Sports
Dillingham, Six Players Representing Sun Devil Football at Big 12 Media Day
TEMPE – The Sun Devil Football program will be featured at Big 12 Football Media Days as it returns to Texas for a two-day event taking place July 8 and 9.
Quarterback Sam Leavitt, defensive back X Alford, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, defensive lineman C.J. Fite, offensive lineman Ben Coleman, and defensive lineman Clayton Smith will represent Arizona State along with head coach Kenny Dillingham. Sun Devil Football will attend the first portion of Big 12 Media Days on Tuesday, July 8 at The Star – the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility – in Frisco, Texas.
Big 12 Football Media Days could be considered a turning point for last year’s Arizona State team, as they were picked to finish 16th out of 16 teams in the Preseason Big 12 Conference Media Poll. The league opted not to conduct a preseason poll this season. Eight of the teams will spend Tuesday previewing the 2025 season with local, regional and national media.
Both days of the event will be broadcast live in their entirety on ESPNU and ESPN+, with portions of the day broadcast live on ESPN2 for the first time ever. Additionally, the event will broadcast on Big 12 Studios from 8:30 AM – 1 PM MST. Head Coach Kenny Dillingham is scheduled to be on the main stage from 11:20-11:35 AM MST for his media availability, which can be viewed on ESPN+. Sun Devil Fans will have many reasons to be paying attention on Tuesday, July 8…
You’ve waited this long. What’s one more week? ⏳#ForksUp /// #ActivateTheValley pic.twitter.com/U7q74EJxr7
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) July 1, 2025
Sam Leavitt, Quarterback (IG | X)
– Finished his first year in Tempe as the school record holder for total offense by a freshman with 3,328 yards and second in program history in passing yards by a freshman at 2,885.
– The 3,328 total yards of offense are eighth in ASU single-season history regardless of class.
– Named the Big 12 Freshman/Newcomer of the Year.
– The nation’s second-highest graded freshman player (true or redshirt with 400 snaps) on either side of the football by PFF (88.9), behind only Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith (89.8).
– His 88.9 grade for the season was the eighth-best among all FBS freshman quarterbacks in the PFF era since 2015 (min. 400 snaps played). Of the seven players ahead of him, six started an NFL game last season (Brock Purdy, Trevor Lawrence, Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, C.J. Stroud and Spencer Rattler).
– His grade was higher than the freshman year grades of NFL starting quarterbacks Sam Darnold, Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, Daniel Jones, Jordan Love, Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels.
– The grade was good for 12th among all FBS quarterbacks in 2024.
– After having just three touchdown passes in his first four games, he finished with 21 over his final nine games played with just four interceptions.
– Had eight passes for 50+ yards, most in Big 12 and tied for second most in the FBS for the season, only ASU player this century to have more in one season was Jayden Daniels in 2019.
– Among players with at least 300 dropbacks, Leavitt tied for third in the FBS with just five turnover-worthy throws on the season, according to Pro Football Focus.
– His six interceptions were tied for sixth-fewest in the FBS among those with at least 300 dropbacks.
– Was one of just four with 20+ touchdowns (24) with six or fewer interceptions (six) AND turnover-worthy throws (5) (min. 300 dropbacks).
– Only 20 of his passes were broken, good for the 20th-lowest total in the FBS. His four passes batted at the line of scrimmage at tied for 25th-lowest in the FBS (min. 300 dropbacks).
– Leavitt showed his ability to keep his composure under pressure, with 708 passing yards while pressured – good for 19th nationally despite missing a game. His 7.8 yards per attempt while under pressure were 12th-best in the country. His 5 under pressure touchdowns were 20th.
– His 74.8 NFL QBR while under pressure was 30th in the nation. He picked up a first down with his arm 41 times on 143 pressures – 13th-most in the FBS.
– Set his receivers up for success, finding open players and hitting dudes in stride to the tune of 58.6 percent of his total yardage coming after the catch – good for third nationally.
– Rushed for 435 yards on 51 scrambles, good for the second-most among quarterbacks in the FBS.
– Picked up a first down or touchdown on 47.1 percent of those QB scrambles, good for 11th among FBS quarterbacks (min 25 scrambles).
– Had the nation’s sixth-best rushing grade when scrambling at 76.4. His 79.1 overall rushing grade was 18th among FBS quarterbacks.
– First ASU quarterback to have six games in a season with three or more touchdown passes (6) since Mike Berocovici in 2015 (6). The six games were tied for second-most this century behind only Andrew Walter’s seven in 2004. The last Big 12 freshman to have that many performances in a season was Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford in 2007 (eight).
– Thrice earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Week and also earned the Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Week honor following the K-State contest.
– First Sun Devil to post three consecutive games with three touchdown passes and no picks since Jayden Daniels did it three times in 2019.
– He had his first career 300+ yard game on the road against Oklahoma State, finishing 20-of-29 for 304 yards and three touchdowns with no picks.
– Named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week following his four-touchdown effort against Kansas, including the game-winner with less than a minute remaining. The four touchdowns were the most for any quarterback in the country in Week 6 as he was the highest-graded quarterback in the Big 12 for the week by PFF and ninth best in the FBS (89.4).
