I appreciate the shout out! @RealBGauvin23

Braydin Ward’s unique mix of speed, strength, and athleticism will be an essential part of the Marshall Thundering Herd’s pass rush, in efforts to compete for the Sun Belt Conference title. The Montgomery, WV native finished the 2025-2026 season with 6.5 Tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles. At a staggering 6’6, 258lbs, the defensive end is extremely explosive coming off the edge and dominates offensive tackles with speed and power. Ward can easily fight and power through contact and combines this power with great hands in his pass rush moves. In the run game, Ward is good at taking on incoming pullers to cause chaos in the backfield and close open holes for running backs. Ward’s overall relentlessness and high motor will make him a key contributor to the Thundering Herd’s defense and help him make a big jump statistically this season. @b_ward08 @CoachTonyGibson @RoboLeonard

Isaiah Knowles, QB, will be a huge addition to the FAMU Rattlers’ offense, being a proven game changer during his time at Albany State. Despite injury limiting him to 10 games last season with the Rams, Knowles finished with 2151 passing yards, 18 passing TDs, 285 rushing yards, and 8 rushing TDs. His performance within the SIAC led him to be selected as the 2025 SIAC offensive player of the year and earned him First Team-All SIAC honors. The Tampa, Florida native is a impressive dual-threat quarterback who is capable of doing whatever is needed of him to put his team in winning positions on offense. Knowles is great at stepping up in the pocket and placing the ball where only his receivers can grab it. His great pocket presence allows him to easily elude pressure and get proper space to drop a pass down field. The quarterback is also a fantastic playmaker on the run, using his speed and elusiveness to gain extra yards on any scramble attempt. The Rattlers picked up a proven star in Knowles and will have no problem competing for a SWAC title with him as their offensive leader. @zay_knowles @HenryBurris @CoachQGray

Justin Montgomery, RB, will prove to be a great transfer portal pickup for the West Georgia Wolves. The Davie, FL native had an impressive sophomore season with the Presbyterian Blue Hose, rushing for 799 yards and 7 TDs on 127 carries, while averaging 6.3 yards per carry. This performance earned him Second Team All-PFL. Montgomery is a strong back with great balance allowing him to bounce off of tackle attempts and fight through contact for extra yards. He also possesses good elusiveness, making excellent cuts to find open gaps in defenses. Before the snap, the running back is also great at reading the defensive front and linebackers to determine the best path for each run scheme. In the passing game, Montgomery is effective whether he’s running a route or staying in the backfield for blitz pickup. Montgomery is capable of making a positive impact for the Wolves’ offense on day 1 and making a big leap this season to chase the 1k yard mark. @Jmo3_ @CoachWilson_22 @Coach_Englehart

Wyatt Ward, LB, finished a impressive freshman season with the Wofford Terriers. His strong traits and natural defensive skills allowed him to be a great asset for the Wofford defense in his first season of collegiate level football. The Greenville, SC native recorded 55 total tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. Ward is a phenomenal run stopper linebacker who’s quick first step allows him to easily close the space between him and a ball carrier. He also has great block shedding skills, initiating contact on most block attempts to rip through the ball. The linebacker’s best quality by far is his pursuit on tackles. Ward comes down field like a freight train, hitting ball carriers at full speed leaving no doubts in his tackles. The skill however that sets Ward apart the most is his energy. He can go multiples in a series and still attack with the same aggression and power no matter what. As Ward enters his Sophomore season with the Terriers, I’ll be excited to watch and see how he develops as a player and how he performs with one season already under his belt. @WyattWard6 @Coach_Doolittle

Que Kennedy, WR, was electric for the Braves this past season, being a key part of UNC Pembroke’s offense. Kennedy finished his sophomore season with 58 receptions, 887 receiving yards, averaging 15.3 yards a reception, and 11 receiving TDs, leading the Conference Carolinas in receiving TDs. Kennedy is an extremely shifty receiver who can get open on any route. At 5’8, 170lbs, the Ocala, FL native dominates in man coverage using his blurring speed to create mismatches against even the best defense backs. His agility makes him an even greater threat for defenses in the open-field, being untouchable once he hits full speed. The receiver also has very sure hands, leaving no doubt if he’ll come down with a difficult ball, even being able to contort his body to adjust to passes as well. As Kennedy enters his junior season, I’m confident that he’ll be able to hit the 1k yard mark and help the Braves to another successful season. @Que1Kennedy @CoachHallUNCP @LeonEasonJr1

