STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Phil Steele Publications announced its 2026 Preseason All-NEC Teams, as senior defensive lineman
Logan Barnes, junior defensive lineman
Ethan Appolon and senior offensive lineman
Malik Wilson earned First Team honors, while graduate student defensive lineman
Olanrewaju Adeyemi and junior running back
Matt Morad were named to the Second Team.
Barnes, a 2025 Phil Steele Preseason All-NEC selection, finished the 2025 season with 40 total tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss, in 11 games on the Seahawks' defensive line. Against Duquesne, Barnes recorded a season-high seven tackles to go along with 1.5 tackles for loss.
Appolon earned his first preseason honor after appearing in 11 games last season. The junior totaled 13 tackles, including eight solo stops, while registering 5.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. Appolon also forced four fumbles. He recorded a season-high two tackles against Marist, Norfolk State, Central Connecticut State, Duquesne and Stonehill. His five sacks came against Marist, Norfolk State, Duquesne, Robert Morris and Stonehill.
Wilson garnered preseason recognition after appearing in seven games along the offensive line in 2025. He helped Wagner average 165.5 rushing yards per game, the third-best mark in the NEC, while paving the way for running back Andre Hines, who ranked fifth in the conference with 67.4 rushing yards per game.
Adeyemi earned Second Team honors after appearing in 11 games in 2025. The graduate student recorded 33 tackles, including 16 solo stops, along with 2.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and three quarterback hurries. He posted a season-high six tackles against Saint Francis while adding a sack and two fumble recoveries.
Morad earned Second Team honors after appearing in all 12 games last season. The junior rushed for 284 yards on 66 carries and recorded a season-high 57 rushing yards on 12 attempts against Georgetown, highlighted by a 29-yard run. He also added 12 receptions for 62 yards, catching a season-high four passes against Saint Francis while recording a season-long 30-yard rush.
The Seahawks will open the 2026 campaign on Saturday, Aug. 29, when they host Robert Morris at noon in an NEC matchup. It will mark the first time Wagner has opened a season against a conference opponent since facing Saint Francis in 2011.
Season and single-game tickets are available now. Fans can purchase tickets by contacting the Wagner Athletics Box Office at (718) 420-4008 or by emailing athletics.tickets@wagner.edu.
