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2024-25 Academic All-America® Teams and Honorees
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Hunter, Long, Syverson and Chesser highlight 2024 Academic All-America® Football teams
Four talented student-athletes headline 2024 Academic All-America football teams.
Football Release (NCAA, NAIA Divisions): PDF | doc
AUSTIN, Texas – Four standouts headline a group of outstanding student-athletes named to the 2024 Academic All-America® football teams selected by College Sports Communicators
.
Defensive back/wide receiver
Travis Hunter from the University of Colorado, quarterback
Brayden Long from Slippery Rock University, quarterback
Aaron Syverson from Saint John’s (Minn.) University and running back
Jameson Chesser from Taylor University were named as the Academic All-America® Team Members of the Year for NCAA Divisions I, II and III, and NAIA, respectively.
For the first time, CSC football Academic All-Americans of the Year in each division will be invited to be recognized in person at the
2025 Maxwell Awards Gala. The prestigious event, celebrating excellence in American football, will be held at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta on March 14. Tickets to the event are available at
www.maxwellfootballclub.org/gala.
NCAA Division I
In 2024,
Travis Hunter became just the second defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy in the award’s history and the second from Colorado. The honor capped a season in which he was named the AP Player of the Year and Walter Camp Player of the Year, and won both the Bednarik (defense) and Biletnikoff (receiver) awards. He was also named to the Walter Camp All-America first team on both offense and defense — a first in the 135-year existence of the oldest All-America team in the nation.
He recorded four interceptions and 11 pass breakups at defensive back and totaled 96 catches for 1,258 yards (13.1 avg.) and 15 touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball in 13 games. The 15 touchdown receptions were Colorado season record, while his 96 receptions rank second and his 1,258 yards were third.
Nine members of the Academic All-America® Division I football teams boast a perfect 4.0 grade-point average in their undergraduate or graduate work. The 25 members on the first team have an average GPA of 3.82, with both teams holding a collective average GPA of 3.80.
Ten student-athletes join Hunter as repeat selections on the Academic All-America® Division I football teams:
Julian Ashby (Vanderbilt University);
Bert Auburn (University of Texas);
Elic Ayomanor (Stanford University);
Jacob Dobbs (James Madison University);
Beau Freyler (Iowa State University);
Brody Grebe (Montana State University);
Maxen Hook (University of Toledo);
Jake Majors (University of Texas);
Seth McLaughlin (The Ohio State University); and
Jackson Woodard (UNLV).
| FIRST TEAM |
| Pos. |
Name |
School |
Yr. |
GPA |
Major |
| QB |
Tommy Mellott |
Montana State University |
Sr. |
4.00 |
Financial Engineering |
| WR |
Elic Ayomanor (2) |
Stanford University |
So. |
3.96 |
Computer Science |
| WR |
Ricky White III |
UNLV |
Sr. |
3.58 |
Human Services |
| RB |
Tahj Brooks |
Texas Tech |
Sr. |
3.56 |
Sports Management (U) / Sports Comm. (G) |
| RB |
Raheim Sanders |
University of South Carolina |
Sr. |
3.88 |
Non-Degree Seeking |
| TE |
Anthony Torres |
The University of Toledo |
Sr. |
3.83/3.93 |
Business Administration (G) |
| OL |
Seth McLaughlin (1) |
The Ohio State University |
Gr. |
4.00/3.89 |
Human Development & Family Sciences |
| OL |
RIley Adcock |
Mercer University |
Gr. |
3.94/3.94 |
Civil Engineering |
| OL |
Jake Majors (2) |
University of Texas |
Sr. |
3.64 |
Management |
| OL |
Donovan Jackson |
The Ohio State University |
Sr. |
3.68 |
Sport Industry |
| OL |
Easton Kilty |
Kansas State University |
Sr. |
4.00 |
Communication Studies |
| DB |
Travis Hunter (1) |
University of Colorado |
Jr. |
3.79 |
Anthropology |
| DB |
Beau Freyler (1) |
Iowa State University |
Sr. |
3.90 |
Kinesiology |
| DB |
Tanner Wall |
Brigham Young University |
Jr. |
3.89 |
Finance |
| DB |
Jalen Catalon |
UNLV |
Sr. |
3.52 |
Sociology |
| DL |
Brody Grebe (1) |
Montana State University |