– Leavitt’s 258 passing yards in his starting debut against Wyoming were the third-most by a Sun Devil making his debut since 1996, behind only Joey Yellen (292 in 2019) and Jayden Daniels (284 in 2019)
– Sam Leavitt reaping the benefits of ASU’s return to national prominence (by John Marshall, Associated Press/April 17, 2025)
– Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt’s goals are simple for 2025 season: ‘Heisman and national championship’ (by Scott Thompson, Fox News Digital/July 3, 2025)
X Alford, Defensive Back (IG | X)
– Dubbed himself the @100YardLandlord across his social media platforms and has made sure to become eponymous with the title this season as ASU’s last line of defense in the secondary.
– Played the 4th-most snaps in coverage in the Big 12 this season (354), allowing just seven receptions, the 2nd-fewest among Big 12 players (min. 250 coverage snaps) and 7th-fewest in the FBS.
– Opponents chose to throw his way on just 4.2 percent of coverage snaps, the 4th-lowest total among all FBS players. His 14 targets on the year were 8th-lowest in the FBS.
– Allowed just 76 yards in coverage last season – 8th-lowest among all FBS players and second in the Big 12.
– Allowed just 0.21 yards per coverage snap last season, lowest in the Big 12 and 4th in the FBS.
– Forced an incompletion 35.7 percent of the time when targeted, the best tally among all FBS players.
– The nation’s 27th-highest graded safety on overall defense (80.5) and 21st-highest graded safety in coverage (85.8)
– ASU’s last line of defense, Alford has been sure-handed as well with the nation’s 37th-best tackling grade among all players (86.6), tops in the Big 12 and 13th among FBS safeties.
– Was credited with just four missed tackles last year, tied for 16th-fewest among FBS safeties (min. 400 snaps) with a 6.8 missed tackle percentage that is 13th among FBS safeties.
– Member of the Pat Tillman Leadership Council.
Jordyn Tyson, Wide Receiver (IG | X)
– One of only two receivers to land on the Walter Camp Preseason All-American Second Team.
– A Third-Team All-America selection in 2024 by the Associated Press.
– Had a breakout season in 2024, with 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns before getting injured in the second half of the Nov. 30 Arizona game and missing the postseason.
– Earned Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year.
– Had five games of 100-yards receiving including 12 catches for 176 yards and two touchdowns at No. 16 Kansas State on Nov. 16.
– In the first six games, he totaled 25 catches for 369 yards and four touchdowns. In the second six games he had 50 receptions for 732 yards and six scores.
– He caught eight touchdowns in six-game stretch and 624 yards (104.0 yards per game) on 44 catches in that span. In the first four games, he had 14 catches for 209 yards with one touchdown.
– His ten touchdowns tied him for sixth all-time in Sun Devil history, one of just 11 Sun Devils total to reach double digits in a season, and the most since Jaelen Strong had 10 in 2014.
– The 176 receiving yards against KSU were the most since Brandon Aiyuk put up 196 on Washington State back on Oct. 12, 2019. It was the most receiving yards in a road game since Devin Lucien had 200 yards at California on Nov. 28, 2015.
– Four of his touchdown receptions were in the final five minutes of a half (two in the first half and two in the second half).
– Three of his seven touchdown catches came in the fourth quarter of games – which was tied for fourth among FBS receivers when his season ended. His 12 third down receiving conversions were tied for 17th in the FBS through the month of November.
– Tyson has emphasized wide receiver coach Hines Ward’s “No Block, No Rock” mantra as he was fifth among FBS receivers with 298 run-blocking snaps until his season was cut short.
C.J. Fite, Defensive Lineman (IG | X)
– Played and started in all 14 games during Arizona State’s run to the College Football Playoff.
– A member of the Pat Tillman Leadership Council.
– Cemented himself as one of the premier interior defensive lineman in the conference.
– Finished the season with 30 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two sacks.
– Managed to remain productive despite garnering a majority of the attention from opposing blocking schemes.
– A matchup problem for Big 12 offensive lineman and a big factor in Arizona State’s impressive run defense.
– Had at least one tackle in 12 of 14 games, including 3+ tackles on five occasions.
– Recovered a fumble and returned it for what proved to be the game-winning touchdown in the 30-23 victory over Mississippi State.
– Enjoyed one of the best performances by a defensive tackle in program history when he finished with eight tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack against Texas Tech.
– Came through with a crucial sack in the close win over UCF, one of his three tackles on the night.
– Collected a pair of tackles in Arizona State’s Big 12 Championship victory in his home state of Texas.
– Recorded a tackle for loss in the Peach Bowl matchup with Texas.
– Speak of the Devils Podcast Sitdown Series: Defensive tackle C.J. Fite
Ben Coleman, Offensive Lineman (IG | X)
– One of the conference’s top returning lineman
– Key leadership piece offering a plethora of experience at the Division I level
– Finished 16th among all FBS players with just four pressures credited by PFF this season (min. 250 pass block snaps). His 1.2 pressure allowed percentage on 325 pass block snaps was 17th in the FBS.
– Coleman was not credited with allowing a sack last season.
– His 89.6 pass blocking grade was 6th among all FBS players and 4th among guards (min. 250 pass blocks).
– Has paved the way for ASU’s revamped offense, anchoring a line that was essential to a balanced attack.
