THIBODAUX, La. - Nicholls State University junior defensive lineman Rasheed Lovelace has been named to the watch list for the 2025 Buck Buchanan Award, presented annually to the national defensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football.

Lovelace, who is also a preseason All-American, is coming off his second All-Southland selection in as many seasons. The standout interior defender finished with 46 tackles last year which included 2.5 for loss and also had an interception return for a touchdown. Lovelace helped the Nicholls defense to a program single-season low with 83.9 yards rushing allowed per game while surrendering just six rushing scores -- the lowest in the FCS.

In 2023, Lovelace was a finalist for national freshman of the year after becoming the second of three straight Colonels to earn Southland Freshman of the Year.

The defensive player of the year award, in its 31st season, is named for legendary defensive lineman Junious "Buck" Buchanan, who starred at Grambling State as part of his Hall of Fame career. Past Buchanan recipients include Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis and Jared Allen.

All 13 FCS conferences are represented on the watch list, which includes seven past finalists. This season's recipient will be announced at the Stats Perform National Awards Presentation on Jan. 3, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.

WEEK 0 OPENER
The Colonels' 2025 season opener against UIW will take place on Week 0. The matchup is slated for 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 23 at Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium. Season tickets are available by visiting here.

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