Sr. |
3.93 |
Mechanical Engineering |
| DL |
Ejike Adele |
Dartmouth College |
Sr. |
3.74 |
Biology |
| DL |
Kyle Kennard |
University of South Carolina |
Sr. |
3.64 |
Services Management |
| DL |
Patrick Passalacqua |
Columbia University |
Sr. |
3.83 |
Industrial Engineering & Operations Research |
| LB |
Jack Kiser |
University of Notre Dame |
Gr. |
3.82/3.97 |
Business Analytics (U) / Accounting (G) |
| LB |
Andon Thomas |
United States Military Academy |
Jr. |
3.98 |
Chemical Engineering |
| LB |
Jackson Woodard (1) |
UNLV |
Sr. |
3.81 |
Kinesiology |
| K |
Bert Auburn (2) |
University of Texas |
Sr. |
3.57 |
Finance |
| P |
Riley Riethman |
U.S. Naval Academy |
Sr. |
3.93 |
Aerospace Engineering |
| ST |
Julian Ashby (1) |
Vanderbilt University |
Gr. |
3.96/3.90 |
Mechanical Engineering (G) |
| SECOND TEAM |
| Pos. |
Name |
School |
Yr. |
GPA |
Major |
| QB |
Brady Cook |
University of Missouri |
Gr. |
3.89/3.88 |
Business Administration |
| WR |
Cooper Barkate |
Harvard University |
Jr. |
3.57 |
Economics |
| WR |
Darius Cooper |
Tarleton State University |
Sr. |
3.62 |
Kinesiology, Exercise & Allied Health Professions |
| RB |
Quinshon Judkins |
The Ohio State University |
Jr. |
3.64 |
Human Development & Family Sciences |
| RB |
Mason Sheron |
Davidson College |
Jr. |
3.90 |
Biology |
| TE |
Jared Casey |
University of Kansas |
Sr. |
3.91 |
Sport Management |
| OL |
Reid Williams |
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga |
Jr. |
3.97/3.97 |
Engineering Management |
| OL |
Ashton Beers |
University of Minnesota |
So. |
3.88 |
Mechanical Engineering |
| OL |
Logan Zschernitz |
Northern Illinois University |
Sr. |
4.00 |
Sports Management |
| OL |
Luke Kandra |
University of Cincinnati |
Sr. |
3.60/3.65 |
Business Administration (G) |
| OL |
Bruno Fina |
Duke University |
Gr. |
3.75 |
Business Economics (U) / Mgmt. Studies (G) |
| DB |
Trevin Gradney |
University of Montana |
Sr. |
3.80 |
Marketing (U) / Business Administration (G) |
| DB |
Craig Woodson |
California |
Sr. |
3.55 |
Film & Media |
| DB |
Maxen Hook (2) |
The University of Toledo |
Sr. |
3.74/3.73 |
Leadership (G) |
| DB |
Jonathan McGill |
SMU |
Gr. |
3.50/4.00 |
Liberal Studies |
| DL |
Eli Mostaert |
North Dakota State University |
Gr. |
3.65/3.92 |
Business Administration |
| DL |
Hayden Harris |
University of Montana |
Sr. |
3.82 |
Political Science (U) / Business Administration (G) |
| DL |
Brendan Mott |
Kansas State |
Sr. |
3.63 |
Finance |
| DL |
Aaron Graves |
University of Iowa |
Jr. |
4.00 |
Sport & Recreation Management |
| LB |
Adam Bock |
South Dakota State University |
Gr. |
3.83/3.85 |
Mechanical Engineering |
| LB |
Carson Schwesinger |
UCLA |
Jr. |
3.72 |
Bioengineering |
| LB |
Jacob Dobbs (1) |
James Madison University |
Sr. |
3.70/4.00 |
Cyber Intelligence |
| LB |
Logan Kopp |
North Dakota State University |
Jr. |
3.74 |
Mechanical Engineering |
| LB |
Marco Notarainni |
Boise State University |
Jr. |
3.95 |
Business |
| K |
Ritse Vaes |
Abilene Christian University |
Gr. |
3.76 |
Strength, Conditioning and Human Performance |
| P |
Avery Book |
The University of Akron |
Gr. |
4.00/4.00 |
Applied Politics |
| P |
Juan Velarde |
North Carolina Central University |
Gr. |
3.97/4.00 |
Business Administration (G) |
| ST |
Henry Freer |
Georgia Tech |
Sr. |
3.84/3.75 |
Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering |
(1) – Academic All-America® first-team selection in 2023
(2) – Academic All-America® second-team selection in 2023
NCAA Division II
Brayden Long ranked third in Division II this fall in passing yards (3,470), ninth in passing touchdowns (28) and 10th in points responsible for (208) while leading Slippery Rock to the Super Region One title and a trip to the national semifinals. He was one of the eight national finalists for the Harlon Hill Trophy for the second year in a row and earned All-America honors in 2024. Long posted a 24-5 overall record as the SRU starting quarterback, which included a 5-2 record in the NCAA playoffs with trips to at least the national quarterfinals in each year he was a starter. Off the field, the Hanover, Pennsylvania, native was the lone Division II national finalist for the 2024 William V. Campbell Trophy.
