GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- Eight student-athletes for the North Dakota football program were honored with national academic accolades by the Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Assocation (FCS ADA) as well as College Sports Communicators (CSC) for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom on Tuesday.

Quarterback Simon Romfo headlined the honorees, as the senior was the only student-athlete to appear on both lists. The Calvin, N.D., native was one of 57 student-athletes across all of FCS to be named to the FCS ADA Annual Academic All-Star Team. To be a member of the team, the nominees were required to have a minimum grade point average of 3.20 (on a 4.00 scale) in undergraduate or graduate study and have been a starter or key player with legitimate athletics credentials. They must have reached their second year of athletics and academic standing at the nominated institution and have completed a minimum of one full academic year at the nominated institution. They also must have participated in 50 percent of the games played at their designated position.

In addition, Romfo joined seven other UND student-athletes on the CSC Academic All-District Team. Ben Buxa, Jerry Kaminski, Jy Martin, Malachi McNeal, David Neuberger, Luke Silvernale and Mason South were also named to the team, which were nominated and selected by members of the College Sports Communicators group. To be a member of the team, the nominees must have at least a 3.50 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) as both an undergraduate and a grad student unless they are in their first semester as a graduate student and don't have an established graduate GPA, must be at least a sophomore academically and athletically and compete in 90 percent of the institution's games. 

It was also announced that McNeal and Neuberger have been selected as CSC Academic All-America finalists and will advance to the national ballot to be voted on by CSC members. First, second and third team Academic All-America honorees will be announced on Jan. 27, 2026. 

FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team:
Simon Romfo - QB

CSC Academic All-District Team:
Ben Buxa - OL
Jerry Kaminski - QB
Jy Martin - SAF
Malachi McNeal - LB*
David Neuberger - LS*
Simon Romfo - QB
Luke Silvernale - P
Mason South - TE

*denotes selection as CSC Academic All-America finalist