Hampton's Allen, N.C. A&T's Kennedy Chosen To Stats Perform HBCU National Player Of The Year Watch List
Rob Washburn
2026 HBCU FCS National Player of the Year: 20 Named to Preseason Watch List | Opta Analyst
RICHMOND, Va. (July 29, 2026) – Hampton senior offensive lineman
Omari Allen and North Carolina A&T senior wide receiver/returner
Elijah Kennedy are among 20 players chosen to the preseason watch list for the Stats Perform HBCU National Player of the Year Award.
Allen earned second-team All-CAA honors in 2025 after anchoring a Hampton offensive line that helped the Pirates average 163.0 yards per game on the ground. He started all 12 games at right guard and was recognized on the 2026 preseason All-CAA first team.
Kennedy received second-team All-America honors as a punt returner in 2025 after ranking second nationally in punt return average (16.3 ypg) with two TD’s. He also averaged 19.6 yards and scored a TD on kickoffs. Kennedy contributed at wide receiver for the Aggies, making 25 receptions for 305 yards.
A national panel involving HBCU/FCS coverage will select the award winner after the regular season. The recipient will be announced in December.