ATLANTA, Ga. – The Tuskegee University Golden Tigers football program made a strong statement ahead of the 2024 season with seven players named to the Preseason SIAC All-Conference Team, the league announced on Tuesday morning.
Leading the way with First Team selections are All-SIAC returners from last season in senior offensive lineman Elliott Howell, senior defensive back Mikael King Jr., and junior kicker Lorcan Ryans. Joining the All-SIAC ranks for the first time is junior offensive lineman Lebron Merriweather, who was a first-year starter in 2024.
These standout returners are expected to be key contributors on both sides of the ball as Tuskegee looks to contend for the SIAC title.
Howell and Merriweather anchor a veteran offensive line that helped pave the way for one of the top rushing offenses in the league last season. King Jr. returns as one of the conference's premier defensive backs, while Ryans, one of the top special teams performers in the SIAC, adds consistency in the kicking game.
Named to the Preseason Second Team and receiving All-SIAC honors for the first time are junior running back Desmond Leverette, senior defensive lineman Masiah Wells, and junior linebacker Kaquan Kimber, each poised for breakout campaigns after receiving significant action last season.
Leverette adds depth and explosiveness to the backfield, Wells brings power and experience to the defensive front, and Kimber leads the linebacker corps with his athleticism and field awareness.
First Team
Offense
Defense
Special Teams
Second Team
Offense
Defense
Tuskegee was selected to finish third overall in the conference, receiving the third-most votes to finish as SIAC champions. The Golden Tigers enters the 2025 campaign having won a league-leading 31 SIAC Championships in program history.
Predicted Order of Finish
- Albany State
- Clark Atlanta
- Tuskegee
- Miles
- Fort Valley State
- Savannah State
- Benedict
- Edward Waters
- Allen
- Kentucky State
- Morehouse
- Lane
- Central State
Tuskegee is scheduled to open the 2025 season with a neutral site game against Winston-Salem State on Sunday, Aug. 31 in the fifth Red Tails Classic at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery. The game is set for a 6 p.m. CT kickoff on ESPNU.
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