Bethune-Cookman safety Naim Lassiter was named one of 10 semifinalists for the Aeneas Williams Award, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. The award recognizes defensive backs in Historically Black Colleges and Universities Division I football. The announcement came from Oklahoma City.
The award was established in 2022 in honor of Southern University walk-on and Pro Football Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams. A screening committee selects the semifinalists in partnership with DraftHBCUPlayers and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award. The selection process considers performance on the field, athletic ability and character.
Lassiter is a redshirt senior from Tampa who ranks second on Bethune-Cookman’s team with 49.0 total tackles. He leads the team with 28 solo tackles and has recorded 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and three pass breakups. Against Jackson State, Lassiter recorded six tackles, including one tackle for loss, while Bethune-Cookman held Jackson State to 0.9 yards per carry in the home victory.
Finalists set for Dec. 1 announcement
The finalists for the Aeneas Williams Award will be announced Dec. 1, 2026, at noon EST. The semifinalist list is not final, and unlisted players who continue to produce outstanding performances can be recognized as finalists. Three finalists will be selected.
Bethune-Cookman is scheduled to play at Southern on Nov. 7, 2026, at 3 p.m. EST. The game is scheduled before the finalist announcement. Bethune-Cookman competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
FSB Take
Lassiter’s semifinalist selection recognizes a season that includes team-leading totals in solo tackles, along with 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and three pass breakups. His scheduled game at Southern comes before the Dec. 1 announcement, leaving a clear upcoming point in the award timeline. The semifinalist honor keeps Lassiter in contention for a finalist selection.
Source: Original report