MOBILE, Ala. – Phil Steele released his 2026 Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference teams and four student-athletes from South Alabama were honored on the various squads.

Kenton Jerido, Keenan Phillips and Jayvon Henderson all collected second team recognition while Jeremiah Jones-Thomas was selected to the third team.

Jerido was a 2025 All-Sun Belt Third Team honoree. He proved to be one of the most versatile linemen in the country by taking snaps at all five positions on the offensive line throughout the course of the season. Jerido helped pace an offensive line that finished the season as a top-20 rushing offense nationally, ranking 20th in the country in rushing yards per game at 199.8. That number ranked fourth in the Sun Belt Conference and the Jaguars also finished third in the league in rushing touchdowns with 30.

Phillips benefited greatly from Jerido's blocking by producing 607 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 126 carries, making him South's leading returning rusher. He also caught 10 passes for 58 yards in 2025.

Henderson, a defensive anchor for the Jaguars in 2025, finished the year with 26 total tackles, two tackles for loss, five pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.

Jeremiah Jones-Thomas caught three passes for 18 yards in 2025. He projects to be a big part of the offensive attack for the Jags in 2026, and will play a key role on special teams.

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