NFL Names 32 Salute to Service Award Nominees, Including Eagles’ Rachel Washburn

The NFL and USAA announced nominees from all 32 teams for the 2026 Salute to Service Award, recognizing players, coaches, staff members and alumni for their support of service members, veterans and military families.

Announced November 5, the nominations mark the award’s 16th year. Honorees represent a range of military connections, from veterans who served overseas to individuals who support military families through community programs, nonprofit partnerships and personal outreach.

Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader alumna and ambassador Rachel Washburn is among this year’s nominees.

Washburn served six years on active duty as a U.S. Army intelligence officer and completed two deployments to Afghanistan. During her first deployment, she served with the pioneering Cultural Support Team program, working alongside Special Operations forces and connecting with Afghan women. She later deployed as an intelligence platoon leader and earned the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge.

Her commitment to service continued after leaving the military. Through her work at veteran-owned investment bank Academy Securities, Washburn helps support opportunities for veterans transitioning into civilian careers. She also remains involved with the Eagles through military appreciation and community service initiatives.

Fans Can Help Choose the Finalists

Fans can vote at NFL.com/SaluteFanVote through November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Voting is limited to one vote per nominee each day.

Fan participation will help determine three finalists, who will be announced in January 2027. The winner will be recognized at NFL Honors during Super Bowl LXI week in Los Angeles.

NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson said the nominees demonstrate how appreciation for the military can become meaningful action throughout the year. USAA’s retired Maj. Gen. Bob Whittle also emphasized the importance of recognizing their contributions as the country marks its 250th anniversary.

Recognition Includes $50,000 in Military Support

USAA will contribute $25,000 in the winner’s name to official military aid societies representing all U.S. military branches. The NFL Foundation will provide another $25,000 to the recipient’s chosen military nonprofit.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, the 2025 award recipient, will help select this year’s winner. His foundation’s 23 and Troops initiative supports veterans’ physical and mental well-being, with a particular focus on the Special Operations community. According to the announcement, the foundation has invested nearly $700,000 in military support.

McCaffrey will join a judging panel that includes former NFL players Chad Hennings and Donnie Edwards, USAA’s Bob Whittle, and NFL Chief Financial Officer and Army veteran Christine Dorfler.

Complete List of 2026 Nominees

NFL TeamNomineeRoleArizona CardinalsElijah HigginsTight endAtlanta FalconsJerious NorwoodNFL legendBaltimore RavensBen KotwicaSpecial teams coachBuffalo BillsSpencer BrownOffensive linemanCarolina PanthersDevin LloydLinebackerChicago BearsJosh BlackwellDefensive backCincinnati BengalsLandon RobinsonDefensive tackleCleveland BrownsBenjamin BoswellTeam physicianDallas CowboysJake FergusonTight endDenver BroncosSean PaytonHead coachDetroit LionsDave FippSpecial teams coordinatorGreen Bay PackersLukas Van NessDefensive endHouston TexansWoody MarksRunning backIndianapolis ColtsLuke RhodesLong snapperJacksonville JaguarsRayuan Lane IIISafetyKansas City ChiefsKendall GammonNFL legendLas Vegas RaidersAdam ButlerDefensive tackleLos Angeles ChargersCameron DickerKickerLos Angeles RamsMatthew StaffordQuarterbackMiami DolphinsJacob RodriguezLinebackerMinnesota VikingsAaron JonesRunning backNew England PatriotsReggie GilliamFullbackNew Orleans SaintsW.
Stephen ChoateHead team physicianNew York GiantsAllison StangebyVice president of community relationsNew York JetsTony RichardsonNFL legendPhiladelphia EaglesRachel WashburnCheerleader alumna and ambassadorPittsburgh SteelersJon KolbNFL legendSan Francisco 49ersBrant BoyerSpecial teams coordinatorSeattle SeahawksMike MacdonaldHead coachTampa Bay BuccaneersBen BredesonOffensive linemanTennessee TitansJacob MartinDefensive endWashington CommandersTyler OttLong snapper

The NFL’s Salute to Service efforts continue throughout the year. During Weeks 9 through 11 of the regular season, teams will also recognize the military community through stadium activities, on-field displays and game day appreciation events.

Source: NFL and USAA announcement, November 5, 2026.

SIAC Football Finale: Championship Berths and NCAA Playoff Hopes on the Line

Benedict, Kentucky State and Central State enter Saturday tied atop the conference, while rivalry games and postseason ambitions add to a packed November 7 schedule.

ATLANTA — The final weekend of the SIAC football regular season brings a crowded championship race, major rivalry matchups and an opportunity for several programs to strengthen their NCAA Division II playoff chances.

