BALTIMORE – North Carolina Central University wide receiver Chance Peterson has been named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, the conference office announced on Monday in advance of its annual Football Media Day.
In all, 10 Eagles were named Preseason All-MEAC. In addition, the Eagles were picked to finish second in the MEAC in 2026.
The league's head coaches and sports information directors voted on the preseason teams and predicted order of finish.
Peterson was a Second Team All-MEAC selection last season after ranking second on the team with 60 receiving yards per game. He caught 48 passes for 720 yards and a touchdown on the season, and he recorded back-to-back 100-yard receiving games against Florida A&M (104) and Delaware State (134).
Joining Peterson on the preseason first team are quarterback Josh Jones, offensive lineman AC McMoore, linebacker Isaiah Lawson and return specialist Mehki Wall.
Wall earned First Team All-MEAC honors last season after averaging a MEAC-best 26.2 yards per kickoff return. McMoore and Lawson were Second Team All-MEAC honorees in 2025; McMoore was a key part of the Eagles' offensive line, while Lawson ranked top-10 in the MEAC with 71 total tackles.
NCCU's preseason second team honorees include tight end Rodney Lesane, center Holly Saint-Melus, offensive linemen Taron Williams and Victor Goree, and defensive back Jakarri Martin.
North Carolina Central earned 42 points and one first-place vote in the predicted order of finish. Defending MEAC champion South Carolina State is the preseason favorite, racking up 49 points and five first-place votes.
MEAC Football Media Day will be Tuesday at M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens. The live broadcast will begin at noon on ESPN+.
The Eagles are entering their seventh season under head coach Trei Oliver. They will open the 2026 campaign on Saturday, Aug. 29, at Texas Southern; the game will kick off at 7 p.m. on HBCUGo.
For more information on NCCU athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
