Browder Brings Home Third Straight SAC Men's Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award

ROCK HILL, S.C. (TheSAC.com) – Carson-Newman's Jack Browder has been voted the 2025-26 South Atlantic Conference Men's Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year, the Conference office announced. This is the third straight season Browder has earned this distinction.

Browder, a Business Administration major, has excelled both on the court and in the classroom, posting a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA while establishing himself as one of the most decorated student-athletes in Carson-Newman and conference history.

A four-time member of the Dean's List and a CSC Academic All-America First Team selection, Browder has earned numerous academic accolades throughout his career, including CSC Academic All-District honors and multiple institutional scholar recognitions. He is a two-time D2CCA Regional Scholar-Athlete of the Year across all sports in the region.  

On the court, Browder capped his career with one of the most dominant seasons in SAC history, earning 2025-26 SAC Men's Basketball Player of the Year honors. He finished his career with 2,098 points and 897 rebounds, ranking among the top performers in both Carson-Newman and SAC history.

Browder became the only player in NCAA Division II this season to lead his conference in both scoring and rebounding, averaging 25.0 points and 9.6 rebounds per game while ranking among the national leaders in double-doubles. His career includes 39 double-doubles, the most in program history in the NCAA era.

He is one of just a select few players in Division II history to surpass 2,000 career points and 800 career rebounds and is the only player in Carson-Newman history to reach the 1,500-point/700-rebound milestone in the NCAA era.

In addition to his individual accolades, Browder earned All-SAC honors three times, was a multiple-time SAC Player of the Week selection, and garnered regional and national recognition, including D2CCA and NABC All-Region honors.

Off the court, Browder has been heavily involved in community service and leadership initiatives. He has volunteered with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Boys and Girls Club of Kingsport, and local church outreach programs, while also mentoring youth and participating in community basketball events. He has also served as a member of the Carson-Newman men's basketball leadership council.

The SAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year award is presented annually to the top student-athlete in each sport, recognizing excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and service. Browder's accomplishments exemplify the Conference's commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes.

2025-26 SAC Men's Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year Finalists

Bryce Jackson, Tusculum
Jack Browder, Carson-Newman, Winner
Sam Martin, Lenoir-Rhyne
Walter Campbell, Lincoln Memorial