 9-2 record.
2026 Outlook
Stepping up to a higher level of competition is never easy, but Coach Strong and his staff seemed poised to make a strong run at it. The former Ole Miss Rebel has the experience and foresight to win at this level. While he does a fantastic job at Talent acquisition, he and his staff can build schemes around the roster, no matter the roster.
This is especially true on the defensive side of the ball, with coaches excited to see how DE William Banks and Jonathan Griffin develop as we get camp started. No matter the level, you have to bring in talent on offense, and if you check the socials, you’ll see no shortage of talent( on either side of the ball). Many former AAL2 stars, including RB Jason Hall, 2025 AAL2 MVP, PJ Thomas, and 2025 AAL2 Defensive Player of the Year Jonathan Griffith.
2026 Roster as of March 26th
PJ Thomas QB 2025 AAL2 MVP, 2025 First Team All-AAL2 Offense
Jalen Davis WR/DE/LB
Johnny Russell LB
Jonathan Griffith LB 2025 AAL DPOY, 2025 First Team All-AAL2 Defense
Jason Hall FB/LB
Mi'Quell Powell ATH
Terry Hawkins Jr. QB
Dontrell Boyd WR/DB
Amon White OL/DL - 2025 First Team All-AAL2 Defense
Jamel Bailey OL/DL - 2025 First Team All-AAL2
Joseph Weatherby DB - 2025 Second Team All-AAL2
Keep in mind the American Arena League has added a draft of AAL2 players on April 19th. The Mississippi Wolfpack are set to select second overall in a “snake style” draft. The AAL is offering each team two roster exemptions to carry drafted players on their active roster, and each team has 4 selections available in the draft process. This allows for a very clear development ladder from the AAL2 to the AAL. Tune in to the AAL Facebook page to watch the draft process unfold live.
Draft Event Link
Offseason Highlights:
In an effort to make sure everyone locally knows the who, where, and why behind the franchise, Eddie Strong and a few staff members recently went on local television. The interview went about as well as you could ask, and ended up being fantastic press, and may very well help fill Tunica Arena.
For the Fans:
Experiencing an indoor football game isn't just all about the game; it's also the environment. Keeping fans engaged is huge, and the Wolfpack has a list of plans in motion to do so. We can't let the wolf out of the pen completely, but game one non-football entertainment will be a treat! Not only will you get an action-packed game, but you'll also be treated to a 500 Voice Gospel Choir!
There will also be end-of-quarter and halftime entertainment and a fan contest! Eddie Strong and his entire staff are working hard to ensure it's a memorable experience for anyone in attendance. Don’t forget the opportunity to meet the players, get pictures, and get autographs after the game. Everyone on the staff is important to making everything go, and we recognize them below:
Yolanda Shegog-Wright- General Manager
Charles Stackhouse- Director of Player
Development
Dr. Coasie Parker, Corporate Giving and
Sponsorship Coordinator
Dr. Patrice Shipp- Corporate Giving and
Sponsorship Coordinator
Pamela Pope- Community Engagement Team Lead
Krystle Hamilton- Community Engagement
Veltis Walton- Community Engagement
Sandria Benson- Volunteer Coordinator
2026 Outlook for Mississippi
Overall, if you take a step back and look at all the recent signings, paired with an experienced coaching staff and solid behind-the-scenes staff, there’s no reason Mississippi shouldn’t be competing for the AAL championship.
The roster reads part veteran experience, part AAL2 all-star team, and fans should already be excited seeing the talent they have! Show up, and show out if you're local. The first home game is April 18th, against the Peach State Cats! On April 19th, the Wolfpack will be selecting second overall in the 2026 AAL Draft.
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