DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman redshirt senior cornerback Naim Lassiter has been named to the 2026 Aeneas Williams Award Preseason Watch List, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced Wednesday.

The Aeneas Williams Award, presented by the Chickasaw Nation, recognizes the top defensive back in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. Lassiter is one of 16 defensive backs from across HBCU Division I football selected to the 2026 preseason watch list.

Lassiter enters the 2026 season as one of the Wildcats' top returning defensive playmakers and a key member of the B-CU secondary. Last season, he compiled 56 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception, three pass breakups, one quarterback hurry, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries

The Aeneas Williams Award was established in 2022 in honor of Pro Football Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams, who starred at Southern University before embarking on a 14-year NFL career that included eight Pro Bowl selections, four All-Pro honors and a Super Bowl appearance.

The preseason watch list was selected by a screening committee in partnership with DraftHBCUPlayers and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award. The list is not final, with additional players who produce outstanding seasons eligible to be added to the semifinalist and finalist lists as the season progresses.

The 2026 Aeneas Williams Award semifinalists will be announced Tuesday, Nov. 3, with finalists announced Tuesday, Dec. 1. The 2026 award winner will be announced Thursday, Dec. 10, with the official presentation scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2027, in Oklahoma City.

For more information on the Aeneas Williams Award, visit the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame at oklahomasportshalloffame.org.