(WKYT) – Kentucky State wide receiver Darius Cyprian has been named the inaugural 2026 Black College Football Poll Division II Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, highlighting three Thorobreds selected to the BCFP Division II Preseason All-America First Team.
Cyprian earned first-team recognition at wide receiver, while Lawrence McConnell was selected at defensive back and Adam Badwan represented Kentucky State along the offensive line.
The preseason awards and All-America teams were selected by a panel of HBCU football coaches and selected media members. Each Division II first- and second-team roster consists of 25 players selected through a fixed positional format.
Cyprian enters the 2026 season following a breakout campaign in which he caught 42 passes for 903 yards and eight touchdowns. The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native averaged 21.5 yards per reception and recorded a career-long 81-yard touchdown catch.
His 2025 season included a 254-yard performance against Clark Atlanta and helped Kentucky State produce one of the most successful seasons in program history. Cyprian previously earned first-team All-SIAC recognition and has been named to the D2Football.com Elite 100 Watch List and the Black College Football Player of the Year Award watch list this preseason.
McConnell returns as one of the leaders of an experienced Kentucky State defense. The St. Louis native started all 12 games in 2025 and recorded 70 tackles, four interceptions, three pass breakups, 1.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
The first-team honor adds to an extensive list of recognition for McConnell, who was also named to the 2026 All-SIAC Preseason First Team.
Badwan gives the Thorobreds a veteran presence along the offensive front. The St. Louis native helped support a Kentucky State offense that produced 2,893 passing yards and 26 passing touchdowns during the 2025 season. His selection gives Kentucky State representation at each level of the offense and defense on the inaugural BCFP Division II Preseason All-America First Team.
The three selections continue a strong preseason for Kentucky State, which enters 2026 ranked No. 5 in the inaugural NCAA Division II Preseason Black College Football Poll.