Reviewed by: Michael Seale
AAMU football player now a semifinalist for Aeneas Williams Award
Reading time: 2 minutes
Alabama A&M has been dominating on the gridiron this 2026 college football season, and now one of their players is up for a national award.
Keon Handley Jr., a graduate senior safety playing at AAMU, has been named as one of 10 semifinalists for the 2026 Aeneas Williams Award. This honor recognizes the top defensive back in Division I HBCU football, and the winner will be announced on December 10 at 11AM CT.
Through nine games, Handley has tallied 34 tackles, one sack, five pass breakups and has helped AAMU to a 7-2 start as of November 5.
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What is the Aeneas Williams Award + who is up for it?
The Aeneas Williams Award is presented by the Chickasaw Nation and honors the top defensive back in Division I HBCU football. Voters look for exceptional on-field performance, but also take into account athletic ability and character.
It is named in honor of Aeneas Williams, a former walk-on at Southern University who went on to play 14 years in the NFL.
Check out all 10 semifinalists for the award:
- Justin Bostic | Florida A&M | Safety | Jr.
- Herman Brister III | Southern | Safety | Jr.
- Keon Handley Jr. | AAMU | Safety | Gr. Sr.
- Michael Henderson | Arkansas-Pine Bluff | Cornerback | Sr.
- Jalen LaBranche | Tennessee State | Cornerback | So.
- Naim Lassiter | Bethune-Cookman | Cornerback | Jr.
- Kam Sallis | Jackson State | Safety | Sr.
- Amari Sifford | North Carolina Central | Cornerback | Fr
- Ta’Shaun Sims | Alabama State | Safety | Jr.
- Eric Zachery | Prairie View A&M | Safety | Jr.
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