Seven Chanticleers Earn Preseason All-Sun Belt Honors from Pro Football Network

CONWAY, S.C. – Seven Coastal Carolina football players earned Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference honors from Pro Football Network, the publication announced Monday.

Junior defensive back Myles Woods was named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt First Team, while wide receiver Tristian Gardner, defensive end Donovan Grayson and offensive lineman Mason Barton earned Second Team recognition. Defensive lineman Xzavier Booker, linebacker Jordan Thompson and defensive back Azarel Juste were named to the Third Team.

Woods started 11 of Coastal's 13 games last season and led the Chanticleers with three interceptions while totaling 45 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and six pass breakups. The Grayson, Ga., native posted a career-high nine tackles at South Carolina.

The honor marks another preseason accolade for Woods, who was previously named to the Sun Belt Conference Preseason All-Sun Belt Second Team.

Gardner, Grayson, Barton, Booker, Thompson and Juste enter their first seasons with the Chanticleers in 2026.

The recognition adds to a growing list of preseason honors for Coastal Carolina. Earlier this offseason, six Chanticleers earned Preseason All-Sun Belt honors from Athlon Sports, while nine were recognized by Phil Steele. Ja'Marion Wayne, Tray Brown and Woods were also selected to the Sun Belt Conference's preseason all-conference teams.

2026 Pro Football Network Preseason All-Sun Belt Team

First Team
DB Myles Woods

Second Team
WR Tristian Gardner
DE Donovan Grayson
OL Mason Barton

Third Team
DL Xzavier Booker
LB Jordan Thompson
DB Azarel Juste

The Chanticleers will open the 2026 season on Saturday, Sept. 5, with a road contest at West Virginia before hosting Fordham in their home opener on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Brooks Stadium.

For complete coverage of Coastal Carolina football, visit GoCCUsports.com and follow @CoastalFootball on X, Instagram and Facebook.