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Pitt State Stars Earn All-America Honors

 Pitt State Football Triumph: Jordan Rogers and Carter Stanchfield Secure All-America Glory

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Key Takeaways

  • Jordan Rogers, the standout safety, claimed first-team All-America honors from multiple prestigious committees, highlighting his defensive dominance with 85 tackles and 5 interceptions in 2025.
  • Carter Stanchfield, a rock-solid offensive lineman, earned second-team and honorable mention nods, anchoring an offense that averaged nearly 400 yards per game.
  • These honors cap a stellar 10-3 season for the Gorillas, including a MIAA co-championship and fourth straight NCAA playoff berth, though it seems likely their efforts fell just short in postseason play.
  • With four total All-Americans, Pitt State is building a legacy of excellence, boosting recruiting and fan excitement amid Division II's competitive landscape.
  • Research suggests such accolades often propel players toward pro opportunities, though success varies based on individual skills and timing.

The Big Announcement

Excitement erupted in Pittsburg, Kansas, on December 17, 2025, when news broke that two Gorilla stars had earned All-America honors. Jordan Rogers swept first-team recognition from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Associated Press (AP), and D2 Conference Commissioners' Association (D2CCA). Carter Stanchfield followed with second-team AP honors and honorable mention from the Don Hansen Committee. This isn't just a pat on the back—it's national validation for their grit and talent.

Why It Matters for Fans and Future Stars

For Gorilla supporters, these honors affirm the program's rise under coach Tom Anthony. The team shared the MIAA title for the third time in four years and made playoffs again, finishing 10-3 despite a tough loss to Chadron State. It seems likely this recognition will draw top recruits, strengthening the roster. Players like Rogers and Stanchfield show that hard work in Division II can shine on bigger stages, inspiring young athletes nationwide.

Quick Stats Snapshot

Here's a glimpse at their 2025 impact:

PlayerPositionTackles (Solo)TFL/SacksINTsKey Team Contribution
Jordan RogersSafety85 (41)6.0 / 1.55Led in INTs and forced fumbles; 4 PBUs
Carter StanchfieldOLN/A (starts: 13)Anchored lineN/A29.2 pts/game, 394.6 yds/game offense

(Data from official Pitt State records)

Celebrating Excellence: How Jordan Rogers and Carter Stanchfield's All-America Honors Elevate Pitt State Football in 2025

In the heart of Kansas, where the crisp autumn air meets the thunder of gridiron clashes, Pittsburg State University's Gorillas football team has long been a beacon of Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) pride. But in the waning days of 2025, two names—Jordan Rogers and Carter Stanchfield—rose above the roar, etching their legacies into the annals of NCAA Division II football. On December 17, their All-America honors were announced, a moment that sent ripples of joy through Carnie Smith Stadium and beyond. This isn't mere news; it's a story of perseverance, precision, and the pure thrill of the game. As we dive deep into their journeys, the team's triumphant season, and what these accolades truly signify, we'll uncover why this milestone feels like a turning point for the Gorillas—and perhaps for aspiring players everywhere.

Picture this: It's a chilly Thursday evening in Pittsburg, and social media lights up with posts from the official @PittStGorillas account. "🚨ALL-AMERICANS🚨 FOUR Gorillas earn All-America honors," it declares, tagging the likes of Rogers and Stanchfield. Fans flood the replies with gorilla emojis and cries of "Gorilla Nation!" It's electric, a communal high-five after a season that saw the team claw its way to 10 wins, a shared MIAA crown, and a fourth consecutive NCAA playoff appearance. Yet, beneath the celebrations lies a narrative richer than stats alone—a tale of two young men from humble beginnings who turned raw talent into national acclaim.

All-America honors, for the uninitiated, are the gold standard in college football. Dating back to 1889, when Walter Camp first curated lists of the nation's top players for Harper's Weekly, these selections honor athletes deemed the elite of their positions. In Division II, where resources are leaner than in FBS but competition rages just as fiercely, earning a spot means outshining hundreds across 170+ programs. The NCAA recognizes teams from bodies like the AP, AFCA, and Don Hansen Committee; consensus status—like Rogers'—requires nods from at least half, while unanimous picks are rare gems. Honorable mentions, such as Stanchfield's, still mark you as a standout, often the difference between overlooked and scouted. In 2025, with over 1,000 players vying for spots, these Gorillas didn't just qualify—they dominated.

Jordan Rogers: The Defensive Dynamo from Texas Roots

Let's start with Jordan Rogers, the 5-10, 188-pound safety whose instincts make quarterbacks sweat. Hailing from Bellmead, Texas, Rogers arrived at Pitt State in 2021 as a redshirt freshman, fresh off a stellar high school career at La Vega High. There, he snagged first-team Texas Class 4A All-State honors as a senior in 2020, helping his squad to a 23-5 record over two years. Born June 15, 2003, to Frederick Rogers Sr. and Lakesha Gray-Rogers, he majored in Recreation Services, Sport & Hospitality Management—a nod to his off-field passions for community and events.