– Road grader for ASU’s All-Everything running back and Heisman candidate, Cam Skattebo.
– Had not played a college football game in 646 days prior to his exceptional season.
– Completed his second Master’s degree in the Spring of 2025
– Arizona State’s Ben Coleman gearing up to take over at center from Leif Fautanu (Logan Stanley, Arizona Republic/March 27, 2025)
Clayton Smith, Defensive Lineman (IG | X)
– Played in all 14 games during Arizona State’s run to the College Football Playoff.
– Earned 12 starts at defensive end.
– Established himself as one of the premier pass rushers in the conference.
– Will be his second Big 12 Media Day, also attending the 2024 edition.
– Finished the season with 33 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks.
– Managed to remain productive despite consistently facing double teams.
– A disruptive presence all year, forcing a fumble, recovering a fumble, and breaking up four passes.
– Had at least one tackle in 13 of 14 games, including 3+ tackles on six occasions.
– Forced a fumble in the win over Mississippi State that was returned by C.J. Fite for a touchdown.
– Came through with four tackles and 0.5 sack in the Peach Bowl vs. Texas.
– Started out the season with one sack in four of the first five contests.
– Contributed in many ways in Arizona State’s Big 12 Championship victory, collecting two tackles and a tackle for loss while adding two pass breakups.
Local Outlets Covering the Sun Devils at Big 12 Media Day
In addition to the heavy national attention that Sun Devil Football will be receiving at Big 12 Football Media Day, several prominent local media outlets will be in attendance and covering the event.
AZ Central
ASU News
ABC 15 (KNXV)
FOX 10 (KSAZ)
CBS 5 (KPHO)
NBC 12 (KPNX)
ABC 15 (KNXV)
Sun Devil Source
Devils Digest
SportsAZ360.com
GoPHNX.com
Arizona Sports 98.7 FM
Arizona PBS/Cronkite News
WCSN
Blaze Radio
Sun Devil Radio Network
+ many more
Live Appearances
Kenny Dillingham
8:15 AM MST – Big 12 Radio/Tune-In (Radio Row)
11:20 AM MST – Media Availability on Main Stage (ESPN+)
12:15 PM MST – College Football Live (ESPN2)
Players
11:30 AM MST – Big 12 Studios
12:00 PM MST – Big 12 Radio/Tune-In (Radio Row)
12:30 PM MST – ESPN Set (ESPNU/ESPN+)
How to Watch
ESPN2 (College Football Live starting at 12 PM MST)
ESPNU (All Day Coverage)
ESPN+ (All Day Coverage)
Press Conferences (Kenny Dillingham scheduled for 11:20-11:35 AM MST)
Big 12 Radio (Tune-In)
Walter Camp Preseason All-American Teams
The Walter Camp Football Foundation released their Preseason All-American Teams at the end of June and Sun Devil Football has a pair of representatives. Quarterback Sam Leavitt and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson each landed on the Walter Camp Preseason All-American Second Team. They are two of the 11 individuals to earn the national recognition. The Sun Devil offense will feature one of the nation’s best quarterback-wide receiver duos. Arizona State is one of 11 schools to have at least two players be named Preseason All-Americans by Walter Camp.
Walter Camp Preseason Second Team All-Americans
Second Team Offense
QB: Sam Leavitt (Arizona State)
WR: Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), Elijah Sarratt (Indiana)
RB: Makhi Hughes (Oregon), Isaac Brown (Louisville)
TE: Justin Joly (North Carolina State)
OL: Ar’maj Reed-Adams (Texas A&M), Cayden Green (Missouri), Jordan Seaton (Colorado), Olaivavega Ioane (Penn State)
C: Logan Jones (Iowa)
Walter Camp Preseason All-Americans by School
Alabama, Clemson, Indiana, Penn State, Texas – 3
Arizona State, Miami, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas A&M – 2
Athlon Sports Preseason Big 12 Honors
A total of 15 Sun Devils received Big 12 Preseason All-Conference recognition from Athlon Sports. Leading the way was wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who landed on the First Team Offense of Athlon Sports’ Preseason All-American Team. Tyson also was a First Team Big 12 All-Conference selection and is joined by fellow Media Day attendees Sam Leavitt, Ben Coleman, and X Alford in earning the distinction. Here is a full list of preseason honorees from Athlon Sports.
Texas to Tempe
Eight of the 16 returning starters for the Sun Devils this year are from Texas. The list includes Jordyn Tyson (Allen), Josh Atkins (Mansfield Timberview), Keith Abney (Waxahachie), Xavion Alford (Shadow Creek), C.J. Fite (Tatum), Clayton Smith (Texas High School in Texasarkana), Prince Dorbah (Highland Park) and Jordan Crook (Duncanville).
Elite Experience
Eight Sun Devils started all 14 games last year, and seven of them return. C.J. Fite, Josh Atkins, Ben Coleman, Max Iheanachor, Javan Robinson, Myles Rowser and Keith Abney II were 14-game starters. Center and second-team Walter Camp All-American Leif Fautanu is the only 14-game starter who doesn’t return in 2025.
