True Freshman Aaron Frye Starts at QB for Alabama State in SWAC Opener
The short version
- True freshman Aaron Frye made his first college start in Alabama State's SWAC opener against Mississippi Valley State on Sept. 26.
- Starter Andrew Body was ruled out after spraining his non-throwing wrist against Troy in Week 2.
- Frye led Clay-Chalkville to an undefeated 2025 season and the AHSAA Class 6A state title, earning game MVP honors.
- Frye is the first true freshman and quarterback awarded Alabama State's No. 9 jersey, tied to the Marion Nine tradition.
- His older brother, Ashton Frye, plays quarterback at Grambling State in the SWAC West.
With Andrew Body sidelined by a wrist injury, Alabama State turns to freshman Aaron Frye against Mississippi Valley State on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Alabama State entered its Week 4 matchup with Mississippi Valley State uncertain about who would line up at quarterback. Head coach Eddie Robinson Jr. revealed that starter Andrew Body had sprained his non-throwing wrist during the Week 2 contest with Troy, and the coach declined to commit to Body playing against the Delta Devils, calling him a game-time decision.
That question was settled before Saturday's kickoff on Sept. 26, when the Hornets officially ruled Body out. Robinson chose to hold Body out of the game entirely, handing the start to true freshman Aaron Frye, the team's second-string quarterback. The game marks Frye's first start at the college level.
Frye arrives at Alabama State with a decorated Alabama high school resume. As a senior, he guided Clay-Chalkville to the AHSAA Class 6A state championship in 2025, defeating Saraland in the title game. He earned MVP honors in that championship after piling up 350 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns, and Clay-Chalkville finished the 2025 season undefeated with him under center.
His individual recognition extended beyond the final game. The Alabama Sports Writers Association named Frye its 6A Player of the Year. During the regular season, he led Clay-Chalkville to wins over nationally ranked Thompson and over a Saraland team featuring Alabama commit Trent Seaborn. Even so, Frye was not a ranked recruit and collected five scholarship offers during his senior year.
At Alabama State, Frye already carries a distinction beyond the depth chart. He wears the No. 9 jersey, the only one on the roster and an honor that must be earned rather than simply assigned. The number honors the Marion Nine, the nine formerly enslaved men who founded the university, and the tradition is now in its fourth year. Criteria for wearing it include leadership, personal character, academic standing, and community service.
Frye became the first true freshman and first quarterback to receive the honor from Robinson and his staff. He was presented with the Marion Nine Perseverance Award and the jersey at the program's spring scrimmage.
The Frye family also has a second quarterback playing in the SWAC this fall. Older brother Ashton Frye is a redshirt senior at Grambling State, which competes in the SWAC West division. Ashton played his prep ball at Springville in Alabama and began his college career at Jacksonville State before moving on to Grambling State.
A head-to-head meeting between the brothers will not happen in 2026. Alabama State's schedule does not include Grambling State this season, and the two programs have not faced each other since 2024.
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