AUSTIN, TX – College Sports Communicators (CSC) has announced the 2024 Academic All-America Teams in football, and the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) was represented by DePauw senior Jonathan Bruder (Centerville, OH/Centerville) and junior Robby Ballentine (Crown Point, IN/Andrean), who both earned first-team honors.

Bruder, a biochemistry major with a 3.87 GPA, led the Tigers' defense in 2024 with 79.0 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 6.0 tackles for loss. The linebacker also recorded two interceptions, one of which he returned 70 yards for a touchdown against Denison. Bruder’s efforts on the field earned him the 2024 NCAC Hank Critchfield Award as the league’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Ballentine, a biochemistry and global health double major with a 3.95 GPA, led the DePauw offense this past season with 78 receptions for 1,204 yards and a school and NCAC-record 20 touchdown catches. The wide receiver ranked third in Division III in touchdowns and contributed to DePauw's historic season, as the team notched 11 wins for the first time in program history. Ballentine had at least one touchdown catch in 11 of 12 games, including a high of 194 yards in the 45-20 win over Maryville (TN) in the NCAA second-round.

To be eligible for the CSC Academic All-America award, student-athletes must maintain a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA, be a key contributor to their team, and have been selected as a CSC Academic All-District honoree.