TUSKEGEE, Ala. – Tuskegee University defensive back Mikael King Jr. has once again been recognized among the nation's top players, earning a place on the 2025 BOXTOROW HBCU All-American Team and the D2Football.com Preseason Elite 100 Watch List. This marks the second consecutive season King has earned both distinctions.

In 2024, King was named honorable mention on the BOXTOROW list and a Squad selection for the Elite 100. This year, he advances to the Defensive Team for BOXTOROW and returns as a Squad Defense honoree for the Elite 100.

The D2Football.com Elite 100 Watch List was compiled by the site's staff with input from numerous sitting head coaches as well as professional football scouting veteran Josh Buchanan.

The list represents the official preseason watch list for the 2025 Elite 100 Team, which will be announced at the conclusion of the season and will include first and second team selections on offense, defense, and special teams, along with 25 "Squad" players for each side of the ball. Squad players are equivalent to "honorable mention" selections in other national recognition lists.

King, a senior and native of Tuskegee, was a strong force in the defensive backfield for the Golden Tigers in 2024, recording 28 total tackles, two interceptions, and a team-high seven pass breakups.
 
Known for his speed, coverage skills, and leadership in the secondary, he played a pivotal role in a Tuskegee defense that forced 16 turnovers last season.
 
Tuskegee opens the 2025 season on Sunday, Aug. 31, in the Red Tails Classic against Winston-Salem State at the Cramton Bowl on ESPNU.
 
Follow the Golden Tigers
Stay connected with Tuskegee Football on Twitter and Instagram (@SkegeeFootball). For complete coverage of Tuskegee University athletics, follow on social media at @MyTUAthletics (Twitter/Instagram), @GoldenTigerSports on Facebook, and visit the official home of Tuskegee University athletics at www.goldentigersports.com.