BUFFALO, NY – The Liberty League announced its 2025 football all-conference team today, recognizing five Buffalo State team members in
Jeadi Higdon (Syracuse, NY/Corcoran),
Sincere Green (Jamestown, NY/Jamestown),
Mikai Johnson (Far Rockaway, NY/James Madison),
Cole Pearlman (Buffalo, NY/Clarence), and
Xzaivion Betts (Brooklyn, NY/Abraham Lincoln). In addition, Higdon was named the Liberty League Rookie of the Year; the first in program history.
Higdon caps off a stellar freshman campaign earning Rookie of the Year along with Second Team Return Specialist and Second Team Athlete. Higdon rushed for 563 yards with five touchdowns on the year while also leading the Liberty League with 521 returns yards and a touchdown. Higdon was also second in the conference averaging 126.1 all purpose yards per game and rushed for over 100 yards twice (vs. Hilbert and Hobart). Higdon is the first player in program history to be named Conference Rookie of the Year.
Green earns the third All-Liberty League honor of his career after earning a spot on Second Team Defense. The senior linebacker has been a staple of the Bengal defense totaling 89 tackles with 9.5 tackles for loss, two pass break ups, and two fumble recoveries. Green was second in the conference in total tackles and finished in the top-10 in tackles for loss.
Johnson earns a spot on Second Team Offense for the first time in his career. The junior captain and wide receiver finished the season with 25 catches for 359 yards and three touchdowns, averaging over 14 yards per catch. Johnson also had seven rushes for 56 yards as a staple of the Bengal offense.
Pearlman and Betts earned Liberty League Honorable Mention recognition for the first time in their respective careers with Pearlman on the offensive side and Betts on the defensive side. Pearlman was a staple of the Buffalo State offensive line suiting up in all ten games where the Bengals averaged 268 yards of offense per game. For Betts, his breakout season concluded with 29 tackles, three interceptions, and six pass breakups. Betts shared the conference lead in interceptions and finished fifth in pass breakups.
