RICHMOND, Ky. – 11 members of the Eastern Kentucky University football team were recognized today in the annual Phil Steele FCS All-American and All-Conference teams, highlighted by Jaheim Ward, who was a Fourth Team All-American selection.
 
Ward pairs his All-American selection by the publication with a First Team All-UAC honor, as the captain from Moultrie, Georgia, recorded 82 total tackles, 50 of which were solo, along with six pass breakups, one forced fumble, and a 37-yard pick-six.
 
The All-American honor marks the second of 2025 for Ward, as he was named an All-American by FCS Central earlier this month, marking the second straight season a Colonel defensive back has been named an All-American under the tutelage of secondary coach Rashad Watson, joining Mike Smith Jr. from 2024.
 
Ward led Watson's defensive backfield in 2025, which produced 10 interceptions with a defensive passing efficiency of 123.33, the 23^rd best in FCS football this season.
 
EKU's Phil Steele 2025 All-UAC selections are as follows…

First Team
DB - Jaheim Ward
 
Second Team
DL - Jeremiah Bailey
LB - Braden Sullivan
DB - Vito Tisdale Jr.
RS - TJ Mitchell III
 
Third Team
RB - Brayden Latham
DL - Brad Gurley
LB - Frank Lee IV
DB - Derek Taylor
P - Jacob Baker
 
Fourth Team
RB - Brady Hensley