Allen football targets growth in Cedric Pearl’s second year as coach
The Allen University Yellow Jackets are looking to bounce back after a rough first season under head coach Cedric Pearl.
“Everything has been going great,” Pearl said. “The kids responded to the workouts that we sent out and the ones that were here did a good job of working out. We’re just excited about getting started … and looking to see all the kids’ hard work on the field.”
Allen finished the 2024 season 2-8, but that record could’ve looked very different. The Yellow Jackets lost four games by under six points last season and six by less than 10 — including an overtime loss to rival Benedict College.
As for how Allen plans to combat that in 2025? Simple.
“Just need to finish ball games,” Pearl said.
Allen was picked to finish No. 9 among 13 teams in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference this season. The Yellow Jackets landed five players on the All-SIAC preseason teams.
Roster update
A lot of roster turnover is nothing new in college sports nowadays — regardless of what level you’re at.
That much is evident with Allen this year.
The Yellow Jackets return 37 players from last year’s roster but brought in 56 newcomers. Pearl said he’s counting on his contingent of returners to bring the new guys up to speed — and get them on board with what he calls “Pearl Vision,” a reference to what he’s attempting to build at Allen.
“We got a good mixture of transfers and high school kids, because I still believe in the high school talent,” Pearl said. “Now with the transfer portal, a lot of talented high school kids are getting looked over by Division I because they can go get a kid that’s instantly ready for them from another Division I program. So that opens up even more talented players for Division II schools.”
Pearl said several younger players were starting for the first time last season and the experience they gained will be extremely valuable in 2025. He also said Allen placed an emphasis on the offensive and defensive linemen getting stronger and adding size in the offseason.
Three players to watch
Jamir Dismukes, quarterback: The 5-foot-11 QB led Allen’s offense last year and is poised to do so again in 2025. Dismukes threw for 1,832 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and added 284 yards and six scores on the ground during his junior season a year ago. That earned him the 2024 SIAC Newcomer of the Year award. Disumkes is a Preseason All-SIAC Second Team player, and Pearl is expecting another big season out of him.
Osirus Rhodes, defensive lineman: The 6-foot-3 lineman led Allen last season with 4.5 sacks. Rhodes also totaled 33 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. He’s coming into his redshirt senior season as a Preseason All-SIAC Second Team player.
Nanders Lawrence, wide receiver: The Airport High School alum led Allen in receiving yards during his sophomore season in 2024. Lawrence racked up 520 yards on a team-high 34 catches and scored five touchdowns for the Yellow Jackets. He enters his junior season as a Preseason All-SIAC Second Team honoree.
Three key games
at Albany State, Sept. 27: Allen will have to go on the road to face the preseason SIAC favorites. Albany State finished 6-2 in confernece play last year, good enough for third overall. The Golden Rams are led by returning quarterback and Preseason SIAC Offensive Player of the Year Isaiah Knowles.
at Benedict, Oct. 4 : Allen fell to their cross-street rival at home and in overtime last season by a score of 34-27. Allen has yet to beat Benedict since the Yellow Jackets revived their football team and renewed the rivalry in Benedict in 2021.
vs. Edward Waters, Nov. 8: Allen will be fighting to reclaim the Bishop Trophy this year. The Yellow Jackets lost 33-28 in last season’s game after a last-second touchdown. This year’s matchup is also homecoming for Allen.
Allen University 2025 football schedule
- Aug. 30 at Morehead State, 6 p.m.
- Sept. 6 vs. Livingstone, 6 p.m.
- Sept. 13 vs. Lane, 6 p.m.
- Sept. 20 vs. Clark Atlanta, 6 p.m.
- Sept. 27 at Albany State, 1 p.m.
- Oct. 4 at Benedict, 2 p.m.
- Oct. 11 vs Savannah State, 6 p.m.
- Oct. 25 at Tuskegee, 1 p.m.
- Nov. 1 at Morehouse, 1 p.m.
- Nov. 8 vs Edward Waters, 2 p.m.
This story was originally published August 7, 2025 at 5:09 PM.