Eighteen members of the Academic All-America® Division II football teams boast a perfect 4.0 GPA in their undergraduate or graduate work. The 28 members on the first team have an average GPA of 3.80, with the entire 52-man team holding a collective average GPA of 3.82.
Sixteen other student-athletes join Long as repeat selections on the Academic All-America® Division II football teams:
Aaron Barnett (University of Indianapolis);
Josiah Behm (Minnesota State University Moorhead);
Kash Bradley (Colorado Mesa University);
Peyton Buckley (Augustana University);
Gabe Clark (University of Central Missouri);
Blake Delacruz (Harding University);
Blake Doud (Colorado School of Mines);
Jake Dugger (Harding University);
Ty Dugger (Harding University);
Eddie Faulkner IV (Slippery Rock University);
Tyler Flanagan (Central Washington University);
Tyler Kahmann (Emporia State University);
Cale Miler (University of Central Missouri);
Sam Pitz (University of Minnesota Duluth);
Josh Stokes (Slippery Rock University); and
Cody Watson (Missouri Western State University).
The Division II Academic All-America® program is financially supported by the NCAA Division II national governance structure to assist the College Sports Communicators with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2024-25 Division II Academic All-America® program.
| FIRST TEAM |
| Pos. |
Name |
School |
Yr. |
GPA |
Major |
| QB |
Brayden Long (2) |
Slippery Rock University |
Sr. |
4.00 |
Sport Management |
| WR |
Tyler Kahmann (2) |
Emporia State University |
Sr. |
3.74/4.00 |
Business |
| WR |
Brice Peters |
Bemidji State University |
Sr. |
3.62 |
Exercise Science |
| RB |
Jarod Epperson |
Augustana University |
Sr. |
3.90 |
Sports Administration & Leadership |
| RB |
Braden Jay |
Harding University |
Jr. |
3.72 |
Marketing |
| RB |
Tyler Flanagan (2) |
Central Washington University |
Jr. |
3.58/3.91 |
Occupational Safety Health & Management |
| TE |
Sam Pitz (1) |
University of Minnesota Duluth |
Gr. |
3.88/3.88 |
Business |
| OL |
Marshall Foerner |
Minnesota State |
Sr. |
3.75/3.63 |
Business Administration (G) |
| OL |
Jake Dugger (2) |
Harding University |
Sr. |
3.72/4.00 |
Information Systems |
| OL |
Jake Gannon |
Bemidji State University |
Gr. |
3.55/4.00 |
Business Administration |
| OL |
Gabe Clark (1) |
University of Central Missouri |
Gr. |
3.89/4.00 |
Counseling |
| OL |
Raymond Christas |
East Stroudsburg University |
Gr. |
3.94 |
Exercise Science |
| OL |
Chance Wiening |
Western Colorado University |
Gr. |
3.94/3.90 |
Exercise & Sport Science |
| DB |
Ty Dugger (1) |
Harding University |
Jr. |
3.90 |
Accounting |
| DB |
Josh Stokes (1) |
Slippery Rock University |
Sr. |
3.76/4.00 |
Political Science |
| DB |
Peyton Buckley (&) |
Augustana University |
Sr. |
3.88 |
Education |
| DB |
Tyler Schultze |
Emporia State University |
So. |
3.98 |
Physics |
| DB |
Nic Cheeley |
Lenoir-Rhyne University |
Sr. |
3.68 |
Entrepreneurship |
| DL |
Aaron Barnett (*) |
University of Indianapolis |
Gr. |
3.93/4.00 |
Sport Management |
| DL |
Ricky Freymond |
Western Colorado University |
Jr. |
3.57 |
Business Administration |
| DL |
Jake Fisher |
Northwest Missouri State University |
Sr. |
3.54/4.00 |
Accounting |
| DL |
Myles Menges |
Fort Hays State University |
Sr. |
3.81/3.75 |
Health & Human Performance |
| LB |
Josiah Behm (&) |
Minnesota State University Moorhead |
Sr. |
4.00 |
Finance |
| LB |
Sefa Saipaia |
Ferris State University |
Sr. |
3.75/4.00 |
Data Science & Analytics |
| LB |
Andrew Dumas |
Northwest Missouri State University |
Sr. |
3.89/4.00 |
