By: Madie Brink
BURNSVILLE, MINN. - The University of Sioux Falls Football program was honored with eight All-NSIC South Division selections following a 7–4 campaign, including one First Team and seven Second Team recipients. The group features standouts across the offense and defense who played central roles in guiding the Cougars to one of the NSIC's most explosive and balanced offensive seasons, while producing emerging stars on the defensive front and in the linebacker corps.
"I'm incredibly proud of these student-athletes for being selected to the NSIC All-Conference team." state head coach
Jim Glogowski. "To be recognized among the top performers in our league is a tremendous honor and speaks volumes about the way they approached this season. Their work ethic, consistency, and commitment to our program set a standard for what it means to be a Cougar. This recognition is a testament to everything they've invested—on the field, in the locker room, and in the classroom."
FIRST TEAM ALL-NSIC SOUTH
Brown delivered one of the most productive receiving seasons in USF's DII era, finishing with 82 receptions for 970 yards, ranking among the league leaders in both categories. A consistent chain-mover and volume playmaker, Brown averaged 88.2 yards per game, recorded four multi-catch, 100-yard outings, and became a focal point of the Cougars' high-octane passing attack. His reliability, route sharpness, and yard-after-catch ability made him one of the NSIC's most complete receivers.
SECOND TEAM ALL-NSIC SOUTH
Maas anchored the right side of an offensive line that helped power a unit averaging 433.4 total yards per game. The sophomore tackle was a consistent force in both run blocking and pass protection, contributing to a rushing attack that posted 172.6 yards per game and allowed the Cougars to maintain one of the conference's top third-down conversion rates (49.3%). His growth and physical presence stabilized a young, improving offensive front.
A veteran leader on the interior, Pederson played a vital role in USF's offensive consistency and physical identity. His work in the run game helped produce three different backs over 240+ yards and a quarterback with 300+ rushing yards, while also contributing to a passing unit that averaged 260.7 yards per game. Pederson's experience and communication were key pillars for an offense that ranked top-three in the NSIC.
Hutchinson showcased explosive playmaking throughout the season, finishing with 38 receptions for 575 yards and five touchdowns while adding a 100-yard kickoff-return TD. His blend of speed and physicality allowed him to stretch the field and win after the catch, highlighted by a season-long 85-yard touchdown. Hutchinson averaged 52.3 receiving yards per game and provided steady production opposite Brown to give USF one of the conference's most dangerous receiver tandems.
Tann emerged as one of the NSIC's most efficient and durable runners, closing the season with 938 rushing yards, eight touchdowns, and an average of 85.3 yards per game. A downhill, high-vision back with big-play capability, he produced multiple breakout performances—including a long run of 54 yards—and served as the Cougars' tone-setter in the ground game. His physicality and consistency helped balance the offense and sustain long drives.
In an unfortunate shortened season, Dean engineered a dynamic USF offense with his dual-threat presence, completing 108 passes for 1,313 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 309 rushing yards and four more scores. His 218.8 total passing yards per game ranked among the league's best, and his command of the offense elevated USF to over 430 yards of offense per game. Despite missing games mid-season, Dean's efficiency, mobility, and leadership were unmistakably felt.
Diawara was a nightmare for opposing offensive lines, finishing with 19 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and a team-best 4.5 sacks in just 10 games. His burst, length, and disruptive presence consistently collapsed pockets and altered game plans, helping USF generate pressure without heavy blitzing. Diawara's breakout season places him firmly among the NSIC's top young defensive linemen.
Kolb delivered a strong sophomore campaign at the heart of the Cougar defense, producing 46 total tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and an impressive two pass breakups and one forced fumble. His speed and instincts made him one of USF's most versatile defenders, capable of fitting the run, rushing the passer, and dropping effectively into coverage. Kolb's growth helped stabilize a linebacker unit loaded with youth and athleticism.
