Buena Vista, VA — The USA South Athletic Conference has announced its 2025 Football All-Conference awards, and Southern Virginia University delivered a historic showing with seven Knights honored, including Head Coach Joe DuPaix earning USA South Coach of the Year—the first such recognition in program history.

In year three of his second stint leading the Knights, DuPaix guided Southern Virginia to one of the most remarkable turnarounds in NCAA Division III. After being unanimously picked to finish last in the USA South preseason coaches poll, the Knights surged to a 6-4 overall record and 3-4 conference finish, placing fifth in the league. Along the way, Southern Virginia posted the first 3–0 and 4–0 starts in program history, ranked second nationally in fumbles recovered, and recorded its highest offensive output of the NCAA era (340.7 yards per game).

 

All-Conference Honorees

Jireek Washington – All-Conference Second Team (WR)

Senior | Orange County, VA

Washington delivered one of the strongest receiving seasons in Southern Virginia history. His eight receiving touchdowns rank third-most all-time, and he totaled 464 yards, 38 receptions, and a team-best 46.4 yards per game.

 

Ty Smith – All-Conference Second Team (S)

Sophomore | Pleasant Grove, UT

Smith became one of the league's top defensive playmakers with four interceptions (tied for third-most in a season in program history) and three fumble recoveries (also tied for third-most all-time).

 

Christian Janis – All-Conference Second Team (OL)

Sophomore | Twin Falls, ID

A multi-sport athlete and one of the team's most versatile competitors, Janis played a key role in the offensive line that helped elevate the Knights' passing attack to record heights.

 

Cambridge Bingham – All-Conference Second Team (OT)

Senior | Kaysville, UT

A four-year starter and team captain, Bingham appeared in 38 career games, anchoring the line that powered Southern Virginia's aerial surge and providing leadership on and off the field.

 

Jemaar Robinson – All-Conference Honorable Mention (LB)

Senior | Pasadena, CA

Robinson capped his career with 44 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries, contributing heavily to a defense that finished #2 nationally in fumble recoveries.

   

Tradyn Henderson – All-Conference Second Team (DE)

Freshman | Blackfoot, ID

Henderson made an immediate impact as a freshman, leading the team with eight QB hurries, adding 42 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks, quickly establishing himself as a cornerstone of the defense.

Devin Watson – USA South All-Sportsmanship Team (QB)

Quarterback Devin Watson earned a spot on the USA South All-Sportsmanship Team after a historic season under center. Watson finished the year ranking second in program history in:

• Completions: 194
• Touchdowns: 19
• Passing yards per game: 212
• Single-season passing yards: 2,120
• Single-season TD passes: 18

His leadership and production were instrumental to Southern Virginia's breakthrough year.

With a program-record seven All-Conference honorees, a Coach of the Year award, and a young core returning and a standard set, the future of Southern Virginia football anticipates a big 2026.

For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_ftbl on Instagram or X.