COLUMBIA, S.C. — With heart, hustle, and history on his side, Allen University's sophomore running back Fabian Duncan has officially been crowned the 2025 SIAC Player of the Year. The dynamic tailback didn't just break records — he shattered all expectations.

Not long ago, Duncan found himself back home in Charlotte, N.C., unsure of what was next after a brief stint at Johnson C. Smith. He trained alone. One night, after a solo workout, he walked home under the cover of a black hoodie. That's when a familiar voice pulled up beside him.

"Fabian?! What are you doing here? Why aren't you in school?"

It was his former high school coach. That late-night encounter turned into a 15-minute conversation—and a lifeline. The coach made a call to Allen University Head Coach Cedric Pearl and his coaching staff. The rest, as they say, is history.
After a deep conversation with his father, Fabian decided it's now or never. He knew this kind of second chance story could only be written on grit.

A Season Written in Stone — and Shoulder Pads

Fast forward to today, and #22 in your program is now #1 in the conference. After a breakout campaign for the ages, Fabian Duncan has officially received the conferences top honor and rightfully so.

This season, Duncan bulldozed his way into the record books:

• 1,153 rushing yards (SIAC Leader)
• 14 touchdowns (SIAC Leader - Rushing TD's)
• 46 carries & 241 yards in a single game — both Allen University records
• Averaged 115 rushing yards per game (SIAC Leader)
• And he's not done yet — just 47 yards shy of 1,200 and one game left

"They couldn't have chosen a more deserving young man. Fabian's relentless work ethic, leadership, and unwavering commitment to this program have set the standard for what it means to be an Allen Yellow Jacket. I'm extremely proud of him and this accomplishment is well earned."

— Coach Cedric Pearl, Head Football Coach, Allen University

His bruising, punishing run style earned him a new nickname around the athletic department coined by Athletic Director Stanley Cromartie:

"The Punisher."

And rightfully so.

A Dedication with No Ego

In a quiet conversation with athletics staff after receiving the Player of the Year news, Duncan revealed that he dedicated this season and this honor to his late father, who had recently transitioned.

"He is the reason I decided to give football another shot," he said.

Despite the accolades, Duncan credits everyone else.

"This is for my team, my quarterback Jamir [Dismukes], my O-line — Da Vision, my coaches - Coach Pearl. I share this with all of them," Duncan said.

"I just do my job and run for my team," Duncan said.

That humility is matched by his hunger.

With the SIAC–COC Challenge still ahead, Duncan has one final chapter to add to his remarkable sophomore campaign.

Legacy in Motion

From uncertain nights on quiet Charlotte streets… to sunrise and night workouts fueled by faith, sweat, and brotherhood —

Fabian Duncan didn't just dream of football greatness. He trained for it — relentlessly — alongside his brother and personal trainer Malik Brown, long before the stadium lights and roaring crowds.

Now? He crashes through defensive lines with purpose, pain, and pride — a symbol of resilience for Allen University and a nightmare for every defense in the SIAC.

Fabian Duncan's story is still being written. But now, every time the name is spoken, it carries more than potential.

It carries history.

So say it loud. Say it right.

2025 SIAC Player of the Year. Fabian Duncan. Allen University.