DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University defensive back Malcolm Reed is one of 30 football student-athletes named to the Stats Perform Buck Buchanan Award Preseason Watch List, it was announced on Wednesday.
Reed was also named a Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-American earlier in July, and he was one of eight Eagles to earn Preseason First Team All-MEAC honors.
Part of MEAC’s best scoring defense in 2024, Reed was a First Team All-MEAC selection after ranking second in the conference in pass breakups and eighth in interceptions. Last season, he ranked second on the team in tackles, amassing 60 tackles, including 3.5 for a loss.
He also had a fumble return for a touchdown and two interceptions.
Reed racked up a career-high nine tackles twice in 2024: at North Carolina on Sept. 14 and at South Carolina State on Oct. 31. His interceptions came against Elon (Sept. 7) and Campbell (Oct. 5).
He also had two tackles for loss in the season finale at Delaware State.
The Buck Buchanan Award is given annually to the national defensive player of the year at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. This season’s recipient will be announced at the Stats Perform National Awards Banquet on Jan. 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
A national media panel will select the winner after the regular season from a group of finalists.
The Eagles open the 2025 season on Saturday, Aug. 23, in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge, squaring off against Southern live on ABC at 7:30 p.m.
Source: NCCU Athletics/NCCUEaglePride.com
