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Three HBCU football stars are entering the 2026 season with national recognition. Opta Analyst released its 2026 FCS Preseason All-America Team, with Jackson State offensive lineman Quavion Davis, South Carolina State linebacker Jordan Franklin and North Carolina A&T return specialist Elijah Kennedy each earning second-team honors.
The annual preseason team recognizes players coming off standout 2025 campaigns who are expected to be among the top performers in the Football Championship Subdivision this fall. The recognition comes just days before HBCU conference media days begin, with all three players expected to play key roles for programs entering the season with championship aspirations.
Jordan Franklin, South Carolina State LB
Franklin headlines the trio after helping anchor one of the nation’s top HBCU defenses. The South Carolina State linebacker finished the 2025 season with 62 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, two sacks and two interceptions, earning First Team All-MEAC honors.
His play helped fuel another dominant season for the Bulldogs under head coach Chennis Berry. South Carolina State captured its second consecutive MEAC championship before rallying past Prairie View A&M in four overtimes to win the 2025 Cricket Celebration Bowl.
Quavion Davis, Jackson State OL
Davis also played a pivotal role in his team’s championship pursuit. The Jackson State offensive lineman posted an 88% blocking grade, recorded 27 pancake blocks and surrendered just 1.5 sacks throughout the 2025 season.
His work in the trenches helped pave the way for one of the SWAC’s top rushing attacks. Ahmad Miller eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark, while Denario Davenport and Travis Terrell Jr. each added more than 600 rushing yards as the Tigers captured another SWAC East Division title.
Elijah Kennedy, North Carolina A&T PR
Kennedy rounded out the HBCU selections after emerging as one of the FCS’s most dangerous return specialists despite North Carolina A&T’s struggles during Sean Gibbs’ first season as head coach.
The dynamic Aggie accumulated 979 combined return yards, averaged 16.1 yards per punt return and returned two punts for touchdowns during the 2025 season. He is expected to remain one of the nation’s premier special teams weapons as North Carolina A&T looks to take a step forward in 2026.
Three HBCU football stars are entering the 2026 season with national recognition. Opta Analyst released its 2026 FCS Preseason All-America Team, with Jackson State offensive lineman Quavion Davis, South Carolina State linebacker Jordan Franklin and North Carolina A&T return specialist Elijah Kennedy each earning second-team honors.
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