Six Mississippi college football players were named to the 2026 Black College Football Player of the Year watch list. This year, four Jackson State Tigers made it to the watch list, along with two from Alcorn State.
With the honor’s trophy being named after former Mississippi Valley State University player Deacon Jones, the award has been recognizing the best HBCU football player since 2016. Jones was an eight-time Pro Bowler who played from 1961 to 1974. He was inducted as part of the inaugural Black College Football Hall of Fame class in 2010 as well as the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“The Deacon Jones Trophy represents one of the highest honors in HBCU football,” BCFHOF co-founder and 2012 inductee James Harris said. “Deacon Jones was the most feared pass rusher of his generation, and even coined the term ‘sack.’ His legacy extends far beyond the game, continuing to inspire the next generation of players who carry the tradition of Black College Football forward.”
Since the inception of the Black College Football Player of the Year award, there has been one player to receive the honor at a Mississippi school. Former Jackson State quarterback and current NFL player Shedeur Sanders earned the prestigious award in 2022 for the Tigers.
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The first of the Tiger players on the list is offensive lineman Quaveon Davis. As a junior, Davis helped pave the way for JSU to finish second in the FCS in rush offense, where they had a running back rush for over 1,000 yards. In 2025, Davis averaged a grade of 88% while only allowing 1.5 sacks.
Senior wide receiver Joanes Fortilien is next on the list for JSU. Although he did not play much in 2025 due to injuries, he was a star for the Tigers in 2024. Fortilien recorded 37 receptions for 565 yards and a team-high 11 touchdowns in 13 games as a sophomore. Named to the 2024 All-SWAC team, Fortilien’s best game of the year came against Alabama A&M, where he recorded 83 yards and two touchdowns on six receptions.
Nate Rembert, another JSU receiver, made it to the 2026 watch list as well. The former Mississippi Valley State player was a star for the Tigers in 2025 as a redshirt junior, recording a team-high 45 receptions and 750 yards. Rembert balled out against his old team, recording 97 yards and two touchdowns against the Delta Devils.
The only JSU defensive player to make the list was defensive back Kam Sallis. As a redshirt sophomore in 2025, Sallis started 11 games and recorded 53 tackles, 27 of them solo, and two interceptions and forced fumbles. Sallis had a career-high 12 tackles, eight of them solo, against Prairie View A&M.
The first player from Alcorn State on the list is offensive lineman Cameran Rogers. The lineman helped the Braves accumulate 24.25 points per game in 2025. The Braves also rushed for 178.3 yards per game, and Alcorn State noted Rogers as a key contributor to quarterback Jaylon Tolbert’s success in the air. Tolbert passed for 2,218 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2025 behind Rogers on the line.
The final player at a Mississippi school to make the list was Alcorn State defensive lineman Eric Thomas Jr. For the Braves in 2025, Thomas had 26 tackles, 14 solo, in 12 games, where he was also second on the team in sacks with four.
The candidates on the Black College Football Player of the Year watch list are selected each year based on past performances and future potential. The list will grow as the 2026 season progresses, according to the Black College Football Hall of Fame.
“The Black College Football Player of the Year Award represents the excellence, dedication, and competitive spirit of HBCU football,” BCFHOF co-founder and 2011 inductee Doug Williams said. “These young men are building their own legacies, as they set the standard for themselves and others who will follow. In order to keep this tradition alive, we have to continue to exemplify the impact of HBCU football.”
Four finalists will be revealed after the season ends, and the winner will be announced during halftime of the 2027 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl in Atlanta.