Incoming Colorado State Ram, Juice Vereen, TE, will be a serious threat in the passing game for the Rams and will make a great case for the best tight end in the new revamped PAC-12 conference. In the 2025-2026 season with the UCONN Huskies, the Havelock, NC native finished with 22 receptions, 310 receiving yards, and 5 yards receiving TDs, averaging 14.1 yards per reception. This statline earned him a spot on the Shriners Children’s 1000 Watch List. Vereen is a phenomenal route runner and often finds himself able to get open when lining up outside the hashes. At 6’4, 220lbs, Vereen has amazing body control and speed, allowing him to make precise movements on double-moves. He is also great at finding weak points in zone coverages to allow his quarterback to make an easy throw for a first down and more. With his size, Vereen is also a real threat in the red zone when faced with jump ball situations and while running inside routes as he uses his body to create a larger catch radius and take up as much space as possible. Whenever Vereen is especially dangerous when lining up against linebackers, being able to beat them in speed as well as size. Entering his redshirt junior season Vereen will be a big part of the Rams’ efforts to win the PAC-12 title, and further develop his game to make a strong case for the NFL Draft. @JavonteVereen @CoachJimMoraFB @CoachPatWelsh

Oliver Luebkert, incoming Freshman WR for the Eastern Washington Eagles, is a very talented playmaker who possesses the athleticism and long-term upside to become a key contributor for this Eagles offense. The Portland, Oregon native finished a historic career at Beaverton High School, becoming the all-time career leader in the state of Oregon for receiving yards and touchdowns. in Luebkert’s senior season, he racked up 118 receptions, 1,801 receiving yards, and 28 receiving touchdowns in 11 games. At 6’3, 190lbs, Luebkert is a big deep ball threat who is great at snagging down highly contested passes. He has very sure hands that compliment his smooth route running ability. His ability to navigate the field after the catch to gain extra yards is phenomenal, and is a huge factor into in the player he is today. As Luebkert enters his freshman season with the Eagles, I expect him to sharpen his skills and one day become a essential member of the Eagles’ offense. @oliverluebkert_ @CoachBestEWU @CoachCBrink

Ken Moore Jr, Nickelback, has proven to be one of the top defensive backs in the nation with his versatile nature, being able to do it all on defense. In the 2025-2026 season with the Western Carolina Catamounts, the Miami native finished with 43 total tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, and 10 passes defended. These impressive stats earned him First Team All-Southern Conference honors, as well as a spot on the Buck Buchanan Award Preseason Watch List. Primarily lining up against the slot receiver, Moore Jr has phenomenal man coverage technique, with great speed and ability to play off of receivers’ hips to eliminate routes. Moore Jr also has remarkable physicality, being able to set the edge on run plays, blitz off the edge, and make open field tackles with ease, pursuing the ball carrier like a heat seeking missile. The redshirt senior’s best trait is his zone coverage ability. Moore Jr has fantastic lateral quickness and active eyes. These instincts allow him to break on underneath throws and shrink passing windows for opposing quarterbacks. Moore Jr is also extremely skilled playing the ball while it is in the air. His ridiculous athleticism allows him to high point the football, even against bigger opponents, for a pass break up or interception. With Moore Jr returning with the Catamounts in the 2026-2027 season, I expect the nickelback to make game changing plays at multiple spots on defense and continue to be a strong force in Western Carolina’s secondary. He will also be a name to look out for in the 2027 NFL Draft, as I believe his play style will translate smoothly to a top defense. @mewop619 @CoachKerwinBell @malikchevry

