KINGSTON, R.I. - Over a dozen members of the Rhode Island football team received postseason recognition from Phil Steele, highlighted by three All-American and two freshman All-American honorees.
A.J. Pena (First Team), Marquis Buchanan (Second Team), and Ayinde Johnson (Third Team) all earned All-American honors. Damon McMillian, Jr. and Dillon Keough both were named to the Freshman All-American Second Team.Â
Rhode Island was well represented across Phil Steele's CAA All Conference teams with 18 selections throughout five teams. Pena was named the CAA Defensive Player of the Year by the publication.
Pena, Buchanan, and Johnson were joined by running back Antwain Littleton, Jr., and tight end Connor Finer on the CAA All Conference First Team. Linebackers Moses Meus and Rohan Davy, offensive linemen Tre Alexander and Brock Bethea, and receiver Greg Gaines III all received Second Team nods. Keough (long snapper) along with quarterback Devin Farrell, offensive lineman Thomas Buxton, defensive lineman Case Mankins, and punt returner Angel Sanchez all appeared on the Third Team. Offensive lineman Christian Smith was a Fourth Team selection. Tight end Matt Smith and defensive back Andre DePina-Gray were both named to the Fifth Team.Â
Rhode Island is coming off a historic 2025 campaign that saw the team capture its second CAA Football title, and first outright conference championship since 1985. Rhode Island defeated Central Connecticut State in its first round game at Meade Stadium (27-19, Nov. 29) before falling at No. 8 UC Davis (47-26, Dec. 6).
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