BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University seniors Davin Driskell (tight end) and John Hester (offensive line) have been named to the 2026 Phil Steele Mid-Season All-America squad announced publication officials Thursday morning. Driskell is a second-team selection while Hester is a third-team honoree.
 
The LU duo is a huge reason for the Cardinals' hot start in 2026. Lamar enters its weekend showdown at Southeastern Louisiana with a 5-1 (.833) overall record and tied for first in the Southland standings at 3-0. Lamar is also ranked among the top 10 in all of the major FCS polls - which is a first in program history.
 
Driskell jumped on the scene in Lamar's first game of the season hauling in five passes for 34 yards and two scores helping Big Red to a season-opening win over then No. 15 Abilene Christian. Since that game he has remained among the league leaders in receptions (18^th), receiving yards (18^th) and touchdown receptions (T1st). He also had a 100-yard receiving game at Nicholls.
 
Hester has been the anchor of one of the best offensive fronts in the country to this point in the season. The Cardinals currently have the Southland's third best scoring and rushing offense, and over the course of the past three weeks LU has been the Southland's top scoring team. Lamar's offensive line has surrendered just eight sacks in 2026 which ranks 33^rd nationally.
 
Both players have been graded out as one of the top 10 players at their respective positions during different weeks of the season, with the entire LU offense receiving that honor following its road win at Nicholls.
 
Big Red returns to action Saturday when it travels to Hammond, La., to take on Southeastern Louisiana who opened the year ranked among the top 25. The game against the Lions will kick off at 4 p.m. from Strawberry Stadium and will be broadcast live on Newstalk 560 and ESPN+.