DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Bethune-Cookman football placed six student-athletes on the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Preseason All-Conference Teams, the league announced Wednesday.

Offensive lineman Christian Loving, linebacker Stephen Sparrow, and longsnapper Cole Hash were named to the Preseason All-SWAC First Team, while defensive backs Naim Lassiter, defensive lineman Isaiah Washburn, and defensive lineman Malik Stinnett earned Preseason All-SWAC Second Team honors.

Christian Loving returns for 2026 after being named to the All-SWAC First Team a year ago. Loving anchored an offensive line that helped the Wildcats produce their most productive offense since joining the SWAC. Bethune-Cookman ranked fourth in the conference in total offense while increasing its scoring output by nearly a touchdown per game from the previous season. The Wildcats averaged more than 170 rushing yards per game, nearly five yards per carry and led the SWAC in passing offense at nearly 240 yards per contest.

Sparrow returns after serving as one of the leaders of the Wildcats' defense in 2025. The senior recorded 62 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and two pass breakups. He delivered one of his top performances against Southern, totaling six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack and a pass breakup.

Hash made an immediate impact during his first season as Bethune-Cookman's starting long snapper. The redshirt freshman handled snapping duties flawlessly on punts and field goals while helping the Wildcats field the top-ranked punting unit in the SWAC. He also recorded two tackles and was part of a special teams unit that did not allow a blocked kick throughout the season.

Lassiter was a standout in the Wildcats' secondary last season, compiling 56 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception, three pass breakups, one quarterback hurry, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

Washburn earned second-team recognition after emerging as one of the SWAC's top pass rushers. The redshirt junior ranked sixth in the conference with 4.5 sacks while totaling 17 tackles, two quarterback hurries and one pass breakup. He was dominant in the Florida Classic, recording 2.0 sacks to help lead the Wildcats to victory.

Stinnett also returns after a productive 2025 campaign on the defensive line. He finished with 38 tackles, including 23 solo stops, while adding three tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, two quarterback hurries and five pass breakups.

The Wildcats will open the 2026 season on Saturday, Sep. 3, when Bethune-Cookman travels to face UCF in Orlando.

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