Rochester, NY – On Thursday, November 20th at 1 p.m., the Empire 8 Conference released its 2025 Football All-Conference selections, and the Brockport Golden Eagles dominated the list. With a program-leading nine different student-athletes (10 total selections) named to the First Team, Brockport showcased its depth and talent across all three phases of the game. The Golden Eagles earned a total of 21 all-conference nods to conclude the regular season

Empire 8 Rookie of the Year – Nazhier Wilson, LB
Freshman linebacker Nazhier Wilson capped off an excellent debut season by being named the Empire 8 Rookie of the Year, the fifth Brockport player to earn the honor. His impact was immediately felt on Brockport's 7th nationally ranked total defense. He recorded 49 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and five quarterback hurries. Wilson looks to build on this phenomenal start and become a key veteran presence on the defense for years to come.

Empire 8 Special Teams Player of the Year – Zach McGowan, K/P 
Kicker Zach McGowan was the undisputed most valuable specialist in the conference, rightfully earning the title of Empire 8 Special Teams Player of the Year. Taking on full kicking responsibilities in 2025, McGowan was nearly flawless, converting 61-of-63 extra points and 6-of-7 on field goal attempts. Beyond his kicking accuracy, he was a massive factor on kickoffs, averaging 60.9 yards per attempt and booming 26 touchbacks, consistently forcing opponents to start deep in their own territory. McGowan's precision and power made him a true weapon.

First Team Offense – Isaiah Simmons, RB
The undisputed engine of the Golden Eagle ground attack, Isaiah Simmons cemented his legacy by securing his second consecutive First Team All-Conference selection. This season, the prolific back transcended regional competition to become a bona fide national threat. Simmons led the E8 in rushing, setting career benchmarks while bulldozing his way to 1,384 total rushing yards, a mark that slotted him an impressive 6th nationally in Division III. His relentless drive was highlighted by a stunning 19 rushing touchdowns, ranking 5th in the nation, while his staggering average of 133.8 yards per game placed him 7th nationally among all Division III rushers. Simmons delivered the most explosive play in program history, etching his name into the record books by shattering the 68-year old record with a blistering 99-yard touchdown burst from scrimmage in a week eight win against Alfred University.

First Team Offense – Julian McGaughy, OL
Julian McGaughy earned his first collegiate all-conference selection, immediately establishing himself as a foundational piece on the Golden Eagle offensive line. McGaughy has been a critical component of a Brockport O-Line unit that has paved the way for the 31st best rushing offense in the country, helping unleash running back Isaiah Simmons, who ranked 7th nationally in yards per game. This unit was nothing short of dominant, tying for first in the Empire 8 and ranking 10th nationally for allowing a minimal five sacks all season. McGaughy's strength up front helped drive the E8's second-best rushing attack (208.3 yards per game) and the second-best passing offense.

First Team Offense – Adam Montalvo, OL
Preseason All-American Adam Montalvo earned First Team honors for the second consecutive season, reaffirming his status as an elite anchor on the offensive front. Montalvo's veteran leadership and consistent blocking were critical factors in the line's success. He was a key piece of the unit that fueled the 31st nationally ranked rushing offense, creating massive holes for star back Isaiah Simmons, who averaged 133.8 yards per game (7th nationally). The line also provided a nearly flawless pocket, allowing only five sacks all season. Montalvo's presence was vital in creating the protection that helped the passing game thrive and leading the E8's second-best rushing attack.

First Team Offense – Daniel Manneh, WR
Daniel Manneh took over the role as the team's top aerial threat, immediately impacting the passing game and earning his second career all-conference selection. He delivered a breakout season, compiling career highs with 829 receiving yards on 59 catches and exploding for seven touchdowns—more than doubling his scoring total from the previous campaign. Manneh consistently torched opposing secondaries, posting a game-high of 209 receiving yards and eclipsing his previous season total by 254 yards.

First Team Defense – Jayden Ferrell, DL
Freshman Jayden Ferrell hit the ground running, making an immediate impact on the defensive line and earning his first collegiate honors. Ferrell was a constant disruptor, leading the team with 12 tackles for loss, while racking up three quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery. His play was integral to Brockport's pressure, which ranked second in the Empire 8 for sacks and fumbles forced.

First Team Defense – Jayson Thomas, DL
After two consecutive years on the Second Team, nose guard Jayson Thomas finished his senior campaign by earning First Team Defense accolades. The centerpiece of Brockport's defensive front battled through double teams all season, recording 29 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. He was also credited with three quarterback hurries, one deflected pass, and one forced fumble, playing a vital role in Brockport's second-place finish in the Empire 8 for sacks and forced fumbles.

First Team Defense – Luca Friedman, LB
Friedman was the centerpiece of the dominant defense and was rightfully rewarded with his first career All-Conference selection. A big contributor to the Golden Eagles' nationally ranked 7th total defense, Friedman led the team with 63 total tackles. He also showed his versatility with 8.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, six quarterback hurries, one pass breakup, and one fumble recovery.

First Team Defense – Kyle Slywka, DB
Transfer Kyle Slywka made plays all over the field for Brockport's secondary, proving to be one of the best defensive backs in the Empire 8. Earning his first career All-Conference team nod, opposing quarterbacks were notably hesitant to throw his way. Slywka finished the regular season tied for a team-high two interceptions, along with four pass breakups and one blocked kick.

