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Football MSU Athletics Communications

Raymond Moore III Named Finalist for 15th Annual Jerry Rice Award

BALTIMORE, Md. (Nov. 24, 2025) -- Round of applause for Raymond Moore III — and possibly an even bigger celebration ahead.

The Morgan State redshirt freshman quarterback has been named one of 25 finalists for the 15th Annual Jerry Rice Award, presented to the national freshman player of the year in Division I FCS football, the organization announced Monday afternoon.

The award, celebrating its 15th anniversary, is named after Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice, who was a standout at FCS Mississippi Valley State University. Past recipients include Cooper Kupp, Chase Edmonds, Trey Lance, Cam Ward, and Shedeur Sanders.

Open to both true and redshirt freshmen, the Rice Award features finalists from all 13 FCS conferences. The winner, selected by a national voting panel, will be announced on December 3 and honored during the Stats Perform National Awards Show on January 3 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Since taking over the starting quarterback role, Moore has exceeded expectations. Through nine games — including six starts — the Baltimore native threw for 1,049 yards on 90-of-166 passing with nine touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also added 414 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat ability.

Moore wrapped up the regular season as a six-time MEAC Rookie of the Week and is considered a strong contender for MEAC Rookie of the Year.

This marks the first national postseason honor tied to Moore's name. He was also the only player from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference selected as a finalist, joining a short list of Morgan State players recognized for the Jerry Rice Award: RB Jason Collins Jr. (2024), P Lawrence Forbes (2013), and LB Elandon Roberts (2012).

25 FCS Freshman Standouts Named Finalists for 15th Annual Jerry Rice Award | Opta Analyst


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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.

 
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Players Mentioned

Jason Collins Jr.

#2 Jason Collins Jr.

RB
5' 9"
Redshirt Sophomore
Raymond Moore III

#0 Raymond Moore III

QB
6' 4"
Redshirt Freshman

Players Mentioned

Jason Collins Jr.

#2 Jason Collins Jr.

5' 9"
Redshirt Sophomore
RB
Raymond Moore III

#0 Raymond Moore III

6' 4"
Redshirt Freshman
QB