PELLA— The College Sports Communicators Academic All-District® Football teams were released Tuesday and for the second year in a row the Central College football team had eight players selected at the NCAA Division III level.

To be eligible for consideration, a student-athlete must be a starter or key reserve at the varsity level and achieve a 3.50 or better cumulative grade point average (4.00 scale). Each institution can nominate a limited number of players who are then considered for CSC Academic All-America® honors. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible.

Center Maximus Reitano (senior Grimes, Dallas Center-Grimes HS), cornerback Ben DeMeulenaere (senior, Belle Plaine) and cornerback Gavin Smith (senior, Audubon) were all recognized for third season in a row.  Linebacker Cole Clark (fifth year, Lisbon) was chosen for the second time.

Wide receiver Tate Jirovsky (sophomore, Grundy Center), linebacker Logan Lursen (junior, Mason City, Newman Catholic HS), wide receiver Cam Schulte (sophomore, Pella) and defensive lineman Ethan Thomas (senior, Ankeny) were all first-time honorees.

The Division III Academic All-America® program is partially funded by the NCAA Division III national governance structure to assist CSC with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2025-26 Division III Academic All-America® teams program. This year's squad will be announced January 27.