Kentucky State junior Lawrence McConnell continues to cement his place among Division II’s elite, earning a spot on the 2025 HBCU Sports Division II Football Preseason All-American Team, HBCU Sports announced this week.
The honor places McConnell firmly in the national spotlight, as the Preseason All-American Team recognizes the premier talents across both the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, an impressive feat in a talent-rich landscape.
McConnell’s latest accolade adds another chapter to what has already been a remarkable year for the Thorobreds’ defensive stalwart. In July, he was selected to the SIAC Football Preseason All-Conference First Team, a recognition that followed a breakout sophomore campaign where he racked up 56 tackles, including 31 solo efforts and 25 assisted stops. That foundation was built on a rookie season where he never missed a game, highlighted by a nine-tackle performance against Benedict on October 12.
With momentum on his side, McConnell will look to anchor the Kentucky State defense when the Thorobreds launch their 2025 season. That journey begins August 30 in the annual Detroit Football Classic against archrival Central State, with kickoff set for 1:00 p.m. at Ford Field in Detroit.