Jordan Fisher, RB, has been a phenomenal talent on offense for the UC Davis Aggies, one of the best backs in the FCS, and will be an essential contributor to their playoff efforts in the 2026-2027 season. The Portland native is coming off an explosive season with the Aggies where he recorded 1,121 rushing yards, 8 rushing TDs, 287 receiving yards, and 3 receiving TDs. Fisher is an extremely elusive back who is untouchable once he breaks free into the open-field. While his speed is a huge part of his game, the primary factor into his success in the run game is his elite vision as a ball carrier. Fisher finds open holes, gaps, and weaknesses in defenses with no complications, and decides on his paths quickly. This, doubled with his spectacular skill of bouncing off and running through contact, makes Fisher a deadly force against even the best defenses. His stats also back up his spectacular traits, averaging 6.1 yards per carry and 86.2 yards per game with 0 fumbles on the season, proving Fisher to be a very efficient back. Simply put, Fisher is a yards after contact/catch machine. The running back’s remarkable season last year helped UC Davis to a playoff run and finishing as a top 10 ranked offense in the nation. In the upcoming 2026-2027 season, I expect Fisher’s play and usage to immensely increase, allowing him to simultaneously be one of the best backs on a playoff caliber team and solidify his resume for the 2027 NFL Draft. @gajordanfisher @VintagePlough @vavaeee

Big year!!!

CJ Brown, #90, DT, is an explosive force for Winston Salem State’s defensive line and can easily shut down plays before they get started. The 6’1, 260lb defensive tackle had an impressive season with the Rams, finishing with 36 total tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 2.5 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR, a stat line that earned him 2nd Team All-CIAA honors. Brown made an huge impact on the Rams’ defense this past season, with not only his dominant play but his immense levels of energy before, during, and after plays. In the run game, Brown primarily attacks through the B-gap and fills those open spaces quickly to eliminate any rushing threat. Brown is able to quickly shed off blocks or use his incredible strength to push his blockers back to fill his gap. In the pass rush, Brown is excellent at getting vertical to create pressure in the pocket by combining his ridiculous strength with his underrated speed to become an ultimate nightmare for quarterbacks. As Brown returns for his senior season with the Rams, his dominant nature on defense and his contagious amount of energy will serve as a great benefit to the Rams as they compete for the CIAA championship in the 2026-2027 season. @CJ_brown22 @T_Woodbury11 @IAMCoachDub1

Gaven Haselhorst is coming off an phenomenal season with the Fort Hays State Tigers, where he has became an nightmare for offenses in Division 2. In his Junior season, Haselhorst accumulated 39 total tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 6 sacks, 1 INT, 2 Passed Deflected, 3 Forced Fumbles, and 1 Fumble Recovery. This stat line earned him First Team D2CCA All-Super Region 4 Team and a Unanimous All-MIAA First Team selection. Despite having a smaller frame for a defensive lineman at 6’0, 245lbs, Haselhorst’s play eliminates any doubts. The senior defensive lineman is a dominant force on defense, having a natural trait to blow up plays on offense from sheer effort. Haselhorst is extremely quick when coming off the edge, allowing him to easily gain leverage with his finesse moves and great hips. Haselhorst’s motor is also one-of-a-kind, being able to tire out tackles on pass rushes and chase down quarterbacks in the backfield without breaking a sweat. The defensive lineman also possesses amazing technique in tackling, maintaining a low center of gravity and a controlled aggression when launching towards ball carriers. As Haselhorst enters his senior season with the Tigers, I expect him to have the best season of his career and further solidly himself as one of the most explosive and commanding defensive linemen in Division 2. @gavenhasel @FHSUFootball @HCFHSUFB @Coach_Hickel

J.C. Heim, LB, is one of the most dominant defensive players in the nation, coming off an outstanding season. The hometown hero from Topeka, Kansas finished his sophomore season with an impressive stat line, most notably bringing in 142 total tackles, 71 solo tackles, 7 TFLs, and 2 forced fumbles for the Washburn Ichabods. Heim is a game-changing force on defense, setting the tone with his high physicality and fast play style. Heim’s spectacular sideline-to-sideline quickness allows him to easily pursue any ball carriers on under routes or running backs bouncing outside the tackle box. The Washburn linebacker is also extremely versatile, being able to play on the strong and weak sides of the football when facing opposing offenses. He is very efficient when dropping into coverage as well, being able to quickly shut down any crossing routes and breaking up passes thrown to routes out of the backfield with ease. Heim is not only a very physical and athletic player, but he is also an extremely intelligent football player. Heim is able to get to the football which such ease due to his ability to quickly read the “Guard-Center-Guard” triangle between the 3 interior linemen. One simple action from one of these three linemen, allows Heim to spring into action immediately and make a play for his team. As he enters his junior year, Heim will make a bigger splash within conference play to sharpen his skills as a linebacker and earn the recognition he deserves. @heim_jc @IchabodFTBL @Zach_Watkins @CoachKoch_WU @D2Football

