Preseason All‑Sun Belt Selections
The Sun Belt Conference announced its preseason All‑Sun Belt teams, and Appalachian State was well‑represented. Defensive lineman Aiden Benton and linebacker Colton Phares earned first‑team defense honors, while versatile offensive lineman Tyriq Poindexter was placed on the second‑team offense.
Defensive Dominance
Phares capped a breakout 2025 season with 101 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions, numbers that helped him secure a spot on the first‑team defense. Benton contributed 41 tackles, six tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, underscoring his impact on the line.
Offensive Spark and Injury Comeback
Poindexter’s journey to the second‑team offense was shaped by adversity. He opened the 2025 season as the starting right tackle but missed the remainder of the year due to injury. Prior to that, he had started 26 games for VMI from 2021 to 2024 and earned All‑SoCon first‑team honors in 2024.
Media Days in New Orleans
The 2026 Sun Belt Football Media Days will take place in New Orleans and will be streamed on ESPN+. Appalachian State will be represented by head coach Dowell Loggains, defensive standout Colton Phares and quarterback Malachi Singleton. Singleton, a redshirt sophomore who appeared in 11 games for Purdue in 2025 and five games for Arkansas in 2024, is expected to bring additional depth to the Mountaineers’ backfield.