Protecting Home Turf
Arizona State (6-0) was one of 16 teams to go undefeated at home in 2024 and the only Big 12 team. Oregon, Boise State, Alabama, Missouri, Army, Memphis and Tennessee all went 7-0, while Miami, Ohio, Marshall, UTSA, Georgia and Washington joined ASU at 6-0. Indiana went 8-0, while Georgia Tech went 5-0. ASU travels to one-home loss Big 12 teams from last year Iowa State (6-1), Colorado (5-1) and Baylor (5-1). The Sun Devils didn’t lose a home game for the first time since 2004.
Comfortable hen it’s Close
Arizona State was 6-2 in one score games (5-1 in games of seven points or less) in 2024. The only teams with six or more wins in one-score games were Arkansas State (7-1), Sam Houston State (6-0), Texas Tech, Duke and Missouri (all 6-1) and Syracuse (7-2).
Fo(u)rks Up
ASU made 18 fourth-down conversions in 2024. After converting on those 18, ASU had 12 touchdowns, 2 field goals and took a knee to end the Mississippi State game. The only three times it didn’t work as it had an interception, a missed field goal and turned it over on down later in the drive.
Undefeated in November
ASU went undefeated in November for the first time since 2013 and just its third time from 1976-present. ASU also was undefeated in November in 2013 (4-0), 1996 (3-0), 1975 (5-0), 1972 (4-0), 1971 (4-0), 1970 (3-0), 1969 (5-0), 1968 (5-0), 1967 (3-0), 1965 (3-0), 1963 (4-0), 1959 (4-0), 1958 (4-0), 1957 (5-0) and 1950 (4-0).
Returning AP All-Americans
Jordyn Tyson earned Third-Team Associated Press All-American honors last and is one of 16 returners from those teams in 2025. He is one of five returning AP All-Americans returning on offense along with center Jake Slaughter (Florida), wide receivers Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) and Eric Rivers (Florida International) and tackle Spencer Fano (Utah)
Big 12 Honorees are Back
Arizona State has six returnees from the 2024 All Big 12 Team returning next year, led by wide receiver and first-team honoree Jordyn Tyson (Offensive Newcomer of the Year), second-team honoree Sam Leavitt (Offensive Freshman of the Year), defensive back Xavion Alford (first), tight end Chamon Metayer (second), defensive lineman C.J. Fite (second) and linebacker Keyshaun Elliott (second).
ASU Alumni on Sun Devil Football 2025 roster (listed alphabetically)
Xavion Alford, BA Liberal Studies, 2024
Coben Bourguet, BSE Engineering Management, 2024
Ben Coleman, MA Communication, 2024
Anthonie Cooper, BA Interdisciplinary Studies (Communication/Nutrition and Healthy Living), 2022
Prince Dorbah, BS Communication, 2024
Adama Fall, BA Liberal Studies
Zyrus Fiaseu, BA Liberal Studies, 2025
Cameron Harpole, BA Communication, 2025
Max Iheanachor, BA Liberal Studies, 2025
Chamon Metayer, BA Liberal Studies, 2025
Elijah O’Neal, BA Liberal Studies, 2024
Kyle Scott, BS Psychology, 2025
Ian Shewell, BS Clinical Exercise Science, 2025
Clayton Smith, BA Liberal Studies, 2025
Justin Wodtly, BA Liberal Studies, 2025
Sun Devil Football on Social
For exclusive content, the latest updates, and more information on the Sun Devil Football program, follow our X (@ASUFootball) and Instagram (@sundevilfb) accounts, like our Facebook page (facebook.com/SunDevilFootball), and visit our website (sundevils.com). Follow Coach Dillingham on X (@KennyDillingham).
Sports
Track & Field Continues December At Wagner College Seahawk Shootout
Men’s Track & Field | 12/11/2025 9:33:00 AM
SEAHAWK SHOOTOUT HISTORY
The 2025-26 season marks only the second time that Saint Francis will be participating in the Wagner College Seahawk Shootout. The meet has been an annual event since the 2015-16 campaign. Last year, Sevison took first place in weight throw as a part of 16 top 10 finishes for the Red Flash.
LAST EVENT
The women’s team accumulated seven top 10 performances. Olivia Renk finished second in the 200-meter and fourth in the 60-meter on the women’s side. The sophomore clocked in a time of 25.46 in the 200-meter and a 7.72 time in the 60-meter. In the women’s long jump, Taylor Foster finished in fifth place in the event with a jump of 5.29m. Foster also claimed eighth place in the women’s triple jump with 10.63m. Aubrie Wells and Karsyn Ford both finished with 3.25m to tie for eighth place. Rounding out the top 10 finishes was Rylee Nicklas taking 10th in the women’s weight throw with a toss of 14.22m.
On the other side, the men’s team registered 12 top 10 finishes on the day. Jayden Foster took eighth place in the men’s 200-meter dash with a time of 22.81. Meanwhile, Tyler Craft claimed the ninth spot with a time of 37.08 in the 300-meter. Craft jumped his way into second place in the long jump with 6.94m. Staying in the meter dashes, James Parmelee (1:10.38) took third and Holden Schreier finished seventh (1:12.90) in the men’s 500-meter. Two more Red Flash placed top 10 in the high jump, Ayden Martinage (8th, 1.85m) and Braydon Beach (10th, 1.80m).
