2025 FCS Football Reveals Central Freshman All-American Team

The 2025 FCS Football Central Freshman All-American Team has been announced, showcasing the brightest talent from the Football Championship Subdivision. This year, 62 outstanding players from 46 different programs earned recognition on this prestigious team.

Highlights of the 2025 Freshman All-American Team

Mercer University quarterback Braden Atkinson stands out as the team’s highlight. He was honored as the 2025 recipient of the Jerry Rice Award on December 3, recognizing him as the top freshman in the FCS. Mercer’s remarkable achievement this season included becoming the inaugural team to finish the season with nine wins and an undefeated home record.

In total, UTRGV led the teams with four All-American selections. They were closely followed by North Dakota State and Mercer, each contributing three players to the list.

Offensive Selections

• Quarterbacks:
  • Braden Atkinson (Mercer)
  • Caden Pinnick (UC Davis)
• Running Backs:
  • Xai’Shaun Edwards (Houston Christian)
  • Tre Page III (Tarleton State)
  • Mitchell Summers (Sacred Heart)
  • Nick Herman (Drake)
  • Chase Bingmon (Prairie View A&M)
• Wide Receivers:
  • Tony Diaz (UTRGV)
  • Brooks Davis (Montana)
  • Ernest Campbell (Sacramento State)
  • Evan James (Furman)
  • Rico Bond (Lindenwood)
  • Owen Sweeney (VMI)
  • Rashawn Cunningham (Charleston Southern)
• Tight Ends:
  • Reis Kessel (North Dakota State)
  • Jeter Purdy (Northern Arizona)
• Offensive Linemen:
  • Shane Willenbring (South Dakota State)
  • Gavin Marks (Mercer)
  • Braden Zimmer (Montana State)
  • Brady Pickett (The Citadel)
  • Nick Hughes (UTRGV)
  • Braden Smith (Tarleton State)
  • Nate Tastad (North Dakota State)
  • Colin Amick (Montana)
  • Brian Williams Jr. (Jackson State)
  • Isaac Cariveau (North Dakota)

Defensive Selections

• Defensive Linemen:
  • Lamont Lester Jr. (Monmouth)
  • Zach Vanderpool (North Dakota State)
  • Kobe McInnis (Mercer)
  • Ka’Von Chisolm (South Carolina State)
  • Justin Kruger (William & Mary)
  • Evan Aubrey (Southeastern Louisiana)
  • Dallin Havea (Utah Tech)
• Linebackers:
  • Montreze Smith Jr. (Austin Peay)
  • Jaiden Haygood (UTRGV)
  • Dexter Niekamp (Illinois State)
  • Ramere Davis (Northern Arizona)
  • Anthony Feltrinelli (Valparaiso)
  • Beckham Dee (Lafayette)
• Defensive Backs:
  • Drew Cofield (UC Davis)
  • Darius Malcolm Jr. (Wofford)
  • Tyran Chappell (Houston Christian)
  • Carson Williams (Montana State)
  • Chase Hatton (Marist)
  • Grant Noland (North Dakota)
  • Nick Yatsko (Indiana State)
  • Anthony Hawkins (Villanova)
  • Alijah Prosser (UTRGV)
  • RJ Stewart (South Dakota)
  • Caleb Ricks (Idaho)

Special Teams Selections

• Kickers:
  • Nicholas Romero (Wagner)
  • Noah Piper (Yale)
• Punters:
  • Bobby Engstler (Florida A&M)
  • Lachie Pozzobon (Stephen F. Austin)
• Kick Returners:
  • Ryan Ricketti (Valparaiso)
  • Sidney Webb (Morehead State)
  • LaDamian McDowell (Lamar)
• Punt Returners:
  • Braden Reed (Villanova)
  • Darriel Harper (Presbyterian)
• All-Purpose:
  • Christopher Bennett Jr. (Lindenwood)
  • Cru Newman (Portland State)

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