AUSTIN, Texas — Two student-athletes from the Gulf South Conference have been recognized for their academic excellence by being named to the 2025 NCAA Division II Academic All-America Team, as announced by the College Sports Communicators (CSC).
West Alabama kicker Elijah Guyton and Delta State offensive lineman Gabe Schweitzer both earned First Team Academic All-American honors. This achievement marks a significant milestone for both players, with Schweitzer being the first Delta State athlete to receive this honor since 1982, while Guyton is the first representative from West Alabama since 1984.
This announcement is particularly noteworthy as it represents the Gulf South Conference”s first Academic All-Americans since 2022. Additionally, it is the first time since 2016 that the conference has had a First Team honoree, and the first instance since 2014 where two student-athletes from the GSC have been recognized on the First Team.
Since the year 2000, a total of 18 football student-athletes from the Gulf South Conference have achieved the prestigious title of Academic All-American. To qualify for this honor, student-athletes must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and meet other criteria for nomination by CSC members. Those who receive Academic All-District recognition are then placed on the national ballot, which is voted on by all CSC members affiliated with a Division II institution or conference.
For the 2025 CSC Academic All-America First Team, Gabe Schweitzer holds a perfect 4.00 GPA while majoring in Sport & Human Performance. Elijah Guyton has a commendable GPA of 3.88 and is pursuing a degree in Business Management.
