Black College Football Hall of Fame announces 2026 watch list

HBCU football Deacon Jones Player of the Year Black College Football Hall of Fame college football watch list MEAC

The Black College Football Hall of Fame has announced the 2026 watch list for the Black College Football Player of the Year Award. A total of 52 student-athletes from 24 institutions have been named to the list, which is an increase from 50 players in 2025. All selections this year represent the four primary Black college football conferences: the MEAC, SWAC, SIAC, and CIAA.

The MEAC and SWAC tied for the most representation with 20 and 17 players respectively. Norfolk State University is represented by two redshirt seniors, Jaylen Williams and Ryan Nolan. The Spartans are one of only two programs on the list represented exclusively by linemen.

The recipient of the award will be presented the Deacon Jones Trophy. Four finalists will be named following the season, with the winner to be announced during the 2027 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl in Atlanta.

Entities

Black College Football Hall of Fame · Deacon Jones Trophy · Jaylen Williams · Norfolk State University · Ryan Nolan

Sources

Wright Selected to 2026 Deacon Jones Player of the Year Watch List [spotonalabama.com]

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These are 5 Division II players that could win the Black College Football Player of the Year award [hbcusports.com]

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Williams, Nolan Named to 2026 Deacon Jones Player of the Year Watch List - Norfolk State University Athletics [nsuspartans.com]

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2026 Aeneas Williams Award Preseason Watch List Announced [www.si.com]

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