The Sun Belt Conference unveiled its 2026 preseason honors on Tuesday, naming Marshall quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson as the Offensive Player of the Year. The distinction places the senior signal‑caller at the center of a conference that expects a surge in offensive production.
Preseason Honors Set the Stage
Del Rio-Wilson’s combination of arm strength and mobility has already drawn attention across the league. He enters the season with 2,043 career passing yards, a 65 percent completion rate and 600 rushing yards, figures that rank him among the most versatile quarterbacks in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
What makes his accolade even more remarkable is the context of his recent performance. In 2025 he shattered a 43‑year Marshall record for quarterback rushing yards, finishing with 661 yards on the ground. The achievement earned him multiple weekly recognitions, including the Davey O’Brien ‘Great 8’ honor and a spot on the Manning Award ‘Stars of the Week’ list.
Marshall’s coaching staff rewarded the quarterback’s productivity by placing five of his teammates on the Preseason All‑SBC First Team. The Herd also secured nine total preseason all‑conference selections, underscoring the depth of talent returning to Huntington.
Among the recognized players are tight end Toby Payne, who earned All‑SBC First Team honors in 2025, and wide receiver Adrian Norton, whose knack for big‑moment plays adds a dynamic threat. Both are slated to play a pivotal role as the team looks to translate preseason buzz into on‑field success.
The conference also highlighted other standout returnees such as Jalen Slappy, Tariq Montgomery, Daytione Smith and Xayvion Turner-Bradshaw, each of whom brings a distinct skill set that could shape the league’s competitive balance.
With a roster that blends experience and youthful vigor, Marshall aims to translate its preseason accolades into a conference championship. The Herd’s schedule, which includes matchups against traditional rivals, will test whether the early optimism materializes into tangible results.