By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Eight University of Sioux Falls football student-athletes were recognized for their exceptional achievements on the field and in the classroom as College Sports Communicators (CSC) announced the 2025–26 Academic All-District® Football Team.
Cal Botsford, Hank Brown Jr., Jake Hoch, Caden Maas, Cade Morse, Tyler Uken, Preston Yohnke, and Ryan Ziegelbauer each earned Academic All-District® honors after meeting stringent academic and athletic benchmarks, including maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 while making meaningful contributions during the 2025 season. The CSC Academic All-District® program recognizes the nation's top student-athletes across NCAA Division II who exemplify excellence both competitively and academically.
The Cougars wrapped up the 2025 campaign with a 7–4 overall record and a 6–4 mark in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) play. Offensively, USF averaged 433.4 yards per game, rushing for 2,135 yards (171.8 per game) with 23 touchdowns while throwing for 2,877 yards (261.6 per game) and 24 scores, showcasing a balanced and productive attack throughout the season.
CSC Academic All-District® Honorees
Cal Botsford | Media Studies | Sussex, Wis.
A graduate defensive end, Botsford started in nine games for the Cougars, recording eight total tackles, including three solo stops and a half tackle for loss. A steady presence up front, he earns CSC Academic All-District® recognition for the second time in his career.
Hank Brown Jr. | Undecided | Urbandale, Iowa
Brown delivered a breakout sophomore season, emerging as one of the NSIC's premier receivers. He totaled 83 receptions for 979 yards and two touchdowns across 11 games, averaging 7.5 catches and 89.0 yards per contest. Brown also added a rushing touchdown and earned NSIC First Team All-Conference honors following his standout campaign.
Jake Hoch | Business Administration | Ripon, Wis.
Hoch started in all 11 games during the 2025 season, contributing 18 total tackles, including 13 solo stops, along with two tackles for loss. The graduate linebacker provided valuable depth and consistency within the Cougar defensive unit.
Caden Maas | Exercise Science | Watertown, Wis.
A redshirt sophomore offensive tackle, Maas appeared in all 11 games, helping anchor an offensive line that powered one of the NSIC's most productive offenses. USF's balanced attack averaged over 430 yards per game behind the line's consistent performance.
Cade Morse | Business Administration | Adel, Iowa
Morse made his impact felt in the secondary, appearing in 10 games while starting 9 and totaling 26 tackles, including 19 solo efforts. He added a tackle for loss, an interception, and a fumble recovery while earning CSC Academic All-District® honors for the second time in his career.
Tyler Uken | Business Administration | Mahomet, Ill.
Uken played in 11 games during the 2025 season as a key contributor along the offensive line. His efforts helped pave the way for a Cougar offense that rushed for over 2,100 yards and accounted for 47 total touchdowns.
Preston Yohnke | Criminal Justice | Carlos, Minn.
A graduate defensive tackle, Yohnke appeared in all 11 games and finished the season with 21 tackles, including 12 solo stops and half a sack. A dependable interior presence, he earns CSC Academic All-District® recognition for the second time.
Ryan Ziegelbauer | Business Administration | Hartford, Wis.
Ziegelbauer started in all 11 games as a member of the Cougar offensive line, contributing to an offense that averaged more than 260 passing yards per game while maintaining balance and efficiency throughout the season.
To qualify for CSC Academic All-District® recognition, football student-athletes must be at least a sophomore academically and athletically, maintain a minimum cumulative 3.50 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and compete in at least 90 percent of their institution's games or start in at least 66 percent. Academic All-District® honorees represent the highest standards of achievement both on the field and in the classroom.
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