HAMPTON, Va. (July 29, 2028) … Hampton University offensive lineman
Omari Allen is one of 20 players named to the Stats Perform HBCU National Player of the Year Watch List. The award honors the outstanding player from the 21 HBCU programs in FCS football.
The third-year award honors the outstanding player from the 21 HBCU programs of Division I FCS. All positions are eligible for the award, and it was reflected among last season's 10 finalists: three linebackers, three defensive ends, two quarterbacks, one defensive back and one running back.
A national panel involving HBCU/FCS coverage will select the award winner after the regular season. The recipient will be announced in December.
A senior, Allen will anchor a Hampton offensive line that has helped the Pirates lead the Coastal Athletic Association in rushing twice in the previous three season. A second-team All-CAA choice in 2025, Allen was a first-team preseason selection this year.
In addition to the HBCU National Player of the Award, Stats Perform will present the Walter Payton Award (FCS Offensive Player of the Year), Buck Buchanan Award (FCS Defensive Player of the Year), Jerry Rice Award (FCS Freshman Player of the Year), Eddie Robinson Award (FCS Coach of the Year) and Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award this season.
The Watch List includes:
Omari Allen, Hampton, OL, Sr., 6-4, 300
Elijah Baker, Alabama State, OL, R-Sr., 6-4, 323
Andrew Body, Alabama State, QB, R-Sr., 6-0, 205
Herman Brister III, Southern, DB, R-Jr., 6-2, 205
Cornelius Brown IV, Alabama A&M, QB, Grad, 6-5, 220
Ka'Von Chisolm, South Carolina State, DL, R-So., 6-5, 260
Quaveon Davis, Jackson State, OL, Sr., 6-8, 330
Wayne Favors III, Delaware State, DB, R-Sr., 5-11, 181
Jordan Franklin, South Carolina State, LB, R-Jr., 6-2, 205
Kedrick Green, Howard, DB, Grad, 6-2, 215
Danarius Hilliard, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, LB, Sr., 5-11, 210
Eden James, Howard, RB, Grad, 5-9, 195
Jaylen Jennings, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, RB, Jr., 5-10, 195
RJ Johnson III, Grambling State QB, R-Jr., 6-2, 210
Elijah Kennedy, North Carolina A&T, WR/RS, R-Sr., 5-11, 180
Calvin McMillian, Prairie View A&M, OL, Grad, 6-5, 328
AC McMoore, North Carolina Central, OL, 6-2, 311
Chance Peterson, North Carolina Central, WR, R-Jr., 5-8, 154
Kam Sallis, Jackson State, DB, R-Jr., 6-1, 222
Ta'Shaun Sims, Alabama State, DB, Jr., 6-0, 188
