Several Bears earn Phil Steele All-UAC honors for 2026 season

Central Arkansas football picked up plenty of preseason recognition this week.

The 2026 Phil Steele All-UAC Teams came out and six Bears made the first team. Two more players landed on the second team.

Kicker Caleb Jones anchors the special teams group. The redshirt sophomore went 9 of 9 on field goals last season. His longest boot traveled 39 yards. Jones also connected on 34 of 36 extra points.

Chapman McKown earned first team punt returner honors too. The Norman, Okla., native started all 12 games in 2025. He led the Bears with eight punt returns for 90 yards. His longest return covered 37 yards.

Wide receiver Tyrell Pollard also made the first team cut. The Hattiesburg, Mississippi senior started every game last fall. He hauled in 26 catches for 515 yards and 7 touchdowns. His longest grab went for 76 yards.

Defense showed up on the list as well.

Senior lineman Trevion Traylor racked up 40 tackles including 17 solo stops. He added 8 tackles for loss a sack and a forced fumble.

Defensive back Marcus Washington and linebacker Ashtyn Williams rounded out the first team group.

Washington finished with 63 tackles and 35 of them solo. He also broke up 5 passes. Williams piled up 70 tackles and grabbed an interception.

Second team adds more depth

Four more UCA players landed on the second team list. Offensive lineman Senon Chapple started 11 of 12 games up front for the Bears.

Linebacker Sam Jackson joined the roster after a big year at Arkansas Tech where he racked up 79 tackles.

McKown doubled up making the second team as an all purpose running back too. He rushed for 226 yards and a score on 46 carries. He also caught 9 passes for 33 yards.

Defensive lineman Jakobe Shell rounded out the group.

Shell led the Bears in tackle for loss yardage with 28 yards on 4 stops. He finished the year with 39 total tackles and a sack.

Bears turn attention to kickoff

There’s a full slate of teams across the league in the complete Phil Steele release.

UCA opens the 2026 season on the road against UT-Martin on Aug. 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Key takeaways

Six Bears made the Phil Steele All-UAC first team and two more made the second team.

Chapman McKown was honored twice for his work as a punt returner and an all purpose running back.

Central Arkansas opens its 2026 season on the road at UT-Martin on Aug. 27 at 6:30 p.m.