Benedict, Kentucky State and Central State enter Saturday, November 7, tied for first place with 6-1 conference records. Kentucky State can secure a championship berth with a victory over Morehouse, while Benedict and Central State meet with a trip to the title game directly at stake.

Tuskegee remains in contention but needs a win and help elsewhere. Edward Waters, meanwhile, is pursuing an NCAA playoff berth despite being out of the conference championship race under the league’s tiebreaking scenarios.

The SIAC Championship Game is scheduled for November 14, followed by the NCAA Division II playoff selection show on November 15.

Kentucky State Can Clinch Against Morehouse

Morehouse (3-6, 3-4 SIAC) at Kentucky State (7-2, 6-1 SIAC)
Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Alumni Field, Frankfort, Kentucky
Watch: SIAC Network

Kentucky State returns from a bye week with a clear objective: beat Morehouse and earn a place in the conference championship game.

The Thorobreds kept that opportunity alive with a dramatic 27-24 victory over Savannah State in their previous outing. Quarterback Juan Gainous connected with Aiyon Carter on a 48-yard touchdown pass with 21 seconds remaining to complete the comeback.

Gainous threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns, while Carter finished with 10 catches for 119 yards. Receiver Darius Cyprian, who has 824 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches this season, gives Kentucky State another dangerous option.

Morehouse arrives after a 26-23 loss to Allen, but the Maroon Tigers showed their ability to strike quickly during a late comeback. Receiver Noah Rhodes caught two touchdown passes, and Jordan Woods added a punt return touchdown.

Kentucky State will look for better offensive balance after producing only 21 rushing yards against Savannah State. Morehouse will need to disrupt the passing game and capitalize on its own scoring opportunities to spoil the Thorobreds’ plans.

Benedict and Central State Meet With a Title Berth at Stake

Central State (6-3, 6-1 SIAC) at Benedict (8-1, 6-1 SIAC)
Kickoff: 2 p.m. ET
Location: Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina
Watch: ESPN+

One of Saturday’s biggest games carries a straightforward reward: the winner advances to the SIAC Championship Game.

Central State enters after defeating Edward Waters 35-28, powered by quarterback Jackson Wasik, who accounted for five touchdowns. Wasik threw for three scores and rushed for two more, while Isaiah Thompson added 154 rushing yards.

The Marauders finished with 429 total yards and scored touchdowns on all five of their red-zone possessions.

Benedict counters with a defense coming off a 23-0 shutout of Savannah State. The Tigers allowed only 220 total yards and 52 passing yards while forcing two turnovers.

Kahmari Cook returned an interception for a touchdown, and kicker Logan Karwacki converted three field goals.

Central State’s offensive balance against Benedict’s defensive discipline makes this a compelling matchup. Both teams also enter among the top three programs in the November 1 Super Region Two NCAA Power Index rankings, adding playoff significance to the championship stakes.

Fountain City Classic Brings Rivalry Stakes to Columbus

Fort Valley State (2-6, 1-5 SIAC) vs. Albany State (4-5, 4-3 SIAC)
Kickoff: 2 p.m. ET
Location: A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium, Columbus, Georgia
Watch: ESPN+

Fort Valley State and Albany State renew their rivalry in the Fountain City Classic, with both programs looking to finish the matchup holding bragging rights.

Fort Valley State quarterback Don Hudson enters after a standout performance in a 35-28 loss to Miles. Hudson accounted for 503 total yards and four touchdowns, throwing for 337 yards and rushing for 166.

Albany State arrives following a 21-17 comeback victory over Clark Atlanta. Quarterback Jeffery Davis found Cameran Loyd for the winning 12-yard touchdown with 26 seconds remaining.

The Golden Rams also intercepted three passes, making their ability to create turnovers a key factor against Hudson and the Wildcats.

Special teams could be equally important. Fort Valley State surrendered both a kickoff return touchdown and a blocked field goal return touchdown against Miles, costly mistakes it will need to avoid in the rivalry game.

Savannah State Seeks a Strong Finish

Virginia University of Lynchburg (0-7) at Savannah State (1-8, 1-7 SIAC)
Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Theodore A. Wright Stadium, Savannah, Georgia
Watch: SIAC Network

Savannah State closes its season with a nonconference matchup against Virginia University of Lynchburg.

The Tigers will look to rebound offensively after being shut out by Benedict. Savannah State generated 168 rushing yards in that game but struggled to sustain drives through the air.

Virginia Lynchburg is seeking its first win after a 37-14 loss to Livingstone. Quarterback Max Zavala threw for 212 yards and a touchdown, while Omarion Hairston finished with 101 receiving yards.

