The 2025 Sun Belt Conference football season delivered a thrilling showcase of talent, grit, and versatility, and the All-Conference selections reflect the league’s reputation for producing elite players on both sides of the ball. From unstoppable offensive forces to game-changing defenders and standout specialists, the Sun Belt’s best have earned their recognition. Leading the way are Offensive Player of the Year Jalen White of Georgia Southern and Defensive Player of the Year Brendan Harrington of Appalachian State—two players who defined dominance in 2025.
Offensive Player of the Year: Jalen White, RB – Georgia Southern
For the second straight year, Jalen White has claimed the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year crown, and it’s easy to see why. The Georgia Southern running back was a known commodity entering the season—opposing defenses circled his name on every scouting report with one goal: stop him at all costs. Yet, despite being the worst-kept secret in the conference, White couldn’t be contained.
Stack the box, and he’d slip outside, turning short passes into 628 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Lighten the front to defend the pass, and he’d carve through traffic for 1,584 rushing yards and 20 scores. With 2,212 total yards and 24 touchdowns, White was a one-stop shop for the Eagles’ offense, drawing comparisons to Reggie Bush with his electrifying playmaking ability. A Doak Walker Award candidate, White’s versatility and resilience made him the clear choice for the Sun Belt’s top offensive honor. For those who’ve seen him play, he’s a no-brainer pick as one of the nation’s best.
Defensive Player of the Year: Brendan Harrington, LB – Appalachian State
On the other side of the ball, Appalachian State linebacker Brendan Harrington reigned supreme, earning Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year honors with a season that showcased his rare blend of power, speed, and instincts. If you watched a Mountaineers game in 2025, you saw Harrington everywhere—smothering the run up front, dropping into coverage, and disrupting passing attacks with ease.
Harrington’s stat line tells the story: 99 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 12 interceptions, one sack, three defensive touchdowns, and a fumble recovery. His ability to play sideline-to-sideline and deep into the secondary made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Whether stuffing the run or picking off passes—his 12 interceptions are an eye-popping mark for a linebacker—Harrington proved he’s a future NFL star and the heart of Appalachian State’s defense.
First Team All-Sun Belt Conference Offense
The Sun Belt’s offensive stars lit up scoreboards all season long. Here’s the First Team All-Conference lineup:
• QB – JC French, Georgia Southern
• RB – Aaron Young, Old Dominion
• RB – Jalen White, Georgia Southern
• WR – Dalen Cobb, Georgia Southern
• WR – Tray Taylor, Coastal Carolina
• WR – Elijiah Metcalf, Marshall
• TE – Manny Stevenson Jr, Arkansas State
• OL – Zachary Barlev, Old Dominion
• OL – Pichon Wimbley, Georgia Southern (Two-Time 1st Team All-Conference)
• OL – Jax Harrington, Louisiana
• OL – Telleck Lockett, Texas State
• OL – Keanon McNally, Old Dominion
First Team All-Sun Belt Conference Defense
The Sun Belt’s defensive stars were just as impressive, shutting down opponents with tenacity and playmaking. Here’s the First Team:
• DL – Deeve Harris, Marshall
• DL – Mike Green, Marshall
• DL – Jordan Lawson, Louisiana
• DL – Devin Wright, Texas State
• LB – EJ Green, Old Dominion
• LB – Brendan Harrington, Appalachian State (Two-Time 1st Team All-Conference)
• LB – Jason Henderson, Old Dominion
• DB – Wydett Williams, Louisiana Monroe
• DB – Justin Myers, Georgia Southern
• DB – Tyree Skipper, Louisiana
• DB – Will Jones II, Old Dominion
• DB – David Godsey, Louisiana Monroe
First Team All-Conference Special Teams
The Sun Belt’s specialists also made their mark in 2025:
• P – Mitchell Lake, Appalachian State
• K – Kenneth Almendares, Louisiana
• KR – Langston Anderson, Texas State (Two-Time 1st Team All-Conference)
• PR – Langston Anderson, Texas State
A Banner Year for the Sun Belt
The 2025 Sun Belt All-Conference Team is a testament to the league’s competitive spirit and star power. Jalen White and Brendan Harrington headline a group of players who redefined excellence, while veterans like Pichon Wimbley and Langston Anderson continued to shine. As the postseason looms, these athletes have not only elevated their teams but also put the Sun Belt on the national stage. For fans, it’s been a season to remember—and these All-Conference honorees are the reason why.
Now the entire conference turns to the College Football Playoff to see if undefeated Sun Belt Champion Old Dominion can show the world how good the football was that was played in the Belt in Season 31.
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