Chemistry |
| K |
Cody Watson (2) |
Missouri Western State University |
Sr. |
4.00/4.00 |
Forensic Science |
| P |
Blake Doud (1) |
Colorado School of Mines |
Jr. |
3.67 |
Mechanical Engineering |
| ST |
Kash Bradley (2) |
Colorado Mesa University |
Jr. |
3.81 |
Exercise Science |
| SECOND TEAM |
| Pos. |
Name |
School |
Yr. |
GPA |
Major |
| QB |
Jack Strand |
Minnesota State University Moorhead |
Jr. |
3.97 |
Engineering Physics |
| WR |
Tony Pannunzio |
Ashland University |
Sr. |
3.91 |
Biology |
| WR |
DaShaun Ames |
University of Minnesota Duluth |
Jr. |
3.95 |
Physical Education |
| WR |
Brady Rose |
Ferris State University |
Jr. |
3.79 |
Building Construction Technology |
| RB |
Blake Delacruz (1) |
Harding University |
Sr. |
3.68/4.00 |
Organizational Leadership |
| TE |
Ethan Hand |
University of Indianapolis |
Sr. |
3.96 |
Exercise Science |
| OL |
Brett Weaver |
Grand Valley State University |
Jr. |
3.96 |
Accounting |
| OL |
Dylan Horton |
Ouachita Baptist University |
Jr. |
3.84 |
Engineering |
| OL |
Slade Edwards |
Central Washington University |
Sr. |
3.81 |
Mechanical Engineering Technology |
| OL |
Josh Shaw |
Fort Hays State University |
Jr. |
4.00 |
Agricultural Business |
| DB |
Michael Henwood |
Slippery Rock University |
Jr. |
4.00 |
Exercise Science |
| DB |
Eddie Faulkner IV (2) |
Slippery Rock University |
Sr. |
3.64/3.50 |
Sport Management |
| DB |
Joel Diaz |
Colorado School of Mines |
Jr. |
3.82 |
Mechanical Engineering |
| DL |
Freddie Retter |
Kutztown University |
So. |
3.97 |
Elementary Education |
| DL |
Cody Brown |
Minnesota State |
Sr. |
3.68 |
Computer Information Technology |
| DL |
Hunter O'Connor |
Chadron State College |
Sr. |
3.51 |
Sport, Fitness & Recreation |
| DL |
Marco Cavallaro |
Bemidji State University |
Sr. |
4.00 |
Business Administration |
| LB |
Charlie Smith |
Colorado Mesa University |
So. |
4.00 |
Construction Management |
| LB |
Carl Ware |
Wayne State University |
Sr. |
3.56 |
Marketing (U) / Business Administration (G) |
| LB |
Cale Miller (2) |
University of Central Missouri |
Sr. |
3.97/3.90 |
Business Administration (G) |
| LB |
Jalen DeVose |
Kutztown University |
Sr. |
3.83/4.00 |
Psychology (U) / Business Administration (G) |
| K |
Mitch Middleton |
Ferris State University |
Jr. |
3.89 |
Mechanical Engineering Technology |
| P |
Brodie Eisenbraun |
Chadron State College |
Jr. |
3.97 |
Business Marketing |
| ST |
Shea Ruddy |
Hillsdale College |
So. |
3.58 |
Undeclared |
(1) – Academic All-America® first-team selection in 2023
(2) – Academic All-America® second-team selection in 2023
(*) – Academic All-America® first-team selection in 2023 and first-team selection in 2022
(&) – Academic All-America® first-team selection in 2023 and second-team selection in 2022
NCAA Division III
Aaron Syverson ended the 2024 season as the Division III leader in completion percentage (.763), passing touchdowns (51), passing yards (4,382) and passing yards per game (365.2); second in completions per game (27.58), points responsible per game (26.0) and total offense per game (361.2); third in points responsible for (312); fourth in passing efficiency (198.0); and sixth in yards per pass attempt (10.10). He passed for over 300 yards in 10 of the Johnnies' 12 games this fall, including four over 400, and for five or more touchdowns six times with eight games of four or more. The Minnetonka, Minnesota, native was a consensus All-American, a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy and was named the Walter Camp Division III Player of the Year this fall.
