Preseason Honors Highlight Elon’s Rising Talent
The Coastal Athletic Association unveiled its 2026 preseason football honors this week, recognizing eight Elon University athletes for their anticipated impact on the upcoming season.
Six of those players earned spots on the CAA Football Preseason All‑Conference Team, while an additional pair received honorable‑mention nods, underscoring the program’s depth.
Offensive standouts Jimmyll Williams, Dylan Magazu and Tim Hogan were highlighted among the selections, reflecting the team’s attacking potential.
Defensive contributors Brodie Carroll and Tony Hart III secured all‑conference berths, with Carroll also earning a place on the Stats Perform FCS Preseason Second Team All‑American list and a spot on the Buck Buchanan Award watch list.
Special‑teams ace Luke Barnes rounded out the honors, while Landyn Backey and Dillon Pardue were noted among the honorable‑mention group.
The conference’s preseason poll projects Elon to finish third behind Rhode Island and Monmouth, with Rhode Island receiving 144 points and 12 first‑place votes, and Monmouth close behind at 119 points.
Conference officials noted that all six all‑conference selections from the previous season had gone on to collect postseason All‑CAA honors in 2025, suggesting a strong continuity of performance.
Stats Perform’s national recognition of Carroll and Barnes as second‑team All‑Americans further elevates the team’s profile as the new campaign approaches.