2025 HBCU National Player of the Year Award: 20 Named to FCS Preseason Watch List | Opta Analyst
LORMAN, Miss. – Alcorn State University football standouts
Stemarion Edwards and
Jacorian Sewell have been named to the 2025 Stats Perform HBCU National Player of the Year Award Preseason Watch List, announced this week by the national panel overseeing FCS and HBCU football coverage.
The prestigious award annually recognizes the most outstanding player among the 21 Division I HBCU football programs across the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), CAA Football, and the OVC-Big South. Edwards and Sewell are among a select group of 20 players named to this year's watch list—representing both sides of the ball for the Braves.
A dynamic force on the defensive side, linebacker
Stemarion Edwards returns to anchor Alcorn's defense after a dominant 2024 campaign that showcased his sideline-to-sideline range and leadership. Edwards enters the 2025 season as one of the most feared defenders in the SWAC, known for his ability to disrupt plays, rush the quarterback, and lead a disciplined unit that ranked among the league's best.
On the offensive side, running back
Jacorian Sewell continues to prove himself as one of the most electric playmakers in HBCU football. With a combination of speed, vision, and physicality, Sewell was a cornerstone of the Braves' offensive attack last season and looks to build on that success in 2025. His versatility as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield has made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
"We are extremely proud of Stemarion and Jacorian for being recognized on a national level," said Alcorn State Head Football Coach
Cedric Thomas. "This honor is a reflection of their work ethic, leadership, and commitment to excellence both on and off the field. They embody everything it means to be a Brave."
The watch list features returning standout performers from across the FCS landscape, including Southern University defensive end Ckelby Givens, the only returning finalist from last year. All positions are eligible for the award, with last year's finalists representing every phase of the game—from quarterback and offensive line to linebacker and secondary. South Carolina State quarterback Eric Phoenix was the inaugural recipient in 2024.
A national panel of voters will select the 2025 award winner following the conclusion of the regular season. The recipient will be announced on
Dec. 8, with formal recognition to follow at the
Stats Perform FCS National Awards Presentation on Jan. 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee.
For the complete Stats Perform HBCU National Player of the Year Watch List, please visit
theanalyst.com.
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