#UAPBFootball: Golden Lions Place Five on 2026 Preseason All-SWAC Football Team

7/8/2026 1:00:00 PM

Hilliard, Jennings, Robinson Earn First-Team Honors; Carter and Cagle Named to Second Team

PINE BLUFF, AR. – The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) announced its 2026 Preseason All-SWAC Football Team on Tuesday, as selected by the league's head coaches and sports information directors. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff was well represented with five Golden Lions earning preseason recognition following standout performances during the 2025 campaign.

Leading the way were linebacker Danarius Hilliard, running back Jaylen Jennings, and wide receiver D'Avery Robinson, who were all named to the Preseason All-SWAC First Team, while offensive lineman Nick Carter and defensive tackle Marquis Cagle earned Second-Team honors.

The preseason recognition comes on the heels of another successful year for the Golden Lions, both on and off the field. UAPB's football program posted a 3.242 team GPA during the 2025-26 academic year, continuing its commitment to excellence in the classroom while building momentum heading into the 2026 season under Head Coach Alonzo Hampton.

Danarius Hilliard | Linebacker | First Team
After earning BOXTOROW HBCU First-Team All-America honors and First-Team All-SWAC recognition in 2025, Danarius Hilliard returns as one of the premier defensive players in the Football Championship Subdivision.

Hilliard led the SWAC in tackles per game (8.2), ranked second in total tackles with 90, and tied for 10th in the conference with 3.5 sacks. His ability to make plays all over the field made him the heartbeat of the Golden Lions' defense.

His signature performance came against Florida A&M, where he totaled a season-high 15 tackles, including a tackle for loss and a sack, helping anchor one of the conference's top defensive efforts.

Jaylen Jennings | Running Back | First Team
One of the nation's most explosive returning running backs, Jaylen Jennings earned First-Team preseason honors after a dominant 2025 campaign.

Jennings led the SWAC with 11 rushing touchdowns while ranking second in the conference with 936 rushing yards and 78.0 rushing yards per game. He eclipsed the 100-yard mark four times during the season, including a spectacular 226-yard, four-touchdown performance against Lincoln University that earned him SWAC Player of the Week honors. His production established him as one of the conference's top offensive weapons entering the 2026 season.

D'Avery Robinson | Wide Receiver | First Team
D'Avery Robinson burst onto the scene during his freshman season, developing into one of the SWAC's most dynamic receivers.

Starting all 12 games, Robinson led UAPB with 46 receptions for 548 receiving yards, ranking seventh in the conference in both categories while adding four touchdown receptions.

His breakout performance came against Florida A&M, where he recorded six receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown against one of the league's top defenses. Robinson's combination of speed, playmaking ability, and consistency has him poised for another outstanding season in 2026.

Nick Carter | Offensive Line | Second Team
True freshman Nick Carter quickly established himself as one of the conference's top young offensive linemen in 2025. Starting all 11 games at right tackle, Carter became the first true freshman in more than a decade to start 11 games on UAPB's offensive line.

He finished the season with an impressive 89 percent blocking grade while allowing only two sacks despite facing some of the SWAC's elite pass rushers. His standout performance came against First-Team All-SWAC defensive end Ckelby Givens, during which Carter allowed no sacks and consistently won his individual matchups. His steady play was instrumental in helping pave the way for one of the SWAC's top rushing attacks.

Marquis Cagle | Defensive Tackle | Second Team
Marquis Cagle emerged as one of the anchors of the Golden Lions' defensive front during the 2025 season. Starting nine games, Cagle recorded 29 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, one quarterback pressure, and one pass breakup while consistently disrupting opposing offenses with his physical style of play.

His ability to control the line of scrimmage created opportunities for the Golden Lions' linebackers while helping limit opposing rushing attacks throughout the season.

With five preseason All-SWAC selections returning, the Golden Lions enter the 2026 campaign with high expectations as they prepare to open the season in the inaugural Natural State Kickoff Classic against Morehouse College on Saturday, Aug. 29, at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

The Week 0 matchup will mark the beginning of what promises to be an exciting season for a UAPB team looking to build on last year's success and compete for a Southwestern Athletic Conference championship.

2026 Preseason All-SWAC Selections
First Team

Second Team

OL Nick Carter
DT Marquis Cagle

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