ALRINGTON, Texas (November 2, 2026) – For the fifth time this season, University of North Alabama redshirt freshman Xavier Johnson was named United Athletic Conference Freshman of the Week by the league office Monday morning.
Johnson continues UNA's — and his own — dominance in the freshman weekly awards from the UAC. This marks the 15th time UNA has won the award since the league began in 2023 — more than any other league member.
Previously, no player in the UAC's young history has won the award more than three times. Two of those players were from UNA — linebacker Josh Anglin and running back Jalen Fletcher. Now, Johnson is the first to win the award five times in a season.
Despite battling heavy rain, Johnson had four catches for 66 yards in a 14-9 win over Central Arkansas. He also added 20 yards on the ground for 86 all-purpose yards.
As of this week, Johnson ranks third in the nation in both receiving yards and receiving yards per game (97.7). He has 47 receptions for 880 yards and four touchdowns.
Even though the 66 yards receiving was his second-lowest total of the season, Johnson still found a way to impact the game and move the sticks for North Alabama. He also continues his stranglehold on the freshman lead nationally.
Last week vs. No. 9 Austin Peay, Johnson broke UNA's single-season receiving record with four games to add to it.
After his performance against Central Arkansas, he now ranks sixth on the all-time single season receiving list with his 880 yards and three games to go. He passed TJ Porter (2009), Jason Smith (2013), Jason Messing (2005) and Tristan Purifoy (2011) this past Saturday. He needs just 23 yards to crack the top five ahead of Mico McSwain (913 in 2009) and exactly 300 yards to set the all-time single season record held by Dre Hall at 1,179 in 2016.
Johnson and the Lions are back home this week to host West Florida. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Bobby Wallace Field at Bank Independent Stadium. Tickets are available by calling 256-765-5466 or at this link.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
