KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island football linebacker A.J. Pena was named one of 30 finalists for the 2025 Buck Buchanan Award. 

The award, named for legendary defensive lineman Junious "Buck" Buchanan, is presented to the national defensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football and is in its 31st season. Buchanan was a stand out at Grambling State as part of his Hall of Fame career. Past Buchanan recipients include Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis and Jared Allen. Central Arkansas' David Walker was last season's winner.

In his fourth season with Rhode Island, Pena has started 34 consecutive games. He has recorded 17.5 tackles for loss this season and 9.5 sacks. Pena's four-sack performance at UAlbany on Oct. 18 was tied for most in a single game in program history and second most in a game in the FCS this season. Pena is the program recorded holder in tackles for loss (62) and sacks (36.5)

Pena is one four finalists from CAA Football, joined by William & Mary linebacker Luke Banbury and defensive back Jalen Jones and Villanova linebacker Shane Hartzell. 

Pena was named a finalist for the award for the second consecutive season. He also received the recognition after his stellar 2024 campaign that included 22.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks. 

All 13 FCS conferences are represented by a finalist. The winner, to be selected by a national voting panel, will be announced at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Show on Jan. 3 in Nashville, Tennessee.