Joshua Stoneking, DE, is one of the best players in the entire FCS who isn't being talked about. Stoneking led the FCS in sacks and tackles for losses, posting 14.5 sacks and 23 TFLs on the season. Stoneking was named the FCS ADA National Defensive Player of Year as well as a first team All-American by the FCS Football Central. The 6'4, 258lb defensive end exhibits great dominance coming off the edge for the Furman Paladins. At his size, Stoneking has excellent speed and is a versatile edge coming off the ball at both left end and right end. Stoneking's get-off speed is next level and leaves offensive tackles stunned. While the redshirt junior excels in speed rushing, he also has excellent technique using active hands when attacking off the edge. His ability to simultaneously beat tackles off the edge with quickness while also swiping down a lineman's hands makes Stoneking a huge problem for quarterbacks especially on 3rd and long situations. Stoneking is also a very underrated edge when it comes to stopping the run. His ability to fight through blocks and double teams makes him an issue for teams with great run games. My favorite quality about Stoneking is his relentless motor. Stoneking does not give up on plays whether it be playing sideline to sideline when a quarterback is rolling out away from him on a pass play or rallying to the football on a quick screen play. Despite playing for a smaller school in the FCS, Stonekings's skills and resume proceeds him. When the Paladins played the Clemson Tigers, a Power 4 team in the ACC, Stoneking still posted a fair stat line with 6 total tackles, 3 TFLs, a sack, and multiple pressures on the quarterback. As he enters the 2026-2027 season with the Paladins, I expect another dominant season from Stoneking and for him to be a sleeper pick for a NFL team's pass rush in next year's draft. @StonekingJoshua @FUCoachHendrix @KLewDLCoach @PaladinFootball @The__Bluebloods

Hank Brown Jr is due for another breakout season next year as he heads into his junior season with the Sioux Falls Cougars. The Urbandale, Iowa native made a huge jump in his sophomore season totaling 979 receiving yards, 83 receptions, and 2 touchdowns on the season while averaging 89 yards per game. Brown Jr has solidified himself as a reliable slot receiver in the passing game, being able to put his team in scoring positions on any reception. Brown Jr is an smooth route runner who gets off the ball quickly and initiates his leverage quickly by diving in or out at the start of his routes. Brown Jr is also incredible at finding open space in zone coverage, quickly getting downhill as soon as the ball is secured. After the catch, Brown Jr is great at making defenders miss and using his underrated strength to bounce off any tackle attempts as well. With more time to improve this offseason, Brown Jr will come back even better for his junior season and expect to see his name as one of the top receivers in all of division 2. @Hankbrownjr @jimglogowski @iWestonBridges @USFCougarsFB

Andrew Body will be the most dominant player in HBCU football next season and lead Alabama State to be one of the most underrated teams in the FCS. Although the redshirt senior played only 8 games last season due to injury, Body finished the year off with 1,770 passing yards, 20 passing TDs, 70.6% completion rate, and only one interception. These stats earned him honors as Southwestern Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year and Stats Perform HBCU National Player of the Year. Body is an phenomenal athlete on the field and puts the Hornets in winning situations. Body has pinpoint accuracy on his passes, whether it be a deep bomb down the sideline or finding his open receiver on a quick seam shot. Body is also very comfortable in the pocket, always being sure to step up to place the ball in the best spot for his teammates to snag and make plays. Body is also very underrated with reading defenses. He makes quick reads on the snap of the ball to find the open man and simultaneously works both sides of the field. Body's quick reads, strong arm, and deep ball accuracy is a nightmare combo for defenses in man coverage with one high safety. Not only is Body a fantastic passer, he is also great on the ground with the ball in his hands. Body rushed for 518 yards this season with 4 rushing TDs, and proved to be a very efficient runner as well, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. Body also poses as an extreme threat to defenses on play action when he rolls out as they have to either prepare for a long scramble or a quick throw down field. Body's best performance this past year was the Hornets' season opener against UAB, an FBS team from the American Athletic Conference. He finished the game passing 18 for 24, 312 passing yards, 4 passing TDs, 119 rushing yards, and 1 rushing TD. With a new season on the horizon, with Body as their quarterback, the Hornets will once again be high favorites to win the SWAC and possibly claim the title as HBCU National Champions. @ANDREWBODY_ @coachtonyhull @erob50 @BamaStateFB