PINE BLUFF, AR. – University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football student assistant Carter Sumler has been selected to represent UAPB and the Southwestern Athletic Conference in the 2026 Future Leaders in Football Fellowship, sponsored by the National Football League (NFL).
The Future Leaders in Football Fellowship is designed to provide students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities with hands-on experience and exposure to career opportunities throughout the football industry.
The fellowship operates in partnership with the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). Participants interested in careers in football receive a stipend to work with their institution's football program in areas that include athletic training, scouting and recruiting, football operations, equipment and video.
Fellows work with their respective football programs throughout the season while gaining practical experience and professional development. Participants who receive strong evaluations may also have the opportunity to attend an NFL tentpole event and enter the pipeline for future opportunities with the League.
Sumler's selection adds another professional development opportunity to an already strong academic record at UAPB. During the 2025-26 academic year, he earned SWAC All-Academic Team honors for his performance in the classroom as a member of the Golden Lions football program.
For the 2026 season, Sumler transitioned into a student assistant role with the Golden Lions, where he assists the coaching staff and supports the program's day-to-day football operations. The fellowship will allow him to continue building experience within the collegiate football environment while gaining additional exposure to the professional side of the sport.
A native of Norman, Oklahoma, Sumler attended Norman North High School, where he competed at outside linebacker and long snapper for the Timberwolves. He was also a multi-sport athlete, competing in track and field as a thrower.
As a senior in 2023, Sumler recorded a discus throw of 133 feet, placing fourth at the COAC Conference Championships and scoring five points for Norman North. He also posted a mark of 126 feet, 8.5 inches to finish seventh at the Edmond Memorial Twilight Meet.
Throughout his prep career, Sumler competed in the throwing events while developing the strength and athleticism that also contributed to his success on the football field.
Sumler will represent both UAPB and the SWAC as part of the 2026 Future Leaders in Football Fellowship class while continuing his work with the Golden Lions football program.
