MOBILE, Ala. – Six South Alabama Football players earned 2026 Athlon Sports Preseason All-Sun Belt honors, the publication announced Friday.
The Jaguars placed three players on the Second-Team Offense, led by running back Keenan Phillips, who rushed for 607 yards and three touchdowns while posting seven games of at least 50 rushing yards during the 2025 season. Wide receiver Anthony Eager also earned second-team honors after hauling in 31 receptions for 434 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 339 kickoff return yards. Offensive lineman Kenton Jerido rounded out the offensive selections after appearing in all 12 games, making five starts and playing all five positions along the offensive line.
On the defensive side, linebacker Tirrell Johnson and cornerback Jayvon Henderson were both named to the Second-Team Defense. Johnson recorded 54 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles and an interception last season, earning Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week honors following his performance against Georgia State. Henderson finished the year with 26 tackles, two tackles for loss, five pass breakups and two fumble recoveries, helping anchor one of the conference's top secondaries.
Offensive lineman Ethan Hubbard rounded out South Alabama's honorees, earning a spot on the Third-Team Offense after starting 11 games and helping pave the way for a Jaguar rushing attack that averaged 199.8 yards per game and ranked among the nation's top 20.
The Jaguars open the 2026 season on Saturday, Sep. 5, when they welcome Southeastern Louisiana to Hancock Whitney Stadium.
All-Sun Belt Honors
Second-Team Offense
Second-Team Defense
Third-Team Offense
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