For the second year in-a-row the ACU Wildcats were represented on the Academic All-Star Team by the Football Championship Subdivision Athletic Directors Association (FCS ADA).
Senior punter
Grant Nickel has been named to the exclusive list which honors 54 of the best student-athletes at the FCS level.
Each of the honorees were required to have a minimum 3.20 GPA and have been a stater or key player for their team.
"These exceptional young men demonstrate excellence not only in their academic pursuits, but also through their dedication on the field," FCS ADA president Mark Benson said. "Annually, we have the privilege of reviewing and selecting remarkable leaders who represent the best of our division, and this year's candidates have continued the tradition. Congratulations to all the nominated student-athletes and to those selected."
Nickel graduated in December 2024 with a degree in Criminal Justice and earned a 3.72 GPA.
He recorded 55 punts last season with an average of 41.5 yards. Nickel was named All-United Athletic Conference in 2023 and a Preseason All-UAC selection in 2024.
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Nickel was accepted into the Texas Department of Public Safety Academy in January. Upon completion of the 7-month program, his goal is to become a state trooper and eventually become a K-9 officer.
ACU has now had five players named to the FCS ADA All-Star Academic Team. In 2019, quarterback Luke Anthony and receiver Josh Fink were selected and in 2023 long snapper
Dustin Inness and defensive back
Anthony Egbo, Jr. made the list.
Egbo was later named the FCS ADA Scholar Athlete of the Year.
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