Braxton, Myrick, and Van Andel Lead Sun Belt Preseason Honors as JMU Tops Coaches’ Poll

The Sun Belt Conference has unveiled its 2025 preseason accolades and coaches’ poll, highlighting standout players and forecasting divisional favorites.

Southern Miss quarterback Braylon Braxton earned Preseason Offensive Player of the Year honors after a breakout season that saw him throw for over 1,600 yards and rush for more than 600, guiding Marshall to the conference title.

On defense, South Alabama linebacker Blayne Myrick—fresh off a 101-tackle campaign—was named Defensive Player of the Year.

Meanwhile, Arkansas State’s Clune Van Andel claimed Special Teams Player of the Year after a perfect field-goal record in conference play.

Georgia Southern led all programs with nine total preseason team selections, including seven First Team nods, followed by James Madison, Arkansas State, Louisiana, and South Alabama.

In the coaches’ poll, James Madison garnered 11 of 14 first-place votes to top the East Division, with Georgia Southern, Coastal Carolina, and Marshall rounding out the top spots.

In the West, Louisiana was favored to repeat its division crown, edging out Texas State, Arkansas State, and South Alabama in first-place vote tallies.

With nearly every Sun Belt program represented on the Preseason All-Conference teams, league officials and fans alike are anticipating a competitive season.

Media Days kick off on July 22–23 in New Orleans, officially launching the 2025 campaign and setting the stage for another year of breakout performances across the conference.