Preseason Accolades Signal a Promising Campaign
Nehemiah Hixon, a sophomore from Spanish Fort, Alabama, has been selected to the Second-Team Preseason All-American squad by FCS Football Central, highlighting his emergence as one of the nation’s top kick return specialists.
During his freshman season, Hixon amassed 488 kick return yards, placing him fourth in the SWAC, and also contributed as a wide receiver for the Hornets, who finished the year 10-2. His dual-threat ability underscores the versatility that coaches expect to leverage in the upcoming schedule.
His inclusion marks a historic milestone, as he becomes the first Alabama State player to receive preseason recognition on a national publication, and he joins four other HBCU athletes on the list, underscoring the growing visibility of historically black colleges in collegiate football.
The Hornets are slated to open the 2025 season against Southern University on August 29, a game that will be broadcast on ESPNU, providing a national platform for Hixon to showcase his special-teams prowess.
With preseason honors already secured, Hixon enters the campaign with added expectations, but he remains focused on contributing to Alabama State’s pursuit of a championship run in the SWAC.