HBCU Athletic Conference opens New Era of Men's Soccer with release of Preseason All-HBCUAC Teams, Rankings
NEW ORLEANS - August 28, 2025 - The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) kicks off its first men's soccer season in 20 years with the announcement of its Preseason All-HBCUAC team and rankings.
This is the first year the conference has sponsored soccer since 2005. Nominations and voting were done by the HBCUAC head men's soccer coaches. Points were derived from the order in which each coach ranked the athlete. Wiley University midfielder Anthony Ulloa claimed Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. He led the Wildcats with seven goals and was twice named Continental Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week. He earned All-CAC Second Team. Huston-Tillotson University goalkeeper Juan Acosta was named Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year. He helped the Rams to three victories in a challenging Red River Athletic Conference that featured multiple matches against ranked teams. The rest of the team is below:
Juan Reyes, Defender, Wiley: Entering third season as team captain
Jalen Smeins, Defender, Talladega: Has World Cup qualifier experience with his home country Anguilla
Jose Camarena, Defender, Huston-Tillotson: Tallied a goal and an assist, led the Rams with 1,144 minutes played
Joel Wilson, Defender, Talladega: 2024 Continental Athletic Conference All-Tournament selection
Christopher Syms, Forward, Talladega: Scored four goals and provided one assist
Saeed Charles, Forward, Talladega: All-CAC Honorable Mention
Aaron Castillo, Forward, Wiley: Led the team with four assists and scored two goals
Christian Kisukulu, Forward, Huston-Tillotson: Scored three goals and recorded one assist
Juan Mendoza, Midfielder, Paul Quinn: Scored three goals and tallied an assist
Malachi Daniel, Midfielder, Talladega: Expected to lead the Tornadoes offensive attack
The coaches also voted on the Preseason Rankings. Points were derived based on the order they ranked each team. Talladega College, which reached the semifinals of the Continental Athletic Conference Championship, is expected to be the favorite to claim the HBCUAC title. Wiley, which won three matches last season, including one against Talladega finished second. Huston-Tillotson University followed. The full rankings are below:
1. Talladega 31 (3)
2. Wiley 30 (1)
3. Huston-Tillotson 29 (2)
4. Tougaloo 17
5. Paul Quinn 11
6. Oakwood 8
Fans can catch the action of the 2025 season on the Urban Edge Network and hbcuac.org. The 2025 HBCUAC Men's and Women's Soccer Championship will be held November 4 through 7 at Lee Hedges Stadium in Shreveport.
About the HBCU Athletic Conference
The HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) is the only HBCU conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The HBCUAC membership includes Dillard University (LA), Fisk University (TN), Huston-Tillotson University (TX), Oakwood University (AL), Paul Quinn College (TX), Philander Smith University (AR), Rust College (MS), Southern University at New Orleans (LA), Stillman College (AL), Talladega College (AL), Tougaloo College (MS), University of the Virgin Islands (St. Thomas), Voorhees University (SC), Wilberforce University (OH), and Wiley University (TX). HBCUAC sponsors championships in men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's track and field, women's volleyball, softball, and baseball. In 2022, the HBCUAC secured the largest media rights deal in conference and NAIA history, signing a multimillion-dollar deal with Urban Edge Network. On July 1, 2024, the conference rebranded from the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) to the HBCU Athletic Conference, marking a new era for the conference that embodies the makeup of its membership. For more information, visit hbcuac.org.