Southern Jaguars announced that defensive end Ckelby Givens will suit up for a fifth collegiate season, a move confirmed both by the team and a recent Instagram post from the player himself.
A Fifth‑Year Boost for the Jaguars
The extra year is made possible by a recent U.S. District Court injunction that grants 2022 high‑school graduates an additional season of eligibility, allowing Givens to remain in college through the 2026‑27 academic year.
Givens capped his previous seasons with a string of honors: he was named 2024 HBCU Defensive Player of the Year and shared the 2024 SWAC co‑Defensive Player of the Year award, and he repeated as the SWAC leader in tackles for loss and sacks in 2025.
In 2024 he topped the FCS with 27.5 tackles for loss and ranked third nationally with 12.5 sacks, and a year later he again paced the SWAC with 18.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, underscoring his consistent dominance.
Defensive coordinator Todd Lyght praised the player, likening his presence to that of NFL star Aaron Donald and emphasizing how Givens’ leadership elevates the entire unit.
Although the 2026 NFL Draft passed without a selection, Givens attended the Buffalo Bills rookie minicamp, though he did not secure a professional contract.
The Jaguars open the season on August 29 at 2 p.m. against Alabama State in Birmingham, Alabama, a game that will showcase Givens’ return to the field.
Over the past three years in the SWAC, Givens has become known for his relentless pass‑rush and ability to disrupt opposing backfields, a reputation that continues to draw acclaim from coaches and teammates alike.