MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois football collected multiple postseason honors as Phil Steele released its 2025 FCS postseason awards, with Leatherneck student-athletes earning recognition at both the conference and national levels.

Western Illinois placed 10 players on the Phil Steele OVC-Big South All-Conference teams, representing all three phases of the game.

First Team All-OVC-Big South
Markell Holman, Jr., RB
Christian Pierce, Sr., LB

Second Team All-OVC-Big South
Demari Davis, Sr., WR

Third Team All-OVC-Big South
Alex Williams, Sr., TE
Justin Richardson, Sr., DB
Malini Ti'a, Sr., DB

Fourth Team All-OVC-Big South
Christian Anaya, Jr., WR
Dagen Miller, Sr., OL
James Durand, So., OL
Kevin Washington, Sr., LB

In addition to conference accolades, Western Illinois earned national recognition with Payne Miller being named a Third Team Phil Steele FCS Freshman All-American. Miller made an immediate impact along the defensive line and emerged as one of the top freshman defenders in the country. 

The postseason honors reflect the continued development and competitiveness of the Leathernecks within the OVC-Big South Conference and on the national FCS stage.

Western Illinois football looks to build on that momentum heading into the 2026 season.

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