Fayetteville State University Athletics

Omari Byrd enters his first season with the Fayetteville State Broncos after transferring from Queens College, where he made a name for himself as a high-energy post player with a defensive edge. During the 2024–25 season, Byrd appeared in 27 games for the Knights, averaging 2.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game in just over 16 minutes per contest. He posted a season-high 11 rebounds and 7 blocks against St. Thomas Aquinas and scored a season-best 9 points versus Chestnut Hill.

Byrd’s impact was felt most on the defensive end, where he totaled 43 blocks and grabbed 138 rebounds, including 47 on the offensive glass. He shot 41.5% from the field and 50% from the free throw line, while also contributing 13 steals and 12 assists.

Before Queens, Byrd played one season at St. Clair County Community College, where he appeared in 34 games and averaged 2.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 58.6% from the field.

A native of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Byrd is a graduate of Arbor Preparatory High School, where he was a four-year varsity basketball standout and the school’s all-time leader in career blocks. He was named Male Athlete of the Year as a senior and also competed in soccer for one season.

At Fayetteville State, Byrd is majoring in Economics and is expected to bring rim protection, rebounding, and interior toughness to the Broncos’ frontcourt rotation.

Personal

• Son of: Bridget Byrd
• Siblings: Zakary, Irac, Brianna, Miriama, and Aryn