AUSTIN, Texas — Eight members of the Pittsburg State University football team — senior offensive lineman Drew Daniels, junior tight end Jaydon Knight, redshirt senior defensive back Ryan Medeiros, redshirt sophomore defensive back Mario Menghini, redshirt sophomore tight end Luke Niggemann, redshirt senior long snapper Austin O'Hara, junior placekicker Austin Schmitt and redshirt senior offensive lineman Carter Stanchfield — have been named to the 2025 NCAA Division II Academic All-District Football Team as selected by the College Sports Communicators.

Additionally, Daniels, O'Hara, Schmitt and Stanchfield will advance to the national ballot from which the 2025 NCAA Division II Academic All-America Team® will be selected later this month.

Daniels (Andover, Kan.) and Stanchfield (Paola, Kan.) anchored a Pitt State offensive line that helped the Gorillas average 29.2 points and 394.6 yards of total offense per game. Both players earned All-MIAA honors and Stanchfield also garnered honorable mention All-America accolades this fall. Daniels has a 3.95 GPA as an exercise science major, while Stanchfield has a 4.00 GPA pursuing a master's of business administration (MBA) degree.

O'Hara (St. Paul, Kan.) has handled the long snapping duties for the Gorillas each of the past two seasons. O'Hara has a 3.97 GPA as a psychology major.

Schmitt (Grain Valley, Mo.) converted 19 of 30 field goal attempts, 44 of 45 PAT tries and scored a team-leading 107 points on the season for the Gorillas. He was a first-team All-MIAA selection; and he was named the MIAA Special Teams Player of the Year. Schmitt, who also garnered honorable mention All-America honors, has a 3.78 GPA as an exercise science major.

Knight (Urbandale, Iowa) and Niggemann (Girard, Kan.) both were key contributors at tight end for the Gorillas this fall. Knight caught eight passes for 49 yards on the season. Niggemann, an honorable mention All-MIAA selection, caught nine passes for 112 yards and two scores; and he rushed for 141 yards and three touchdowns. Knight has a 3.87 GPA as an exercise science major, while Niggemann has a 3.65 GPA as a management major.

Medeiros (Prosper, Texas) posted 47 tackles (24 solo), one interception and two pass breakups this season. Menghini (Frontenac, Kan.) saw action in all 12 games, primarily on special teams, and made two tackles on the season. Medeiros has a 3.53 GPA as a construction management major, while Menghini has a 3.59 GPA in exercise science.