Eight honorees on the Academic All-America® Division III football teams boast a perfect 4.0 GPA in their undergraduate work or graduate school. The 25-man first team has an average GPA of 3.84, with the entire 51-man team combining for a collective 3.82 GPA.
Thirteen student-athletes are repeat selections on the Academic All-America® Division III football teams:
B.J. Adamchik (North Central College);
Alex Aitchison (Coe College);
Robert Coury (Carnegie Mellon University);
Thomas Coury (Carnegie Mellon University);
Dawson Dietz (Washington & Jefferson College);
Nate Farm (Bethel University);
Tomás Kenary (Middlebury College);
Jeske Maples (North Central College);
Dylan Page (Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology);
Thomas Perry (Middlebury College);
Arsen Shtefan (Springfield College);
Collin Thompson (Concordia-Moorhead); and
Matt Wrather (John Carroll University).
The Division III Academic All-America® program is financially supported by the NCAA Division III national governance structure to assist the College Sports Communicators with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2024-25 Division III Academic All-America® program.
| FIRST TEAM |
| Pos. |
Name |
School |
Yr. |
GPA |
Major |
| QB |
Aaron Syverson |
Saint John's University (Minn.) |
Sr. |
3.70 |
Accounting |
| WR |
Robby Ballentine |
DePauw University |
Jr. |
3.95 |
Biochemistry & Global Health |
| WR |
Malin Jasinski |
The College of New Jersey |
Gr. |
3.68 |
Finance |
| RB |
Arsen Shtefan (2) |
Springfield College |
Gr. |
3.64 |
Business Administration |
| RB |
Aaron Ellingson |
Bethel University |
Gr. |
3.97/3.94 |
Business (Finance) |
| TE |
Zach Cernuto |
Washington & Jefferson College |
Sr. |
3.86 |
Psychology |
| OL |
Jeske Maples (*) |
North Central College |
Sr. |
3.96 |
Health Science |
| OL |
Matt Wrather (2) |
John Carroll University |
Sr. |
3.75 |
Business |
| OL |
David Munoz |
Shenandoah University |
Gr. |
3.79/3.67 |
MBA Digital Marketing |
| OL |
Thomas Perry (1) |
Middlebury College |
Sr. |
3.92 |
Molecular Biology and Biochemistry |
| OL |
Dylan Page (1) |
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
Sr. |
3.98 |
Biomedical Engineering & Mechanical Engineering |
| DB |
Nate Farm (&) |
Bethel University |
Gr. |
3.92/4.00 |
Neuroscience (U) / Marriage & Family Therapy (G) |
| DB |
Gavin Smith |
Central College |
Jr. |
3.92 |
Accounting |
| DB |
Matt Jung |
Bethel University |
So. |
3.82 |
Accounting & Finance |
| DB |
Evan Kutzler |
Lebanon Valley College |
Sr. |
3.92/3.94 |
Exercise Science |
| DL |
Dawson Dietz (2) |
Washington & Jefferson College |
Sr. |
3.73 |
Business Administration |
| DL |
Chance Knight |
Marietta College |
Sr. |
3.60 |
Management |
| DL |
Matthew Konkol |
Johns Hopkins University |
Sr. |
3.89 |
Mechanical Engineering |
| DL |
Collin Thompson (1) |
Concordia-Moorhead |
Sr. |
3.96 |
Management Science (G) |
| LB |
Robert Coury (*) |
Carnegie Mellon University |
Gr. |
3.97 |
Mechanical Engineering |
| LB |
BJ Adamchik (1) |
North Central College |
Sr. |
3.92/4.00 |
Sports Leadership (G) |
| LB |
Jonathan Bruder |
DePauw University |
Sr. |
3.87 |
Biochemistry |
| K |
Justin Caputo |
Carnegie Mellon University |
Jr. |
4.00 |
Chemical Engineering |
| P |
Vicente Lyon |
Hobart College |
So. |
