Baylor alum honored as a ‘Rising Star’ by his fellow football journalists

Back when he was a student sportswriter for The Baylor Lariat, many of Shehan Jeyarajah’s professors and colleagues recognized his talent, and may have even used the words “rising star” to describe him.

But now, it’s official: The Football Writers Association of America named Jeyarajah (BA ’16) as its 2025 Edward Aschoff Rising Star award recipient, a highly coveted title presented annually to an elite young sportswriter.

“It’s really an incredible honor,” says Jeyarajah (pictured above interviewing Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson at Big 12 Media Days). “This industry comes with so many ups and downs, and to get this kind of recognition from other titans of the industry — including former winners — is really cool.”

Shehan’s journey since graduating from Baylor less than a decade ago has turned heads. From Cox Media to the legendary Dave Campbell’s Texas Football in his first few years out of Baylor, Jeyarajah established himself as a versatile writer whose work spanned from game recaps to realignment in college athletics. When he joined CBS Sports in 2021, his national profile elevated further, as he joined a stable of top national writers.

As a Baylor student, he says he was able to get a jump on honing his abilities covering games for the Lariat. Baylor was actually not his first choice, but ending up here become one of his “greatest blessings.”

“At so many other schools, I would have had to wait years for the opportunity to cover a top-level football team,” he says. “Baylor gave me that chance from the start. I got three years to write, report and be edited by great professors and staff. Being at Baylor also helped me connect with other opportunities and meet other great journalists. And what remains greater, almost 10 years later, is that so many members of the Baylor Family who have known me since I was a teenage student reporter still read and engage with my work to this day.”

In addition to excellence as a writer, the FWAA highlighted Jeyarajah’s ability to build relationships, his curiosity and willingness to mentor other young journalists — a true leader advancing his field.

Sic ’em, Shehan Jeyarajah!