THE DELTA | Mississippi Valley State linebacker Douglas Franklin has been named to the 2026 Preseason All-SWAC Second Team Defense, the Southwestern Athletic Conference announced.

Franklin earned the preseason recognition at linebacker after a productive 2025 campaign for the Delta Devils. He appeared in all 12 games and finished the season with 39 total tackles, including 23 solo stops and 16 assisted tackles. He also added 5.5 tackles for loss, one pass breakup and one quarterback hurry.

Franklin was one of the top contributors on the MVSU defense last season and enters the 2026 campaign as a key returner for the Delta Devils under Head Coach Terrell Buckley.

The preseason honor highlights Franklin's continued growth and the expectations surrounding his leadership on the defensive side of the ball heading into the new season.

Mississippi Valley State is scheduled to open the 2026 season on Thursday, Aug. 27 at Nicholls.

For continued updates on Mississippi Valley State football, ticket information, and all things Delta Devils athletics, visit MVSUSports.com and follow MVSU Athletics on social media.

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