3.56 |
Computer Science & Mgmt. & Entrepreneurship |
| ST |
Ben Bryant |
Wartburg College |
Sr. |
3.62 |
Business Administration |
| SECOND TEAM |
| Pos. |
Name |
School |
Yr. |
GPA |
Major |
| QB |
Steven Hugney |
Shenandoah University |
Sr. |
3.99 |
Data Science & Computer Science |
| WR |
Dylan Wheeler |
Saint John's University (Minn.) |
Jr. |
3.54 |
Accounting |
| WR |
Jereme Ombogo |
North Park University |
Jr. |
3.94 |
Marketing & Economics |
| RB |
Sivert Klefsaas |
University of Northwestern - St. Paul |
Jr. |
3.96 |
Marketing |
| RB |
Jay Smith |
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology |
Jr. |
3.52 |
Computer Science |
| TE |
Bobby Behmer |
North Central College |
Sr. |
4.00 |
Economics |
| OL |
Grady Roadman |
Springfield College |
Sr. |
3.98 |
Education |
| OL |
Matthew Kickel |
Aurora University |
Gr. |
3.50 |
Business Administration (G) |
| OL |
John Scarboro |
Gallaudet University |
Sr. |
3.53 |
Business Administration |
| OL |
Grant Davis |
Baldwin Wallace University |
Sr. |
4.00 |
Chemistry |
| OL |
Ethan Kowalski |
Hobart College |
Sr. |
3.90 |
Economics & Management & Entrepreneurship |
| DB |
Mason Cravens |
Hardin-Simmons University |
Jr. |
4.00 |
Economics |
| DB |
Aaron Borgerding |
University of Wisconsin-River Falls |
Sr. |
3.74 |
Health & Human Performance |
| DB |
PJ Penders |
Johns Hopkins University |
Sr. |
3.66 |
Economics |
| DB |
Dalton Tjong |
Ohio Northern University |
Sr. |
3.54 |
Mechanical Engineering |
| DL |
Alex Aitchison (3) |
Coe College |
Sr. |
3.89 |
Kinesiology |
| DL |
Caleb Sell |
Linfield University |
Sr. |
3.63 |
Finance |
| DL |
Zach Frank |
Saint John's University (Minn.) |
Sr. |
3.92 |
Accounting |
| DL |
Tomás Kenary (1) |
Middlebury College |
Sr. |
3.74 |
Neuroscience |
| DL |
Nick Lardaro |
SUNY Cortland |
Sr. |
3.55 |
Adolescence Education - Mathematics |
| LB |
Zach Brooks |
Whitworth University |
Sr. |
3.98 |
English |
| LB |
Thomas Coury (#) |
Carnegie Mellon University |
Sr. |
3.95/4.00 |
Mechanical Engineering |
| LB |
Silas Egenlauf |
Alfred State College |
Sr. |
3.88 |
Construction Management |
| K |
Kyle Ihle |
Randolph-Macon College |
Sr. |
4.00 |
Accounting & Economics |
| P |
Benjamin Younker |
University of Wisconsin-Platteville |
So. |
3.85 |
Civil Engineering |
| ST |
Breyden Smith |
Augustana College |
Jr. |
3.67 |
Business Marketing & Political Science |
(1) – Academic All-America® first-team selection in 2023
(2) – Academic All-America® second-team selection in 2023
(3) – Academic All-America® second-team selection in 2022
(*) – Academic All-America® first-team selection in 2023 and first-team selection in 2022
(&) – Academic All-America® first-team selection in 2023 and second-team selection in 2022
(#) – Academic All-America® second-team selection in 2023 and second-team selection in 2022
NAIA
Jameson Chesser finished fifth in the NAIA with 20 rushing touchdowns and led the Mid-States Football Association’s Mideast League with 1,174 rushing yards on 191 carries (6.1 avg.) in 2024. He became just the sixth player in Taylor’s history to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in a season and led the Trojans to a 9-2 record. The Adrian, Mich., native also caught five passes for 67 yards and two more touchdowns out of the backfield.