Running over to the pole vault, Dylan Andrews finished with a jump of 4.25 to give himself seventh place. Clark Gulycz took fourth in the men’s shot put with a mark of 17.07m. Saint Francis took another two top 10 finishes, this time in the men’s triple jump. Nehemyah Williams gained third place with a leap of 14.35m. Ian Conway was not far behind him in seventh with 12.54m. Vincent Franco finished out the Red Flash in sixth place with a time of 15.94m.
NEC PRESEASON POLL
Saint Francis women’s track & field was picked fifth in the NEC Preseason Poll. Wagner earned five first-place votes and earned the distinction of being the preseason favorite. Stonehill and CCSU both gained two first-place nods to finish in second and third place. Chicago State gained the last vote for first-place, finishing in fourth. After the Red Flash in fifth place, FDU, LIU, New Haven, Mercyhurst, and Le Moyne round out the ten-team poll.
Saint Francis men’s track & field was picked seventh in the NEC Preseason Poll. CCSU earned eight first-place votes and earned the distinction of being the preseason favorite. Wagner gained one first-place vote to finish in second. Stonehill and Chicago State were picked to finish in third and fourth. FDU and LIU were both tied in fifth place, however, LIU earned the last vote for first-place. After the Red Flash in seventh place, New Haven, Le Moyne, and Mercyhurst round out the ten-team poll.
NEXT UP FOR RED FLASH
Saint Francis will take some time off until January 17 when it will attend the Nittany Lion Challenge located at University Park, Pa.
Sports
UT Seeks Private Developers for Multipurpose Arena, Student-Athlete Housing – UT Austin News
AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to seek private developer(s) to plan, design, construct, equip, finance and operate a small multipurpose public arena to serve as the competition home for the Longhorns’ four-time National Champion Women’s Volleyball and an adjacent student-athlete housing facility, with minimal financial outlay from the University. The project will encompass approximately 4 acres in the Athletics and Entertainment District of UT’s main campus, located north of East MLK Jr. Boulevard between Robert Dedman Drive and Interstate 35.
“It is important for us to be strategic about how we use our space and how our students and visitors engage with our campus,” said UT President Jim Davis. “This is a unique development that will enhance the University’s athletics facilities and housing portfolio and benefit students, Longhorn fans and our city for years to come. I am grateful to our Board of Regents for their support for our vision.”
The arena aims to seat approximately 6,000 fans, with the flexibility to expand seating for concerts, shows and University events that complement the adjacent Moody Center. The student-athlete housing facility is envisioned to provide a best-in-class housing experience for the University’s student-athletes that reflects UT’s commitment to recruiting and developing premier talent. Additionally, it could provide ground-level retail opportunities that will enhance the campus, community, and visitors’ experience.
“This is a critical step for the future of Texas Volleyball and our student-athletes’ housing experience,” said Athletics Director Chris Del Conte. “It is about creating an experience that our student-athletes, coaches and passionate fans will be proud of in the heart of a district built for elite talent and entertainment.”
The RFP seeks private developers who have successfully developed and operated best-in-class, multipurpose public arenas, student housing and retail facilities, and who have the financial capability to contribute all or a substantial portion of the cost to develop, build and operate the new facilities. Under the proposed public-private collaboration, UT would own both the arena and student-athlete housing properties, and an outside entity would operate them.
UT issued the RFP Dec. 10 after the UT System Board of Regents authorized it last month. The 2033 Higher Education Development Foundation will lead the RFP process, and developer(s) will have the option to submit proposals for both or each facility by Feb. 6. The specific timeline and financial arrangement between the University and developer(s) will be determined through negotiations before any agreement is reached.
Sports
2025 AVCA Division I All-Americans for NCCAA
The AVCA is please to name its 2025 All-America teams for NCCAA Division I women’s volleyball.
There are two seven-member All-America teams, a first team and a second team, and the 14 student-athletes chosen in 2025 represent 10 different NCCAA schools. Cedarville University leads the way with three All-Americans, and Columbia International University and Ottawa University Arizona each have two All-Americans.
2025 NCCAA Division I All-Americans

Sports
Who made 2025 Journal & Courier Big Schools All-Area Volleyball team?
Dec. 11, 2025, 4:02 a.m. ET
LAFAYETTE ― The Journal & Courier recognizes the 14 best volleyball players 4A and 3A to be voted onto the All-Area Big Schools team.
Here are the top players and members who were selected to the 2025 Journal & Courier All-Area team, as voted on by coaches.
Sports
Matchups, starters, players to watch
Dec. 11, 2025, 5:10 a.m. ET
The 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament rolls on as the Sweet 16 begins with four matches in the Lexington and Pittsburgh regionals on Thursday.
Will the undefeated No. 1 overall seed Nebraska Cornhuskers move on to compete for their first championship since 2017? Will the Cal Poly Mustangs continue their magical Cinderella run? Or will another team rewrite history? These questions, and so many more, will be answered when the first game of the Round of 16 kicks off between Creighton and Arizona State.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year with the best volleyball of the season. Here’s a preview of the matchups including players to watch.
