LAS VEGAS, Nev., — South Carolina State All-American defensive back Jarod Washington was named the 2025 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Defensive Player of the Year. The honor was announced during the 67th Annual National Football Foundation (NFF) Hall of Fame Press Conference at the Bellagio Resort & Casino and broadcast live on ESPN+.
Presented annually since 1971, the MEAC Players of the Year awards are selected by a vote of the conference's head football coaches and sports information directors.
North Carolina Central University quarterback Walker Harris earned the MEAC Offensive Player of the Year respectfully.
"Walker Harris and Jarod Washington exemplify the excellence, competitive spirit, and leadership that define MEAC football," said MEAC Commissioner Sonja Stills. "Their performances all season long elevated their teams and captivated fans across the country. We are proud to honor them on a national stage and celebrate everything they represent for their universities and for our conference."
Washington (Sr., 6-2, 188, Fredericksburg, Va.), a dominant presence in the secondary, anchored a South Carolina State defense that powered the Bulldogs to their second consecutive MEAC championship and a berth in the Cricket Celebration Bowl. A finalist for the 2025 Buck Buchanan Award, Washington produced one of the nation's most impactful defensive seasons.
In Week 11, he earned Stats Perform FCS National Defensive Player of the Week after a sensational performance in a win over Howard, becoming the only FCS player this season, and one of the few in recent years, to record six passes defended in a single game, a feat he achieved twice. Washington added two touchdowns in that contest: a 27-yard pick-six and a 56-yard return off a blocked field goal.
For the year, Washington led the FCS in passes defended (1.83 per game) and finished first in pass breakups with 20. He also recorded 32 tackles (29 solo), two interceptions; one returned 51 yards for a touchdown, and one forced fumble in 12 games. A preseason and postseason First Team All-MEAC selection, he was also a finalist for the HBCU National Player of the Year presented by Stats Perform.
Today's announcement continues the MEAC's longstanding partnership with the NFF, which has showcased the conference's top football honors on a national stage since 2016. Harris and Washington were also recognized during the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner presented by Las Vegas, held Tuesday evening from 6:30–9:30 p.m. PST.
About the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) is in its 55th year of intercollegiate competition during the 2025–26 academic year. Located in Norfolk, Va., the MEAC is comprised of eight outstanding historically Black institutions along the Atlantic coastline: Coppin State University, Delaware State University, Howard University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina Central University, and South Carolina State University.
Follow the MEAC @meacsports on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok, and learn more about the MEAC Foundation at MEACFoundation.org.
Contact: Patricia Porter-Mayfield
Associate Commissioner for External Relations
mayfieldp@themeac.com
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