WILLIAMSBURG — Having established himself as one of the nation’s top players, William & Mary All-America cornerback Jalen Jones was selected to the Buck Buchanan Award Preseason Watch List.
Jones is among a group of the country’s top 30 players on the list, as the Buchanan Award is given annually to the FCS national defensive player of the year.
A first-team All-America selection by numerous organizations last season, Jones was chosen a finalist for the 2024 Buck Buchanan Award. The Chesapeake, Va., native ranked first nationally in passes defended (22), passes defended per game (1.8) and pass breakups (20). Additionally, the two-time All-CAA standout ranked tied for eighth in the conference in interceptions (2) and tied for sixth in forced fumbles (2).
In recent weeks, Jones has earned preseason first-team All-America honors by Stats Perform, Phil Steele and FCS Football Central. Additionally, he was chosen to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000, which is a list that recognizes the nation’s top 1,000 all-star game eligible players who will be considered for the 2026 NFL Draft class.
Jones enters his fourth season as a starter and one of the most accomplished players in school history, as he ranks sixth at W&M in career passes defended (39). Additionally, he has also totaled six interceptions, a pick-six, 89 tackles, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
W&M enters the 2025 campaign having posted four consecutive winning seasons, marking the first time the program has accomplished the feat in the last 25 years. The Tribe opens its season at Furman on Aug. 30, while it will host Maine for its home opener on Sept. 6. Season tickets, as well as mini plans, are available at TribeAthletics.com.
