DALLAS – Conference USA released the 2025 preseason watch list, as selected by the league's 12 head coaches on Friday. Five student-athletes from each of the conference's 12 member institutions are recognized as key players to watch ahead of the 2025 season.
Included on the list from Sam Houston are offensive lineman James Dawn II, wide receiver Michael Phoenix II, defensive back Emon Allen, defensive lineman Zeiqui Lawton and kicker RJ Lopez.
The Kats open the 2025 Conference USA slate in a premier Week Zero slot on Saturday, Aug. 23, at WKU on CBS Sports Network. The league's 21st Conference USA Football Championship Game is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5.
2025 CUSA Watch List – Sam Houston
James Dawn II – Offensive Line
Dawn has played in 30 games over the past three seasons for the Bearkats, including starting all 13 in 2024. He has seen the bulk of his time at guard and was a preseason all-CUSA selection last year.
Michael Phoenix II – Wide Receiver
Phoenix made an impact as a big-play receiver in 2024 and could be on the verge of an even bigger year in 2025 in head coach Phil Longo's high-powered offensive scheme. He averaged 14.6 yards per catch a year ago with three of his 15 grabs finding the end zone.
Emon Allen – Defensive Back
Allen has been with the Bearkats since 2021 and has seen action in 32 games in his career. He's been an impact punt returner in his time, but also a speedy cornerback who brings the most experience back of any player on the Kats' defensive unit in 2025.
Zeiqui Lawton – Defensive Line
A highly-decorated recruit coming out of high school following the 2020 COVID-altered season, Lawton spent a year at Cincinnati before moving on to West Virginia where injuries limited his production. He joins the Bearkats in 2025 with expectations of immediate impact on the defensive line.
RJ Lopez – Kicker
With five years of experience under his belt, Lopez will spend his sixth season with the Bearkats after making stops at UCLA and Purdue. The Southern California native was a kickoff specialist for the Bruins for his first three seasons before serving as the team's primary kicker in 2023, his final season in Los Angeles.
