ATLANTA, Ga.- FVSU defender Darnell Stephens has been named to the 2025 Preseason All-SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) Second Team as a defensive back, the league announced Monday afternoon.

The graduate student returns to FVSU following an impressive 2024 campaign. Stephens finished second in the conference in interceptions, recording four picks for 31 yards, with his longest return covering 23 yards. He also ranked fourth in the SIAC for passes defended, tallying four breakups in addition to his interceptions. Stephens added 17 tackles to round out his standout season.

FVSU was picked to finish fifth overall in the SIAC Preseason Coaches' Poll.

Last season, the Wildcats scored 45 offensive touchdowns and racked up more than 3,500 yards of total offense. Defensively, the Wildcats notched nine interceptions and 35 pass breakups, while their aggressive front line produced 38 quarterback hurries and 40.5 sacks, good for second in the SIAC, for a total loss of 292 yards, which led the conference.

Key returners for the 2025 season include wide receiver Jamie Hampton, linebacker Jadyn Walker, and Stephens. Hampton ranked 13th in the SIAC in receiving, hauling in 34 passes for 487 yards and two touchdowns. Walker returns as the Wildcats' leading tackler with 43 total stops, including 21 solo tackles and 22 assists. He also posted seven tackles for loss (31 yards), along with 1.5 sacks for an additional loss of 13 yards.

Fort Valley State University Football will kick off the 2025 season under first-year Head Coach Marlon Watson on Saturday, August 30, in the Week Zero Labor Day Classic in Birmingham, Ala. Kickoff is set for 5:15 p.m. CST / 6:15 p.m. EST.