JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — With the 2025 season on the horizon, the Edward Waters University football program has made a strong early statement, landing five Tigers on the 2025 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Preseason All-Conference Team, as announced by the league office Tuesday morning.
The honors signal the growing respect for the talent and grit developing inside the Tiger program — and set the tone for what's shaping up to be an exciting campaign at Nathaniel Glover Community Field & Stadium.
Leading the pack is veteran offensive lineman
Desmon Self, who was named to the 2025 SIAC Preseason First Team. A pillar of strength and consistency in the trenches, Self has anchored the EWU offensive line with toughness and leadership, becoming a respected force across the conference.
Joining Self are four other Edward Waters standouts who earned Second Team honors, showcasing the team's talent across all three phases of the game:
Makai Lovett, WR – A dynamic playmaker with reliable hands and big-play ability, Lovett returns as a key weapon in the Tigers' aerial attack.
Johntarrious Thomas, RB – One of the most consistent and explosive rushers in the SIAC, Thomas brings a power-speed combo that will be crucial in the Tigers' ground game this fall.
Tyreese Williams, DL – A disruptive force on the defensive line, Williams is a menace in opposing backfields and is expected to be a leader on the defensive unit.
Brady Tillman, KR – Known for his electric speed and ability to flip the field, Tillman adds a dangerous special teams spark that keeps opponents on their heels.
While the Tigers are drawing individual attention, the SIAC Preseason Predicted Order of Finish placed Edward Waters 8th in the conference rankings. While some may see that as a slight, the Tigers are using it as fuel. With key returning players and a renewed sense of purpose, the Tigers are ready to exceed expectations and shake up the conference standings this fall.
Edward Waters opens the 2025 home season with a thrilling matchup against SIAC foe Miles College, followed by marquee showdowns including the Unity Classic vs. Virginia Union, a Homecoming battle vs Central State, and other key contests vs Morehouse and Kentucky State.
Season tickets and tailgate spots are on sale now at EWUFootball.com/Tickets — don't miss your chance to be part of every exciting moment.
The Tigers will open the season in electric fashion on August 30 with a huge road rivalry clash at Savannah State, setting the tone early with a battle against a familiar foe. EWU hits the road again on September 20 for one of its biggest non-conference tests of the season — a clash against Bethune-Cookman University, a perennial powerhouse that will challenge the Tigers on a big stage. Followed by a road trip to Kentucky State on October 11. Edward Waters will then face a huge road test against the 2024 SIAC Championship runner up, Clark Atlanta on October 25 and a rivalry classic to close out the regular season in the AME Classic against Allen University on November 8.
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