LAGRANGE, Ga. – Freshman defensive lineman Zymarion Hudson (Cordele, Ga.) of LaGrange College football team has been voted the USA South Athletic Conference Defensive Rookie of the Year in an announcement by the conference on Wednesday afternoon.

Hudson was a force on the line all season for the Panthers, anchoring a defense that finished first in the USA South in virtually every major statistical category. The rookie finished with 38 tackles and 12.5 tackles for a loss to along with six sacks, totaling 59 yards.

Hudson's 12.5 tackles for a loss ranked him third in the conference.

Hudson is the second straight Panther to earn USA South Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, joining sophomore linebacker Ched Smith (Macon, Ga.) who was voted that honor after the 2024 season.           

The 2025 season saw the Panthers of LaGrange enjoy their best season since 2008 as they went 9-1 overall and 7-0 in conference, winning the USA South Championship and clinching a spot in the NCAA Championship Tournament.

The Panthers travel to Framingham State University in Framingham, Massachusetts on Saturday for a 12:00 p.m. game in the first round of the NCAA Championships.

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