RICHMOND, Ky. – Heading into his second season in maroon and white, Eastern Kentucky University's redshirt senior, Jaheim Ward, was named to the Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Team, as announced by the organization on Tuesday.
 
The defensive back's third-team selection comes after a stellar debut season with the Colonels in 2024 after transferring from Austin Peay after three seasons.
 
Starting in 10 of the Colonels' 13 games a season ago, Ward recorded the third-most tackles on the team with 66, including five tackles for loss. On top of that, the Moultrie, Georgia native forced two fumbles, recovered one, had two interceptions, and had nine pass breakups.
 
Earning Second Team All-United Athletic Conference honors after last season, Ward was the only defensive back from the UAC to earn Preseason All-American honors from Stats Perform this season.
 
The Colonels will begin their season on Saturday, August 30, against in-state foe Louisville, with the home opener at Roy Kidd Stadium set for September 6, against Houston Christian at 6 p.m.