Morgan State Bears Looking to Build Momentum After Strong Showing at MEAC Football Media Day
The countdown to the 2026 college football season is officially underway, and the Morgan State Bears made a strong statement during the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Football Media Day at M&T Bank Stadium. Head coach Damon Wilson and several of the program’s top players represented Morgan State as the Bears were recognized as one of the league’s most experienced and talented teams entering the fall.
Morgan State’s biggest headline from the event was its conference recognition. The Bears placed nine players on the 2026 Preseason All-MEAC Team, one of the highest totals in the conference, showing the respect the coaching staffs and sports information directors have for the roster.
Nine Bears Earn Preseason All-MEAC Honors
Morgan State’s nine preseason selections demonstrate the depth Damon Wilson has assembled. The Bears return impact players on both sides of the football, including proven playmakers at running back, linebacker, defensive back and along the offensive line.
The players honored include:
- Randall Nauden – Running Back
- Arturo Mattocks – Linebacker
- Keith Jenkins Jr. – Running Back
- Justin Dutton – Defensive Lineman
- Alex Simmons – Tight End
- Aki Harvey – Defensive Back
- along with three additional Bears recognized on the preseason team.
Randall Nauden Headlines the Offense
Running back Randall Nauden once again enters the season as one of the premier offensive weapons in the MEAC.
Nauden has developed into the centerpiece of Morgan State’s offense thanks to his combination of vision, balance and explosiveness. He consistently creates yards after contact and has become a reliable receiver out of the backfield.
With several experienced offensive linemen returning, Morgan State is expected to lean heavily on its rushing attack once again.
Arturo Mattocks Anchors the Defense
Senior linebacker Arturo Mattocks continues to establish himself as one of the conference’s top defensive leaders.
Mattocks combines sideline-to-sideline speed with physical tackling ability and has become the emotional leader of the Bears’ defense. His ability to diagnose plays quickly makes him one of the most complete linebackers in the MEAC.
He represented Morgan State alongside the coaching staff during Media Day and will be expected to lead a defense that returns significant experience.
Keith Jenkins Jr. Gives Morgan a Dynamic Backfield
Running back Keith Jenkins Jr. provides another explosive option in the Bears’ rushing attack.
Having multiple experienced backs should allow Morgan State to rotate fresh legs throughout games while maintaining a physical rushing identity. The combination of Jenkins and Nauden gives the Bears one of the deeper backfields in the conference.
Alex Simmons Creates Matchup Problems
Tight end Alex Simmons has emerged as one of Morgan State’s most versatile offensive weapons.
His ability to contribute both as a blocker and receiving target makes him difficult for defenses to match up against. Simmons is expected to play a major role in red-zone situations and third-down passing packages.
Justin Dutton Brings Strength to the Defensive Front
Defensive lineman Justin Dutton gives Morgan State a disruptive presence in the trenches.
Whether stopping the run or creating interior pressure, Dutton has become one of the anchors of the Bears’ defensive front and should again be among the conference leaders in impact plays.
Aki Harvey Locks Down the Secondary
Defensive back Aki Harvey headlines a talented Morgan secondary.
Harvey has developed into a dependable cover defender capable of matching up with opposing top receivers while also providing run support and creating turnovers.
Damon Wilson Has the Bears Trending Up
Now entering another season under head coach Damon Wilson, Morgan State appears positioned to compete near the top of the MEAC standings.
Wilson has steadily improved the program through recruiting, player development and establishing a physical identity on both sides of the football. Returning experienced leaders at nearly every position gives Morgan State one of its strongest rosters in recent years.
Media Day also gave players the opportunity to discuss their goals for the upcoming season while highlighting the excitement surrounding MEAC football. The conference’s event was held at the home of the Baltimore Ravens, providing a fitting backdrop for one of Maryland’s premier HBCU football programs.
MSB Take
Morgan State enters the 2026 season with legitimate expectations.
Nine preseason All-MEAC selections reflect one of the conference’s deepest rosters, and the Bears possess the veteran leadership necessary to challenge for a MEAC championship. If the offense can consistently capitalize on its playmakers while the experienced defense performs to expectations, Morgan State has every opportunity to make this one of the program’s most successful seasons in recent memory.