Protection will be crucial for the Dragons, who allowed 11 sacks in that loss. Savannah State’s defense recorded four sacks against Benedict and will look to apply similar pressure.

Tuskegee Hosts Miles With Championship Hopes Alive

Miles (4-5, 4-3 SIAC) at Tuskegee (5-4, 5-2 SIAC)
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. CT
Location: Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium, Tuskegee, Alabama
Watch: ESPN+

Tuskegee’s homecoming brings a rivalry matchup with Miles and an opportunity to remain in the conference championship conversation.

The Golden Tigers must win and receive help from other results to reach the title game.

Tuskegee enters after defeating Lane 27-14, holding the Dragons to 38 rushing yards while recording five sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Running back Ja’Khael Rowser scored twice on the ground.

Miles brings momentum from its 35-28 victory over Fort Valley State, a game highlighted by Jaecyn Myles’ 97-yard kickoff return touchdown and Jacobi Whitfield’s 70-yard blocked field goal return touchdown.

Quarterback Anthony Mix delivered the deciding offensive play, finding James Gatewood for a 12-yard touchdown with 2:20 remaining.

Tuskegee’s conference championship pursuit remains separate from the NCAA playoff picture. According to the SIAC release, the Golden Tigers’ scheduled Turkey Day Classic against Alabama State conflicts with the Division II postseason window, preventing NCAA playoff participation.

Edward Waters Looks to Strengthen Its Playoff Case

Allen (3-6, 2-5 SIAC) at Edward Waters (6-3, 5-2 SIAC)
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
Location: Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida
Watch: SIAC Network

The AME Classic gives Edward Waters an opportunity to finish the regular season with seven victories and strengthen its NCAA postseason résumé.

The Tigers enter ranked No. 5 in Super Region Two in the November 1 NCAA Power Index standings. Although conference tiebreakers have removed them from SIAC Championship Game contention, an NCAA playoff opportunity remains within reach.

Edward Waters will look to rebound from its 35-28 loss to Central State. Defensively, Trevon French leads the SIAC with 101 tackles and 15 tackles for loss.

Allen arrives after defeating Morehouse 26-23, with Ty’Juan Simmons rushing for 126 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Brent Upshaw Jr. added 99 rushing yards and another score.

The Yellow Jackets controlled possession for more than 34 minutes in that win. Sustaining drives again could help keep Edward Waters’ offense off the field.

The game also features Senior Day, Greek Takeover and Faculty & Staff Appreciation festivities.

Four SIAC Programs Hold Top-Five Regional Positions

The November 1 NCAA Power Index rankings place four SIAC programs among Super Region Two’s top five:

Those positions give the conference a strong presence in the postseason discussion, but playoff berths remain to be determined.

Saturday’s results will help decide who plays for the SIAC championship and which teams enter the final stage of the NCAA selection process with momentum.

Source: Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Benedict–Central State kickoff updated using Benedict College’s official schedule.

NCCU Heads to Norfolk State Seeking Sixth Straight Win Over Spartans

The Eagles look to stay unbeaten in MEAC play as Trei Oliver approaches his 50th career victory against Michael Vick’s Spartans.

NORFOLK, Va. — North Carolina Central will bring a takeaway-producing defense and a surging freshman running back to Norfolk State on Saturday, November 7, as the Eagles look to keep their unbeaten conference record intact.

Kickoff at William “Dick” Price Stadium is scheduled for noon ET, with live coverage on ESPN+.

The matchup also presents a milestone opportunity for NCCU head coach Trei Oliver, who enters one victory away from 50 career wins.

Eagles Aim to Extend Their Series Streak

Saturday marks the 23rd meeting between the programs, with NCCU holding a 15-7 advantage in the series.

The Eagles have won five consecutive meetings and 10 of the last 12, including a narrow 31-28 victory last season. Oliver is 5-1 against Norfolk State as NCCU’s head coach.

NCCU has also established a strong conference record under Oliver, going 24-11 in MEAC play. That stretch includes the Eagles’ 2022 conference championship season, which ended with a Celebration Bowl victory over Jackson State.

Defense Arrives With Momentum

NCCU enters the matchup following a 34-0 shutout of Howard at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium, its first shutout since a 68-0 victory over Virginia Lynchburg in 2024.

The Eagles limited Howard to 114 total yards and 44 passing yards, both season lows for an NCCU opponent. Two interceptions added to a defense that has consistently created extra possessions.

Through nine games, NCCU is tied for the FCS lead with 20 takeaways, consisting of 12 interceptions and eight fumble recoveries. The Eagles’ interception total is tied for third nationally.

