Preseason Honors Highlight Governor’s Rising Stars
The latest preseason All‑American selections from FCS Football Central have placed two Austin Peay State University standouts among the nation’s most celebrated players heading into the 2026 campaign.
Offensive lineman Joshua Sales Jr., a senior from South Bend, Indiana, earned a first‑team nod that marks the first time a Governor has been selected to the FCS Football Central preseason first team, underscoring his impact on the line.
Quarterback Chris Parson, a junior from Brentwood, Tennessee, was placed on the second team and also named to the Walter Payton Award Preseason Watch List, reflecting a season in which he amassed over 3,000 passing yards and 23 touchdowns while also rushing for 743 yards.
Both athletes also collected preseason All‑United Athletic Conference honors, a testament to their dominance within the league and a signal that the Governors could be poised for a breakout year.
Season Opener Set for August 27
The excitement surrounding the duo is amplified by the team’s upcoming season opener on August 27, when Austin Peay will host Gardner‑Webb at Fortera Stadium, a game that will serve as the first test of the new‑look offense.
Coaches and teammates alike have praised the pair’s leadership, noting that their experience and versatility will be crucial as the program looks to build on recent successes and chase a conference title.