Three UCA Bears land on 2025 All-UAC football teams

CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas had three players earn United Athletic Conference postseason honors on Tuesday as running back Landen Chambers, wide receiver Malachi Henry and defensive back Dillon Williams were each recognized for standout seasons.

Chambers and Henry were named to the All-UAC First Team, while Williams earned a spot on the Second Team. All three received conference honors for the first time in their careers.

The awards highlighted how the Bears balanced their production on both sides of the ball and how their young core continued to develop throughout the 2025 season. The group combined to lead UCA in rushing, receiving and total tackles while anchoring major parts of the team’s weekly plan.

Chambers’ role grew each month of the season as the Bears leaned on his downhill style. Henry became the team’s most reliable target and one of the league’s most consistent receivers. Williams handled heavy responsibility in the secondary and finished as the team leader in tackles.

It was the type of individual recognition Bears coach Nathan Brown said reflected both talent and steady growth.

Brown praised Chambers for his ability to handle a full workload throughout the season, noting the sophomore was “an every-down back” who made the most of his opportunity.

He said Henry earned everything he received because of his work ethic and ability to play multiple receiver spots. Brown also called Williams “an all-conference caliber player” who brought both physicality and intelligence to the defensive backfield.

Those three players became essential pieces for a UCA team that showed progress across multiple phases.

UCA offense driven by Chambers’ consistency

Chambers, a 5-foot-11, 215-pound sophomore from Keller, Texas, provided UCA with one of the league’s most productive rushing seasons.

He ran for 1,273 yards on 242 carries, finishing second in the UAC in rushing yards and third in yards per carry at 5.3.

His 106.1 rushing yards per game ranked eighth nationally at the FCS level.

Chambers also produced 10 rushing touchdowns, finishing third in the conference in scoring on the ground.

He added 27 receptions for 238 yards, becoming one of the top all-purpose players in the UAC.

Chambers ranked second in the league in total all-purpose yards and third in total touchdowns, showing how valuable he was to the Bears both running and catching the ball.

Chambers set a program record by rushing for at least 100 yards in eight straight games.

He reached the 100-yard mark in nine games overall, a mark that defined his season’s consistency as UCA tightened its offensive structure.

Brown said Chambers “had one of the best Division I seasons statistically at running back in our short Division I era” and credited him for carrying the load as a young player.

Henry becomes one of UAC’s top receivers

Henry, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound sophomore from Van Buren, Ark., led the UAC in nearly every major receiving category.

He posted 69 catches, the most in the conference, and averaged 5.75 receptions per game.

He finished with 889 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns, topping the league in both categories. His 74.1 yards per game placed him among the most productive receivers in the UAC.

Henry also finished sixth in all-purpose yards and third in total touchdowns, showing how often he touched the ball and how much UCA relied on him in scoring situations.

Brown said Henry “works as hard as any receiver I have been around” and praised his ability to line up in different spots, win contested catches and create plays with the ball in his hands. He added that Henry was a “home-grown kid” who turned the trust placed in him into a major season.

Williams anchors UCA’s defensive effort

Williams, a 6-foot, 190-pound junior from Southaven, Miss., finished as UCA’s leading tackler with 83 total stops. He recorded 37 solo tackles and 46 assisted tackles.

He added 4.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, three pass breakups and one quarterback hurry. His two interceptions ranked third in the UAC, underscoring his coverage ability.

Brown said Williams brings immediate value each day with his physical style and attention to detail.

He described Williams as a player who “takes the knowledge to the field” and has the potential to finish his career as one of UCA’s top defensive backs in its Division I era.

Williams’ recognition on the Second Team affirmed his role as one of the team’s most dependable players.

The Bears’ three conference selections reflected progress for a roster built around young skill talent and versatile defensive play.

Chambers, Henry and Williams helped shape UCA’s identity throughout the season and ended the year among the league’s best at their positions.

Their production and growth became central to UCA’s competitiveness in the United Athletic Conference and set a foundation for what the Bears hope becomes a strong returning core next season.

Three key takeaways

• Landen Chambers and Malachi Henry earned First Team All-UAC honors after leading UCA in rushing and receiving.

• Dillon Williams’ strong defensive season earned him a Second Team All-UAC selection.

• The Bears’ honorees showed balance on both sides of the ball and highlighted the team’s developing young talent.