Phil Steele Publications has released its 2026 preseason all‑Sun Belt Conference selections, and the Herd boasts eleven players earning spots on the lists. The recognition underscores the program’s growing depth and sets an optimistic tone for the upcoming campaign.
Preseason Honors Highlight Herd’s Depth
Among the honorees, quarterback Carlos Del Rio‑Wilson emerges as the conference’s top returning signal‑caller, projecting to lead the offense with both arm and legs. His 2025 performance included 2,043 passing yards, 17 touchdowns and five interceptions, complemented by 661 rushing yards and six scores.
The first‑team lineup also features wide receiver Adrian Norton, tight end Toby Payne, offensive lineman Jalen Slappy and defensive back Daytione Smith. Norton’s 2025 stats — 27 catches for 363 yards and five touchdowns — included a game‑winning overtime score against Texas State, while Payne contributed 37 receptions for 393 yards and two touchdowns.
Slappy, a three‑year starter on the offensive line, continues to anchor the unit’s interior, and Smith posted 50 tackles and three interceptions, tying him for the most among returning Sun Belt defensive players.
The second‑team selections comprised linebackers Javae Gilmore and Jalen Marshall and kick returner Xayvion Turner‑Bradshaw, while the third‑team roster added offensive lineman Tariq Montgomery and defensive linemen Braydin Ward and Mikailin Warren.
Coach Tony Gibson’s staff views the breadth of recognitions as a testament to the program’s recruiting and development pipeline, positioning the Herd for a competitive season within the Sun Belt Conference.