Three members of the 27-man Academic All-America® NAIA football teams –
Ethan Burrows (Concordia Ann Arbor),
Gavin Lentz (Olivet Nazarene University) and
Bradley Myers (Evangel University) - boast a perfect 4.0 GPA in their undergraduate or graduate work. The NAIA honorees combined for a 3.81 GPA.
Six student-athletes are repeat selections on the Academic All-America® NAIA football teams:
Myers;
Flinders Cameron (Sterling College);
Will Dowling (Concordia Ann Arbor);
Parker Fryar (Northwestern College);
John Mears (Montana Western); and
Andy Peters (College of Idaho).
The NAIA Academic All-America® program is financially supported by the NAIA national governance structure to assist the College Sports Communicators with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2024-25 NAIA Academic All-America® program.
| FIRST TEAM |
| Pos. |
Name |
School |
Yr. |
GPA |
Major |
| QB |
Andy Peters (1) |
The College of Idaho |
Gr. |
3.58 |
Sports Administration |
| WR |
Austin Jablonski |
Concordia University, Nebraska |
Sr. |
3.81 |
Accounting & Finance |
| WR |
Isaac Smith |
Indiana Wesleyan University |
Jr. |
3.50 |
Nursing |
| RB |
Jameson Chesser |
Taylor University |
Sr. |
3.79 |
Film & Media Production |
| RB |
Luke Armstrong |
Kansas Wesleyan University |
Jr. |
3.93 |
Pre-Physical Therapy |
| TE |
Derek Pearse |
Montana Tech |
Jr. |
3.91 |
Mechanical Engineering |
| OL |
Zach Sibila |
Marian University |
Sr. |
3.72 |
Biology & Chemistry |
| OL |
Ryan Bareis |
Lawrence Technological University |
Jr. |
3.62 |
Construction Engineering Technology |
| OL |
Spencer Cox |
Arizona Christian University |
Jr. |
3.89 |
Business Administration |
| OL |
Will Dowling (1) |
Concordia Ann Arbor |
Sr. |
3.71 |
History Education & Special Education |
| OL |
Corey Teague |
Lindsey Wilson College |
Sr. |
3.58 |
Business Administration |
| DB |
Angel Sanchez III |
Montana Tech |
Sr. |
3.87 |
Mechanical Engineering |
| DB |
Reid Messer |
Taylor University |
So. |
3.91 |
Accounting |
| DB |
Matt Whitcomb |
Montana Tech |
Jr. |
3.73 |
Exercise & Health Science |
| DB |
Ethan Burrows |
Concordia Ann Arbor |
So. |
4.00 |
Justice & Public Policy |
| DB |
Lucas Huttinga |
Dordt University |
Sr. |
3.53 |
Education |
| DL |
Trystin Voss |
Northwestern College |
Jr. |
3.99 |
Actuarial Science |
| DL |
Hunter Peck |
Carroll College |
Sr. |
3.72 |
Biology |
| DL |
Pat Strocchia |
University of St. Francis (Ill.) |
Jr. |
3.82 |
Values-Based Management |
| DL |
Flinders Cameron (*) |
Sterling College |
Sr. |
3.97 |
Sport Management |
| DL |
Gabriel VanWinkle |
Midland University |
Sr. |
3.96 |
English |
| LB |
Clayton Mosher |
Indiana Wesleyan University |
Sr. |
3.79 |
Management & Entrepreneurship |
| LB |
Parker Fryar (2) |
Northwestern College |
Sr. |
3.99 |
Biology Health Professions |
| LB |
Bradley Myers (1) |
Evangel University |
Sr. |
3.73/4.00 |
Organizational Leadership (G) |
| K |
John Mears (*) |
Montana Western |
Sr. |
3.81 |
Education Studies |
| P |
Gavin Lentz |
Olivet Nazarene University |
So. |
4.00 |
Entrepreneurship |
| ST |
Braxton Lacher |
Dakota State (S.D.) |
Sr. |
3.90 |
Biology |
(1) – Academic All-America® first-team selection in 2023
(2) – Academic All-America® first-team selection in 2022
(*) – Academic All-America® first-team selection in 2023 and first-team selection in 2022
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Michael MacEachern, Georgia College & State University | Academic All-America ® Co-Director for Publicity
michael.maceachern@gcsu.edu | (478) 445-1779
Ryan Klinkner, Saint John’s University (Minn.) | Academic All-America® Coordinator of Publicity
rklinkner@csbsju.edu | (320) 363-3127