ARLINGTON, Texas. (September 7, 2026) – For a second straight week, the United Athletic Conference announced University of North Alabama redshirt freshman Xavier Johnson as the UAC Freshman of the Week, released Monday morning.
One week after his five-catch, 129-yard debut against Samford, Johnson once again led the team in receiving against Arkansas. The redshirt freshman transfer from Memphis caught six passes for 82 yards against the Razorbacks, including a 59-yard catch in the second half to set up a touchdown.
Today marks the 12th time UNA has won the UAC Freshman of the Week award since the league started in 2023 — the most of any former or current members of the conference. UNA has now won 22 weekly awards over four seasons.
Johnson joins current teammates Noah Gregg, Azariah Fletcher, Fred Vili, Jalen Fletcher and Jyheam Ingram as past winners of the award, as well as former Lion Josh Anglin. Johnson and Jalen Fletcher are the two current Lions to win the award more than once.
Other UAC award winners this week include co-offensive players of the week Ty'Ray Davis of West Florida and Tylan Hines of Tarleton State, Alex Broome from Abilene Christian as special teams player of the week and Tarleton's Jaden Aubert as defensive player of the week.
Coming off a competitive 31-14 loss to an SEC opponent, the Lions will return to FCS action this Saturday against Southeastern Louisiana. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. in Hammond, La.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