(Number before team name represent its tournament seed)
No. 3 Creighton (27-5) vs. No. 2 Arizona State (28-3)
Thursday, Dec. 11: 1 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Creighton starting lineup
Head coach: Brian Rosen
- 2 Abbey Hayes | OH 6-foot-1 – Freshman
- 5 Kiara Reinhardt | MB 6-3 – Senior
- 6 Jaya Johnson | RS/MB 6-2 – Sophomore
- 8 Ava Martin | OH 6-1 – Senior
- 10 Eloise Brandewie | MB 6-3 – Junior
- 17 Annalea Maeder | S 6-1 – Senior
- 24 Sydney Breissinger | DS 5-7 – Junior
Arizona State starting lineup
Head coach: J.J. Van Niel
- 3 Tatum Parrott | OH 6-0 – Senior
- 4 Ella Lewis | OH/L 5-11 – Freshman
- 5 Sydney Henry | S 5-11 – Senior
- 10 Noemie Glover | OPP 6-2 – Junior
- 11 Colby Neal | MB 6-4 – Graduate Student
- 15 Faith Frame | L 5-7 – Sophomore
- 22 Bailey Miller | OH 6-3 – Senior
Player to watch: Ava Martin, Creighton
The 2025 Big East Player of the Year finished top 10 in the conference in points per set (5.16), kills per set (4.52) and aces per set. Martin also ranks top 25 or better in the country in points per set, total points and total kills. She had a solid hitting percentage (.376) during her senior season, which helped her earn Big East Tournament MVP and be selected No. 2 overall by the Atlanta Vibe in the 2025 Major League Volleyball Draft.
Cal Poly (27-7) vs. No. 1 Kentucky (27-2)
Thursday, Dec. 11: 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Cal Poly starting lineup
Head coach: Caroline Walters
- 1 Emma Frederick | OH 5-10 – Junior
- 2 Chloe Leluge | MB 6-3 – Sophomore
- 6 Maren O’Farrell | L 5-8 – Freshman
- 13 Kendall Beshear | OH 5-10 – Sophomore
- 14 Emme Bullis | S 5-11 – Redshirt Senior
- 15 Charlotte Kelly |MB 6-3 – Freshman
- 20 Annabelle Thalken | OH 6-3 – Redshirt Senior
- 21 Elif Hurriyet | L/DS 5-6 – Sophomore
Kentucky starting lineup
Head coach: Craig Skinner
- 6 Kassie O’Brien | S 6-1 – Freshman
- 7 Eva Hudson | OH 6-1 – Senior
- 10 Kennedy Washington | MB 6-0 – Sophomore
- 11 Molly Berezowitz | DS 5-5 – Junior
- 12 Molly Tuozzo | L 5-7 – Junior
- 15 Lizzie Carr | MB 6-6 – Redshirt Junior
- 17 Brooklyn DeLeye | OH 6-2 – Junior
Player to watch: Eva Hudson/Brooklyn DeLeye, Kentucky
Hudson and DeLeye are one of the most dynamic duos in the country, if not the most dangerous in college volleyball. Hudson brings the explosiveness and DeLeye brings scoring and domination. Hudson, who transferred from Purdue, won the 2025 SEC Player of the Year, averaging 4.6 kills per set and tallying 482 total kills. Not to be left out, DeLeye had 495 kills while averaging 4.7 kills a set.
No. 4 Minnesota (24-9) vs. No. 1 Pitt (28-4)
Thursday, Dec. 11: 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Minnesota starting lineup
Head Coach: Keegan Cook
- 1 Stella Swenson | S 6-1 – Redshirt Freshman
- 5 McKenna Garr | L/DS 5-7 – Freshman
- 7 Carly Gilk | OPP 6-2 – Freshman
- 15 Jordan Taylor | MB 6-5 – Freshman
- 20 Lourdes Myers | MB 6-3 – Graduate Student
- 22 Julia Hanson | OH 6-1 – Senior
- 33 Kelly Kinney | OH 6-2 – Freshman
Pitt Panthers starting lineup
Head coach: Dan Fisher
- 3 Emery Dupes | L/DS 5-6 – Redshirt Senior
- 5 Olivia Babcock | RS 6-4 – Junior
- 8 Blaire Bayless | OH 6-2 – Junior
- 10 Marina Pezelj | OH 6-1 – Freshman
- 13 Mallorie Meyer | L/DS 5-7 – Sophomore
- 17 Brook Mosher | S 6-0 – Redshirt Senior
- 20 Abbey Emch | MB 6-4 – Freshman
- 21 Bre Kelley | MB 6-4 – Redshirt Senior
Player to watch: Olivia Babcock, Pitt
Perhaps no one can quickly (and rather casually) rack up a 30-kill game faster than Babcock, the ACC Player of the Year. She’s a rare combination of speed, power and skill that for which few opponents have an answer. The 2024 AVCA Player of the Year had a whopping 545 kills on a .323 hitting percentage, along with 235 digs and 110 total blocks during Pittsburgh’s 2025 season, as the team pushes for a fifth straight appearance in the NCAA tournament semifinals.
