BROOKVILLE, N.Y. -- LIU football's Trey Watkins has earned a spot on the 2026 Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Third Team.

Watkins' selection comes following a strong 2025 campaign in which he earned NEC Defensive Player of the Week honors on two different occasions, while leading the NEC and tying for second in the FCS with five interceptions. He also tallied 51 total tackles (36 solo, 15 assisted), one tackle for loss, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble.

The Rahway, New Jersey native's efforts helped lead the Sharks to a 6-6 record last season, posting the best record in their seven-year DI history, which included a 4-1 record at home and wins in five of their last six games to conclude the season. LIU's impressive year included a 28-23 victory over Eastern Michigan University on Sept. 6, the program's first-ever win over a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent. 

LIU's 2026 season will kick off on Thursday, Aug. 27, at the University of North Dakota, marking the first-ever meeting between the Sharks and the Fighting Hawks. The non-conference schedule also includes road trips to the University of Kansas (Fri., Sept. 4) and Florida International University (Sept. 26), the two Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponents on the schedule. LIU will also play the University of Albany (Sept. 12) and Villanova University (Sept. 19) at home in non-conference competition.  The Sharks open NEC play on Oct. 3 versus Mercyhurst University at Shark Stadium. 

Season tickets are available here.