CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Just under 50 days until season kickoff, The Citadel senior Chris Benton earned recognition as a member of the 2026 Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America squad, slotting in as a second-team defensive lineman per an announcement via the organization Monday.

Benton serves as just one of 101 players selected to the three-team preseason list, which featured representatives from all 13 FCS conferences and 53 schools.

"Chris Benton sets the standard for our defense with his leadership, communication and discipline," The Citadel head coach Maurice Drayton said. "He's earned this recognition, and we're proud of him. It's a well-deserved honor for the work he's put in."

The Haines City, Fla., native enters his senior season following a career-best campaign in 2025. For the year, Benton started seven games and recorded 26.0 total tackles, notably ranking second-best amongst his fellow Bulldogs with 5.0 tackles-for-loss, all them credited as a sack.

Over the course of his career with The Citadel, Benton has appeared in 35 games with nine starts across his first three seasons. Statistically, the edge rusher has compiled 43.0 total tackles as a Bulldog, including 10.0 tackles-for-loss with 9.0 registered as a sack.

Benton was one of seven Southern Conference players distinguished by Stats Perform and the league's lone selection on the second-team defensive line.

The Bulldogs open the 2026 season Saturday, Aug. 29, against Wofford in Spartanburg, S.C., with kickoff slated for 6 p.m. at Gibbs Stadium.

The complete 2026 Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Team can be viewed HERE.