No. 3 Purdue vs. No. 2 SMU
Friday, Dec. 11: 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Purdue starting lineup
Head coach: Dave Shondell
- 3 Ryan McAleer | L 5-6 – Sophomore
- 4 Kenna Wollard | OH 6-1 – Junior
- 5 Taylor Anderson | S 6-1 – Junior
- 9 Dior Charles | MB 6-1 – Junior
- 12 Lindsey Miller | MB 6-4 – Graduate Student
- 13 Akasha Anderson | OH 6-3 – Senior
- 14 Grace Heaney | OPP/RS 6-2 – Redshirt Sophomore
SMU starting lineup
Head coach: Sam Erger
- 1 Malaya Jones | OPP 6-0 – Graduate Student
- 5 Casey Batenhorst | S 6-1 – Senior
- 9 Averi Carlson | S 5-11 – Senior
- 14 Jordyn Schilling | L 5-11 – Senior
- 20 Maggie Croft | MB 5-10 – Freshman
- 21 Favor Anyanwu | MB 6-2 – Sophomore
- 42 Jadyn Livings | OH 6-1 – Sophomore
Player to watch: Averi Carlson, SMU
Carlson is the 2025 ACC Volleyball Setter of the Year and for good reason. She’s elite in every sense of the word. Her 1,268 total assists ranked third in the country, and her average of 11.22 assists per set ranks second nationally. Carlson, the No. 7 pick in the 2025 MLV Draft, also tallied 243 digs, 47 kills and 26 service aces this season.
No. 4 Indiana (25-7) vs. No. 1 Texas (25-3)
Friday, Dec. 12: 12 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Indiana starting lineup
Head coach: Steve Aird
- 1 Madi Sell | MB 6-3 – Senior
- 3 Candela Alonso-Corcelles | OH 6-2 – Freshman
- 5 Audrey Jackson | OH/DS 5-11 – Freshman
- 7 Hannah Lefridge | DS 5-10 – Freshman
- 10 Teodora Krickovic | S 6-2 – Freshman
- 13 Avry Tatum | OPP 6-2 – Senior
- 23 Victoria Gray | MB 6-2 – Freshman
- 24 Jaidyn Jager | OH 6-1 – Freshman
Texas starting lineup
Head coach: Jerritt Elliott
- 1 Ella Swindle | S 6-3 – Junior
- 2 Emma Halter | L 5-5 – Senior
- 4 Torrey Stafford | OH 6-2 – Junior
- 5 Ayden Ames | MB 6-4 – Sophomore
- 23 Cari Spears | OH 6-3 – Freshman
- 32 Ramsey Gary | DS 5-7 – Junior
- 55 Nya Bunton | MB 6-3 – Redshirt Sophomore
Player to watch: Torrey Stafford, Texas
Don’t blink. Stafford is sneaky good and unsuspecting. She currently leads the Longhorns with 488 total kills, including 4.74 kills per set and is hitting .359 on the season. Stafford also leads Texas with 32 aces.
No. 3 Wisconsin (26-4) vs. No. 2 Stanford (29-4)
Friday, Dec. 12: 2:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Wisconsin starting lineup
Head coach: Kelly Sheffield
- 1 Una Vajagic | OH 6-0 – Redshirt Sophomore
- 7 Kristen Simon | L 5-8 – Freshman
- 15 Mimi Colyer | OH 6-3 – Senior
- 17 Alicia Andrew | MB 6-3 – Redshirt Senior
- 24 Charlie Fuerbringer | S 5-11 – Sophomore
- 32 Grace Egan | RS 6-1 – Redshirt Sophomore
- 52 Carter Booth | MB 6-7 – Senior
Stanford starting lineup
Head coach: Kevin Hambly
- 5 Jordyn Harvey | OPP 6-1 – Junior
- 6 Koko Kirsch | DS 5-9 – Redshirt Sophomore
- 7 Julia Blyashov | OH 6-3 – Redshirt Sophomore
- 9 Spencer Etzler | L 5-7 – Freshman
- 13 Elia Rubin | OH 6-1 – Senior
- 22 Erika Sayer | MB 6-2 – Freshman
- 30 Taylor Yu | S 6-0 – Sophomore
Player to watch: Mimi Colyer, Wisconsin
Colyer is highly explosive and a power hitter. She’s also precise in her decision-making, and that makes her a walking nightmare on a court. The Oregon transfer averages 5.32 kills per set, which is good for third in the nation.
No. 3 Texas A&M (25-4) vs. No. 2 Louisville (26-6)
Friday, Dec. 12: 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Texas A&M Aggies starting lineup
Head coach: Jamie Morrison
- 1 Ifenna Cos-Okpalla | MB 6-2 – Senior
- 2 Addi Applegate | L/DS 5-5 – Freshman
- 9 Logan Lednicky | OPP 6-3 – Senior
- 12 Ava Underwood | L/DS 5-7 – Senior
- 16 Maddie Waak | S 5-10 – Senior
- 37 Kyndal Stowers | OH 5-11 – Sophomore
Louisville starting lineup
Head coach: Dan Meske
- 3 Kamden Schrand | L 5-7 – Junior
- 7 Chloe Chicoine | OH 5-10 – Junior
- 8 Nayelis Cabello | S 6-0 – Sophomore
- 11 Hannah Sherman | MB 6-3 – Redshirt Junior
- 13 Cara Cresse | MB 6-6 – Redshirt Senior
- 21 Payton Petersen | OH 6-0 – Sophomore
- 24 Kalyssa Blackshear | OPP 6-5 – Freshman
Player to watch: Chloe Chicoine, Louisville
At 5-foot-10, Chicoine is undersized for an outside hitter, but for what she lacks in size, she makes up for it with some insanely good verticality and hitting power. Chicoine’s touch, quickness and speed are assets on the court. The junior is second on the team in digs and leads the Cardinals with 387 total kills.
