ALFRED, NY – Eleven different members of the Alfred University football team earned All-Empire 8 honors, as announced by the conference on Thursday.

"I'm very proud of all of the players that were named to the All-Empire 8 Team," Head Coach Bob Rankl said. "I do believe that we had some players that may not have gotten the recognition they deserved, but at the end of the fay, it is all voted for by the Empire 8 coaches."

All-Empire 8 Second Team

For the second consecutive season, Ryan Belanger (Wayland, NY/Wayland-Cohocton) earned All-Empire 8 honors following his efforts on the offensive front. Belanger was previously named to the 2024 All-Empire 8 First Team with Alfred University. The senior captain helped the Saxons offense average 143.5 rushing yards per game during the fall season.

Micheal Davis (Canton, PA/Canton) enjoyed a productive sophomore season in which he totaled 42 tackles, 19 of which were solo. Davis was credited with four sacks and five quarterback hurries. In a win against Hartwick, Davis recorded his first collegiate forced fumble.  

Thomas Welch (Avon, NY/Avon) led the Alfred University defense with a team-high 81 tackles during the fall season. The senior captain additionally led the team with three fumble recoveries to go with a pair of interceptions. Following a breakout game against Hobart, Welch was honored as the Empire 8 Co-Defensive Player of the Week.   

Colin McGovern (New City, NY/Clarkstown North) wrapped up a successful sophomore season with the special teams unit. McGovern totaled 1,560 yards across 38 punt attempts, averaging 41.05 yards per punt. The yards per punt mark for McGovern re-broke his own program record from the 2024 season.

All-Empire 8 Third Team

Tommy Nyquist (Warren, PA/Warren Area) led the AU backfield with a team-high 1,149 rushing yards to go with seven rushing touchdowns. Nyquist averaged 114.90 rushing yards per game, including 5.2 yards per carry. Nyquist enjoyed a pair of historic rushing performances this past fall, accumulating 285 rushing yards against Morrisville (second-most rushing yards in a single game in program history) and 236 rushing yards at Alfred State (seventh-most). Nyquist was additionally credited with 109 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown this season.

Lucas Freeland (Buffalo, NY/West Seneca West) was honored as part of the All-Empire 8 Third Team for his efforts at the fullback position. Freeland finished this past season with 30 receiving yards across four receptions for Alfred University. Against Utica University, Freeland brought in his first collegiate touchdown.

Conor Todd (East Syracuse, NY/East Syracuse) appeared in all 10 games for the Saxons this past season on the offensive line. This honor for Todd marks the second consecutive season in which he has been selected to the All-Empire 8 Third Team.

Carmine Hoag (Salamanca, NY/Salamanca) led Alfred University in multiple receiving categories this past fall, including receiving yards (513), receptions (41), receiving yards per game (51.30) and receiving touchdowns (7). Hoag registered at least one touchdown in each of the first five games for Alfred University this season.

Jaedon Adjei (Rochester, NY/Webster Thomas) concluded his senior season with the Saxons, appearing in all 10 games on the defensive line. Adjei totaled 34 tackles for AU, 19 of which were solo. Adjei was credited with four tackles for loss, including 1.5 sacks.  

Jack Bestpitch (Buffalo, NY/St. Mary's of Lancaster) was selected to the All-Empire 8 Third Team after finishing third on the team with 51 tackles, 35 of which were solo. The defensive back recorded a pair of interceptions and blocked kicks for AU. Following a breakout performance against neighboring Alfred State College, Bestpitch was honored as the Empire 8 Co-Special Teams Player of the Week.

For the second straight season, Dominic Bronco (Rochester, NY/Aquinas) earned All-Empire 8 honors. As the primary field goal kicker for AU, Bronco converted on 7-of-9 attempts. Bronco was additionally perfect with PATs this past season, going 26-of-26.

Empire 8 Tomorrow's Leader Team

Aidan Ploss (Herkimer, NY/Herkimer) was Alfred University's selection as part of the 2025 Empire 8 Football Tomorrow's Leaders Team. This team honors a student-athlete who has emerged as a leader not only on the field of play, but in the classroom and in the community. In addition, they "compete with honor and integrity" and have distinguished themselves and consistently exhibit the critical traits as outstanding sportsmen.