First Team Special Teams – Zach McGowan, K
McGowan was a tremendous weapon for the Golden Eagles, earning the prestigious E8 Special Teams Player of the Year honors. The kicker led the league by averaging a staggering 63.0 yards per kickoff, recording a league-leading 36 touchbacks on 64 attempts. He was also remarkably accurate, connecting on 6-of-7 field goals (85.7%—the highest in the E8) with a long of 41 yards, and was 30-for-34 on point-after attempts.

First Team Special Teams – Daniel Manneh, Return Specialist
Daniel Manneh truly solidified his status as a triple threat this season, earning his third major overall selection by being named a First Team Return Specialist. This award marked his first-ever all-conference selection specifically for special teams, highlighting his phenomenal versatility. He proved why opponents should never kick his way, racking up 144 yards on 14 punt returns, including a game-breaking 67-yard touchdown sprint. Manneh's explosive play placed him second in the entire Empire 8 for punt return yards.

Second Team Offense – Liam Malgieri, OL
Liam Malgieri solidified his role as a relentless performer up front, snagging his second straight all-conference selection and making the jump from Third Team to Second Team. Malgieri consistently delivered a high motor and a powerful drive, serving as another key piece of the dominant offensive line unit that created a fortress for the quarterback, allowing a staggeringly low five sacks all season. His exceptional play was crucial in clearing space for the E8's second-best ground game, and this unit propelled Brockport's ground game to a ranking of 31st nationally in rushing.

Second Team Offense – Daniel Manneh, All Purpose
The epitome of versatility, Daniel Manneh earned his third all-conference selection of the 2025 season by being recognized as an All-Purpose threat. Manneh was a dynamic yardage accumulator through rushing, receiving, and punt returns. In addition to his receiving production, he was second in the Empire 8 for total receiving yards with 829 yards and boasted an excellent 10.3 yards per return average, proving he could impact the game from anywhere on the field.

Second Team Defense – Nazhier Wilson, LB
The Empire 8 Rookie of the Year, freshman linebacker Nazhier Wilson, also earned a selection to the Second Team Defense after an explosive debut campaign. Wilson was immediately one of the most effective tacklers on the Golden Eagles' nationally recognized defense. He showed his disruptive playmaking ability by picking up 49 total tackles, an impressive 9.5 tackles for loss (tied for fourth in the E8), five quarterback hurries, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

Second Team Defense – Colton Thorp, DB
Sophomore safety Colton Thorp snagged his first collegiate all-conference selection, providing outstanding coverage and securing the backend of the defense. Thorp was a blanket in the secondary, making life difficult for opposing wide receivers by tallying a team-high seven pass breakups. His aggressive play style was highlighted by his 26 total tackles and a forced fumble, showcasing his ability to close quickly and deliver the critical hit.

Third Team Offense – Ben Gocella, QB
Quarterback Ben Gocella earned his second career Third Team nod after a stellar campaign leading the aerial attack. Gocella was the engine for Brockport's second-best total offense and passing offense in the E8, finishing second in the conference for passing yards with 1,918. He delivered the football with efficiency, throwing 16 touchdowns and posting a sharp 151.9 passer rating, consistently moving the chains and commanding the offense.

Third Team Defense – Kanye Davis, LB
Transfer linebacker Kanye Davis made an immediate, high-impact statement during his first season in the Green and Gold. Davis proved to be a natural pocket penetrator and pressure artist, tying for the team lead in both sacks and quarterback hurries, registering 3.5 sacks and a stout 6 QB hurries. He also showed sideline-to-sideline range with 21 total tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, and three pass breakups.

Third Team Defense – Liam Nealy, DB
In just his second year with the Golden Eagles, Liam Nealy established himself as a certified ball hawk on the Brockport defense, earning his first collegiate All-Conference selection. Nealy made it a difficult reception for any pass thrown his way, posting two interceptions and five pass breakups on the year. A reliable open-field tackler, he recorded the second-most total tackles on the team with 51, along with 3.5 tackles for loss, one quarterback hurry, and one forced fumble.

Third Team Special Teams – Connor Parker, P
Freshman punter Connor Parker earned his first all-conference selection in his debut year, proving to be a valuable field position weapon. Parker led the team with an average of 40.6 yards per punt, consistently flipping the field. His powerful leg belted a long of 59 yards and included two punts over 50 yards, along with two that he expertly pinned the opposing team inside the 20-yard line.

Empire 8 Sportsman of the Year – Darius Cervi, LB
Linebacker Darius Cervi was selected as Brockport's representative on the Empire 8 Sportsman of the Year Team. As a key member of the top-tier defensive unit, Cervi showed his playmaking ability, tying for the most forced fumbles on the team with two. He totaled 31 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 1.0 sacks, one QB hurry, and one pass breakup.

The Golden Eagles finished the regular season with a 6-4 record with a 4-3 mark in E8 play. Earning a ninth straight postseason appearance. Brockport will host the ECAC Robert M. "Scotty" Whitelaw Bowl Game against Geneva College for a 12 p.m. kickoff at Bob Boozer Field on Saturday, November 22nd.