ALRINGTON, Texas (September 21, 2026) – Following a standout performance on a historic day for the 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 13th time UNA has won the award since the league began in 2023 — more than any other league member.

Johnson is also the third Lion to win this award three times, but is the first to do so within the first four games of the season. Former Lion linebacker Josh Anglin and current UNA running back Jalen Fletcher won it three times each in 2024.

In a 38-20 win over Alcorn State, Johnson caught five passes for 86 yards to mark his fourth straight game with at least 80 yards receiving. The Fort Worth, Texas native also broke off a highlight reel touchdown run on a reverse play, taking it 75 yards with multiple broken tackles.

His 161 all-purpose yards help headline a season-high in scoring for the Lions in the grand opening of Bobby Wallace Field at Bank Independent Stadium — the school's first on-campus stadium in 78 seasons as a football program and 196 years as a university.

Johnson leads all FCS players in receiving yards with 472 this season. The only Division I player with more is Jesse Legree from Oregon State with 476. Johnson has led FCS in back-to-back weeks.

Tarleton State's Kaden Anderson is the offensive player of the week, while Malik Denkins from Austin Peay was named defensive player of the week. Abilene Christian's Brandon Perez was the special teams player of the week.

UNA will play its second home game at Bank Independent Stadium this coming Saturday, Sept. 26 against Western Illinois. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.

For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.