DALLAS – Kennesaw State graduate linebacker
Baron Hopson continued his momentum from a record-setting season last year, being named 2026 Conference USA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, the league announced Friday.
The preseason offensive, defensive and special teams players of the year are selected by the league's 10 head coaches.
The reigning CUSA Defensive Player of the Year, Hopson had a monster campaign in 2025, recording a record-setting 138 tackles, nine tackles for loss, a forced fumble and interception over 14 games. Of his 14 games, he led the Owls in tackles in a whopping nine of them. In the midst of rewriting the annals, he also broke the single-game tackle record with 16 in the regular-season finale that clinched KSU's berth in the Conference USA Championship game.
In addition to his end-of-year DPOTY honor, the Leesburg, Ga. native was also named first-team all-CUSA selection and third-team HERO Sports Group of Five All-American.
Hopson will join teammate
Nikola Milovac and head coach
Jerry Mack at the 2026 Conference USA Football Kickoff next week on July 20-21 in Arlington, Texas. In addition to participating in conference initiatives and leadership and development seminars, the Owls will also preview the 2026 season with media in attendance, as well as the 2026 CUSA Football Kickoff Show on ESPN+.
2026 KENNESAW STATE FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2026 Kennesaw State football season are on sale now! Tickets begin at just $125 and include home contests against in-state foes West Georgia (Sept. 3) and Georgia State (Sept. 12), as well as CUSA contests against Jax State (Oct. 7), Liberty (Oct. 22), Delaware (Nov. 7) and FIU (Nov. 21). Click
HERE for more info on tickets for the 2026 regular season!
The Champions Fund
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
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