NCCU has forced four turnovers in a game twice this season, against North Carolina A&T and East Carolina. Defensive lineman Zarion Walters has contributed two fumble recoveries.

Against Howard, quarterback Jousha Jones accounted for three touchdowns, throwing for two and running for another. He finished with 189 passing yards and 32 rushing yards.

Gino Addison Gives NCCU a Ground Threat

Freshman running back Gino Addison has become a key part of the Eagles’ offense, topping 100 rushing yards in two of his last three games.

His biggest performance came in NCCU’s 31-12 win over Delaware State on October 23, when he rushed for a career-high 214 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries. He also delivered 169 rushing yards against William & Mary.

Addison has totaled 536 yards and three touchdowns on 83 carries this season. His average of 76.6 rushing yards per game ranks second in the MEAC.

Freshman kicker Riley Daniels has provided another dependable scoring option. Daniels is 13-for-16 on field goals, including a season-long 47-yarder against Campbell. His two field goals against Howard marked his fourth game this season with multiple makes.

Norfolk State Looks to Respond After Philadelphia Heartbreaker

Norfolk State enters Saturday at 4-5 overall and 0-2 in the MEAC under second-year head coach Michael Vick.

The Spartans are coming off a difficult loss to Delaware State, which secured the victory on a last-second field goal at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Despite their conference record, Norfolk State ranks second in the MEAC in scoring offense, scoring defense, total offense and total defense.

Running back Jalyn Daniels averages 75.6 rushing yards per game, placing him third in the conference, just behind Addison. Receiver Elyjah Mitchell ranks third in the MEAC with slightly more than 55 receiving yards per game.

Defensively, Josiah Davis has intercepted three passes, the conference’s second-highest total.

The Spartans also entered the season with nine Preseason All-MEAC selections, including first-team honorees Ryan Nolan on the offensive line and Jaylen Williams on the defensive line.

Oliver Eyes a Milestone Against Vick’s Spartans

Oliver, a 1998 NCCU graduate, returned to his alma mater as head coach in December 2018. Now in his seventh season leading the Eagles, he has the opportunity to earn his 50th career victory while extending NCCU’s recent success against Norfolk State.

The Eagles are 19-19 on the road under Oliver and finished last season with a 5-1 road record.

For Vick, Saturday offers another opportunity to build on the Spartans’ progress in his second season. The Newport News native returned to Hampton Roads in 2025 to lead the program and now faces an NCCU team carrying momentum on both sides of the ball.

Ball security could play a major role. Norfolk State will need to protect its possessions against one of the nation’s most productive takeaway defenses, while NCCU will look to Addison and its ground game to help control the afternoon.

Game information: North Carolina Central at Norfolk State
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Kickoff: Noon ET
Location: William “Dick” Price Stadium, Norfolk, Virginia
Watch: ESPN+

Source: North Carolina Central University Athletics.

SUNO’s Armoni Harris Named HBCUAC Defender of the Year; Three Knights Earn All-Conference Honors

Harris, Taszia Adkinson and Sa’Maria Berry lead a growing SUNO program into the conference championship.

BOSSIER CITY, La. — Southern University at New Orleans volleyball heads into the postseason with three all-conference selections, led by senior libero Armoni Harris, the 2026 HBCUAC Defender of the Year.

Harris also earned First Team All-HBCUAC recognition for the second consecutive season. Junior Taszia Adkinson and sophomore Sa’Maria Berry were named to the second team, giving the Knights three honorees ahead of their conference tournament opener.

The awards were announced Wednesday night during a joint reception and awards ceremony for men’s soccer, women’s soccer and volleyball in Shreveport-Bossier City.

Each player reached a new milestone this season. Harris added the conference’s top defensive award to her repeat first-team selection. Berry advanced from honorable mention to the second team, while Adkinson earned her first all-conference recognition.

Harris Sets the Standard on Defense

Harris finished the regular season leading the HBCUAC with 4.91 digs per set, appearing in all 24 matches and all 90 sets for SUNO.

She recorded team highs of 442 digs and 528 receptions, along with 97 assists and 15 service aces. Her digs, assists and aces marked career bests. She also received HBCUAC Defender of the Week honors in October after collecting 56 digs across three matches.

Her senior season builds on three years of steady production. Since joining the Knights as a sophomore in 2024, Harris has totaled 1,164 digs and 1,612 receptions in 69 matches and 241 sets, averaging 4.83 digs per set.

Her dig total increased each season, rising from 352 to 370 and then 442. She also surpassed 500 receptions in each of those three seasons.

