Millsaps graduate defensive lineman Zabian Boutan is the latest Major to earn one of the program’s highest honors.
On Monday, head coach Brandon Lechtenberg announced Boutan as the winner of the 2026 Juan Joseph Memorial Award. It comes with the honor of wearing No. 11 in honor of Joseph, a record-breaking quarterback from 2005-08 who went on to play professionally before being killed in 2014.
Each year, Millsaps football players vote on who they believe should receive the award. The award and number go to a player who has made a difference on the field and embodies Joseph’s heart and spirit.
.@MajorsFootball is proud to name this season’s wearer of No. 11, honoring Juan Joseph!
Let’s give a Major applause to Zabian Boutan, who will carry on the tradition in 2026! 🏈👏#GoMajors pic.twitter.com/OPSXAhj5Rz
— Millsaps College Athletics (@MajorAthletics) August 24, 2026
Boutan, a Baton Rouge native, appeared in 10 games in 2025, where he led the Southern Athletic Association with six sacks on the year. Boutan was second on the team in tackles with 54, 29 of them being solo. He was named to the All-SAA second-team defense last season and was selected as a 2025 Gagliardi Trophy nominee in recognition of his outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, and leadership.
The Majors open their season against rival Belhaven in the Riverside Rumble at home on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m.