DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — With the 2026 season opener rapidly approaching, six Wildcats have been named to the Phil Steele FCS Preseason All SWAC Team.

Offensive lineman Christian Loving, linebacker Stephen Sparrow Jr., and defensive linemen Isaiah Washburn represented on the First Team, while defensive back Naim Lassiter, defensive lineman Malik Stinnett, and longsnapper Cole Hash were named to the Second Team.

Christian Loving collects another first team honor after being named to the All-SWAC First Team for a second consecutive year. 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 served 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.

Washburn earned first 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.

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.

Stinnett put together 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.

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.

Bethune-Cookman football begins the 2026 season on the road against the Central Florida Golden Knights on September 3rd.

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