No. 4 Kansas (24-10) vs. No. 1 Nebraska (32-0)
Friday, Dec. 12: 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
Kansas starting lineup
Head coach: Matt Ulmer
- 4 Rhian Swanson | PIN 6-2 – Senior
- 5 Selena Leban | PIN 6-0 – Freshman
- 7 Katie Dalton | S/PIN 6-1 – Senior
- 9 Jovana Zelenovic | PIN 6-7 – Freshman
- 10 Reese Ptacek | MB 6-3 – Sophomore
- 22 Ryan White | L/DS 5-9 – Senior
- 24 Aisha Aiono | MB 6-3 – Junior
Nebraska starting lineup
Head coach: Dani Busboom Kelly
- 2 Bergen Reilly | S 6-1 – Junior
- 5 Rebekah Allick | MB 6-4 – Senior
- 6 Laney Choboy | L 5-3 – Junior
- 9 Virginia Adriano | OPP 6-5 – Freshman
- 11 Teraya Sigler | OH 6-3 – Freshman
- 15 Andi Jackson | MB 6-3 – Junior
- 27 Harper Murray | OH 6-2 – Junior
Player to watch: Andi Jackson, Nebraska
Jackson is one of the most electric players in college volleyball. She can seemingly do it all. Pick a spot on the court, Jackson can hit forwards, backwards, or any way that she decides. The 6-foot-3 currently leads the country in hitting percentage with an astounding .483.
Sports
Four new players make up Wisconsin volleyball class of 2026 roster
The Wisconsin volleyball team earned a No. 2 recruiting ranking for the four new names they added to the team’s class of 2026.
The four young stars, Audrey Flanagan, Kymore Scott, Lynney Tarnow and Halle Thompson, have a long list of accolades, including experiences with state and national championships and the USA Junior National Team.
During the signing day press conference, head coach Kelly Sheffield said their recruiting focus was finding right athletes to fit the specific needs of Wisconsin.
“There was just a very very small number that we thought would be a great fit for what we were needing,” he said.
Audrey Flanagan, outside hitter
Flanagan, a 6-foot-3 outside hitter from California, comes to Wisconsin with two national team runs, including a gold win with the US Under-19 team in the Continental Championship.
Flanagan’s honors also include an AVCA First Team All-American, the 2024 Bay League Most Outstanding Player and the 2023 All-Bay League First Team.
While she was injured last year, Flanagan is now back to full strength and ready to go for Wisconsin.
“We’re getting a healthy player and one that’s going to have a huge impact for us,” Sheffield said.
Kymora Scott, middle blocker/right side
Scott’s ability to hit off of one foot appealed to Sheffield when he first saw her play. He compared her skill to the talents of former Badgers Megan Campbell and Devyn Robinson.
The middle blocker from Illinois was a bit out of the spotlight, Sheffield said, although her accomplishments speak for themselves.
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Scott is a two-time SWSC All-Conference player and ranked No. 4 in her high school’s history for overall kills (714) and most kills in a single season (288).
“We see her as someone who can be an elite slide attacker,” Sheffield said. “She is smooth with her attack and has the ability to be a very good blocker with how fast she can get off the floor.”
Lynney Tarnow, middle blocker
Tarnow has been coming to Badger volleyball camps since she was nine, so Sheffield said it just feels right for her to finally be signed at Wisconsin.
The 6-foot-5 middle blocker is also from Illinois and Sheffield highlights her physicality around the court.
“Lynney has the potential to be a very physical net presence,” Sheffield said. “She can hit well off of one or two feet with power and can take up a lot of space with her block.”
Tarnow will come to the Wisconsin team as an AVCA All-Region Player of the Year and the No. 1 rank in her position. The Illinois native has also been a part of the 2025 Under-19 National Team.
Halle Thompson, outside hitter
With the addition of Thompson, another outside hitter, Wisconsin is adding an elite back row attacker, Sheffield said.
Thompson is also ranked high for her region. Across the board, Thompson is No. 2 in regional rankings and position rank. From Texas, Thompson is a two-time Texas Division I Volleyball State MVP and Volleyball State Champion. She also has two seasons with the National Team under her belt.
“Halle is a fierce competitor,” Sheffield said. “She is very good for her age at the serve and pass portion of the game and plays the game fearlessly.”
While it took some extra effort in recruiting to get Thompson from Texas to Wisconsin, Sheffield said he’s very satisfied with the result of signing Thompson.
“No matter how much depth we have or how much experience, we’re going after people that have big dreams and big goals,” Sheffield said.
In previous years, Wisconsin signed more players, but Sheffield said the landscape of the transfer portal is decreasing the need to collect younger athletes. In 2024, the Badgers signed on six new players. In 2025, that number dropped to four.
“There’s that element of bringing in some young players and mixing them with some elite college-ready transfers,” Sheffield said. “And hopefully you can stay in the ball game every year.”
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