“Armoni has been the heartbeat of our defense since the day she walked into this program,” SUNO head coach Zipporah Washington said. “She was already a first-team player last year, and she still came back and found ways to get better.”

Adkinson Delivers in Multiple Roles

Adkinson’s ability to contribute as both a setter and an attacker helped power the Knights throughout the regular season.

She led SUNO with 234 kills and 34 service aces, ranking sixth in the conference with 2.75 kills per set. She also contributed 322 assists, averaging 3.79 per set, alongside 239 digs and 29 blocks.

“What Taszia has done this year is rare,” Washington said. “She’s setting for us and she’s attacking for us, sometimes in the same rotation, and she’s leading our team in kills while doing it.”

Her first all-conference selection recognizes the range of responsibilities she has handled for a SUNO team entering the tournament with momentum.

Berry Makes Her Presence Felt at the Net

Berry earned second-team recognition after strengthening the Knights’ front row during her sophomore season.

The middle blocker finished the regular season second on the team with 156 kills and led SUNO with a .232 hitting percentage and 70 total blocks.

Her move from honorable mention last season to the second team reflects her growing impact at the net.

“Sa’Maria took a big step from last season,” Washington said. “She went from honorable mention to second team because she put in the work at the net, and now teams have to game plan for her.”

SUNO’s Rebuild Produces Results

The postseason honors mark another step forward for a program that returned to competition in 2023.

SUNO finished 0-16 in its first season back. Three years later, the Knights enter the HBCUAC Championship at 15-9 overall and 8-4 in conference play, carrying a four-match winning streak.

“These honors are proof that this program is growing,” SUNO Director of Athletics James A. Matthews, III said. “Every one of these young women was recognized at a higher level this year than last year, and that doesn’t happen by accident.”

Matthews credited Washington and her staff for developing the players and helping the program progress from its rebuilding stage to conference recognition.

Knights Open Championship Play Against Talladega

SUNO enters the 2026 HBCUAC Volleyball Championship as the West Division’s No. 3 seed and will face East Division No. 2 seed Talladega College in the quarterfinals.

The match is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, November 6, at Bossier Parish Community College’s Billy Montgomery Gymnasium in Bossier City, Louisiana.

The winner advances to Saturday’s semifinal against the winner of the quarterfinal between West No. 1 Dillard University and East No. 4 Stillman College.

The championship match is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, November 8. Fans can watch tournament coverage through the Urban Edge Network online or on its free app.

Source: SUNO Athletics.

Talladega College Athletics Joins Ballers Against Bullets to Promote I WANT TO LIVE Campaign

Student athletes are using their platform to support gun violence prevention and encourage safer communities.

TALLADEGA, Ala. Before the final score could tell the story, Talladega College’s junior varsity men’s basketball team delivered a message about something bigger than the game.

The team opened its season against Snead State Community College on October 26 wearing shirts that read I WANT TO LIVE, introducing a partnership between Talladega College Athletics and the Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention through its Ballers Against Bullets initiative.

The effort will extend beyond the basketball season opener. Talladega’s athletic teams plan to wear the campaign’s apparel at games throughout the academic year, bringing a message of safety and violence prevention to students, fans, and surrounding communities.

According to the announcement, the partnership follows recent fatal shootings in the local community. Through their participation, Talladega student athletes are calling attention to the impact of gun violence and encouraging young people to protect their lives and futures.

Ballers Against Bullets brings together athletes, barbers, entertainers, educators, and community leaders to promote responsible decisions and prevent gun misuse. The I WANT TO LIVE campaign carries that message through sports, fashion, music, and youth culture.

For Talladega, the partnership creates an opportunity to connect athletic competition with community involvement. Players can reach other young people who recognize them as teammates, classmates, friends, and role models.

Talladega College Athletics also recognized the basketball team’s participation on social media, reinforcing the campaign’s focus on the value of student athletes’ lives and the need for safer communities.

The effort reflects the longstanding connection between HBCUs and community leadership. By bringing prevention messages into its athletic programs, Talladega is giving students a visible role in addressing concerns that reach beyond campus.

As Ballers Against Bullets works to connect with more colleges and universities, Talladega’s participation offers an example of how athletic departments can help carry the message throughout the school year.

The Alabama based Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention leads the initiative as part of its work in community education and prevention. Through this partnership, a shirt worn before a basketball game becomes an invitation to keep the conversation going about safety, responsibility, and the futures young people deserve.

Tags: Talladega College, Talladega College Athletics, Ballers Against Bullets, I WANT TO LIVE, Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention, HBCU News, HBCU Sports, HBCU Original, Gun Violence Prevention, Student Athletes, Community Safety, Youth Advocacy, College Basketball, Talladega Alabama