The HBCU football season has another major preseason marker as the Black College Football Hall of Fame announced its 2026 watch list for the Deacon Jones Player of the Year Award.
A total of 52 players representing 24 programs were selected for the initial watch list, which recognizes candidates for one of the top individual honors in HBCU football.
South Carolina State leads all schools with seven players on the list. North Carolina Central follows with five selections, while Alabama State and Jackson State each placed four players among the candidates.
The award is presented annually to the most outstanding football player from a Historically Black College or University. Four finalists will be selected following the season, with the winner scheduled to be announced during halftime of the 2027 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl on Feb. 27 in Atlanta.
The winner will receive the Deacon Jones Trophy.
“The Black College Football Player of the Year Award represents the excellence, dedication, and competitive spirit of HBCU football,” Black College Football Hall of Fame co-founder Doug Williams said. “These young men are building their own legacies, as they set the standard for themselves and others who will follow. In order to keep this tradition alive, we have to continue to exemplify the impact of HBCU football.”
Among the quarterbacks selected are Alabama State’s Andrew Body, Fayetteville State’s Jamir Dismukes, Clark Atlanta’s Xzavier Jackson, North Carolina Central’s Josh Jones and Virginia State’s Rahsaan Matthews Jr.
The list also features several players from programs expected to contend for conference championships during the 2026 season.
Black College Football award has strong history
The Black College Football Player of the Year Award dates back to 2016, when former North Carolina A&T running back Tarik Cohen became its first recipient.
Bowie State quarterback Amir Hall won the award in both 2017 and 2018 before Tennessee State wide receiver Chris Rowland claimed the honor in 2019. Alabama A&M quarterback Aqeel Glass won during both the spring and fall 2021 seasons.
Jackson State quarterback Shedeur Sanders won in 2022 before North Carolina Central quarterback Davius Richard and Florida A&M quarterback Jeremy Moussa shared the honor in 2023.
Virginia Union running backs then claimed the next two trophies. Jada Byers won in 2024, followed by Curtis Allen in 2025.
Candidates for the 2026 award were selected based on previous performance as well as expectations for the upcoming season. The Black College Football Hall of Fame said additional players can be added as the season progresses.
South Carolina State’s seven selections include Joshua Barker, Ka’Von Chisolm, Jordan Franklin, James Reddick II, Tyler Smith, Darius Thompson and Moses Umoren.
North Carolina Central is represented by Josh Jones, Isaiah Lawson, AC McMoore, Chance Peterson and Mehki Wall.
The list stretches across both Division I and Division II HBCU programs, with players from the MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, SIAC and other Black college football programs represented.
“The Deacon Jones Trophy represents one of the highest honors in HBCU football,” Black College Football Hall of Fame co-founder James Harris said. “Deacon Jones was the most feared pass rusher of his generation, and even coined the term ‘sack.’ His legacy extends far beyond the game, continuing to inspire the next generation of players who carry the tradition of Black College Football forward.”
Jones played collegiately at South Carolina State and Mississippi Valley State before becoming one of the NFL’s legendary defensive players. He earned eight Pro Bowl selections and unanimous All-NFL honors for six consecutive seasons from 1965 through 1970.
The four finalists for the 2026 award will be determined after the season by a selection committee. The eventual winner will join a list of players who have helped define the modern era of Black College Football.