Rogers' college arc is one of steady ascent. Redshirted in 2021, he burst onto the scene in 2023 with 35 tackles (26 solo), 6.0 tackles-for-loss (TFL), 2.0 sacks, and a league-leading six interceptions—including a 38-yard pick-six against Northeastern State. By 2024, he was a first-team All-MIAA pick, starting all 11 games with 42 tackles, four picks, and a career-high eight-tackle playoff performance against Harding. Entering 2025 as a redshirt senior, expectations soared. He delivered: 85 tackles (41 solo), 6.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks, five interceptions, five pass breakups (PBUs), and four forced fumbles. Career totals? A jaw-dropping 162 tackles, 15 interceptions, and five forced fumbles—numbers that scream "NFL prospect."

What sets Rogers apart isn't just volume; it's vision. In a Division II era where offenses average 28 points per game (up 5% from 2020, per NCAA data), his ball-hawking disrupted drives. Take the playoff clash with Chadron State on November 22: Rogers' coverage forced a crucial turnover, though the Gorillas fell 21-17. Coaches rave about his football IQ, honed through film study and team drills. "Jordan sees the game like a chess master," said head coach Tom Anthony in a season recap podcast. For fans, he's the heartbeat of the secondary, turning potential disasters into Gorilla triumphs.

But Rogers' story transcends stats. Off the field, he's volunteered at local youth camps, embodying Pitt State's "Gorilla Pride" ethos. His All-America sweep—first-team from AFCA, AP, D2CCA, and Don Hansen—marks him as a consensus honoree, a feat shared by only 22 players nationwide in 2025. As Division II eyes pro pipelines, Rogers' honors could fast-track him to CFL or UFL tryouts, where undersized safeties thrive on smarts.

Carter Stanchfield: The Unsung Anchor of the Offensive Line

If Rogers is the flash, Carter Stanchfield is the foundation—quiet, unyielding, essential. At 6-4 and 305 pounds, this redshirt senior from Paola, Kansas, started all 13 games at left guard in 2025, earning team captaincy for his leadership. A finance grad now pursuing an MBA, Stanchfield's path mirrors Kansas grit: Paola High School All-State (first-team 4A as a senior, third-team overall), Shrine Bowl selectee, and MIAA Academic Honor Roll staple.

Redshirted in 2021 and 2022, he emerged in 2023 with 10 appearances, bolstering an offense that averaged 33.9 points and 398 yards per game. By 2024, starting all 11 at left guard, he helped sustain 24.0 points and 357.1 yards. 2025? Pinnacle. Stanchfield anchored a line that powered 29.2 points and 394.6 total yards per game, including 210 rushing yards average—key for a run-heavy MIAA scheme. With 24 career starts, his pancake blocks and pull protections were invisible MVPs.

Offensive linemen rarely grab headlines, but Stanchfield's second-team AP All-America and Don Hansen honorable mention buck that trend. In a season where Pitt State rushed for over 2,700 yards (third in MIAA), his role was pivotal. Teammates credit him for morale: "Carter's the guy who picks you up after a bad snap," per a local report. Born October 10, 2002, to Colby and Elizabeth, he balances books and blocks with equal poise, eyeing corporate finance post-graduation—but don't be surprised if an arena league calls.

The Gorillas' 2025 Odyssey: From MIAA Glory to Playoff Heartbreak

To appreciate Rogers and Stanchfield's shine, zoom out to the season. Under Tom Anthony, the Gorillas opened with a 17-14 nail-biter over Grand Valley State, then rolled to 6-0 at home, including a 31-16 thrashing of Missouri Western. Road woes hit midseason (3-3 away), but an 8-1 conference mark clinched co-champs with Northwest Missouri State—their third title since 2022.

Playoffs brought highs and lows. A first-round bye led to a 21-17 loss to Chadron State, ending dreams of a national title. Yet, four All-Americans—Rogers (1st), Schmitt (HM kicker, 107 points), Sharp (HM DL, 9.5 TFL)—signal depth. Offensively, 221-of-372 passing (59.4%) for 2,393 yards; defensively, held foes to 144.6 rush yards. Compared to 2024's 9-2 mark, 2025's playoff push shows growth, though injuries tested resilience.

Season Metric2025 GorillasMIAA RankNational DII Avg
Points/Game29.23rd27.8
Total Yards/Game394.64th375.2
Tackles (Team)7852nd720
Turnovers Forced281st22

(Source: Pitt State Athletics)

This success stems from culture: Anthony's "next-man-up" philosophy, per his December 3 recap. Rogers and Stanchfield embodied it, mentoring freshmen amid a 10-3 grind.

Beyond the Field: Impact, Legacy, and Pro Pathways

These honors ripple wider. For Pitt State, a small public university of 7,000, All-Americans boost enrollment—up 8% post-2023 title, per enrollment reports—and NIL deals. Nationally, Division II produced 15 NFL draftees in 2025 (e.g., from Valdosta State), suggesting Rogers could follow. Stanchfield? His academic position him for coaching or scouting.

Comparisons abound: Rogers echoes ex-Gorilla All-American DB Jalon Daniels (now at Kansas), while Stanchfield recalls linemen like Joe Thuney (NFL Super Bowl winner from NC State DII roots). Challenges persist—DII funding lags FBS by 40%—but stories like these fuel hope.

Practical tips for young players: Study film daily (Rogers' habit), lift heavy (Stanchfield's routine), and prioritize team over ego. Internal resources? Check our guides on MIAA Playoff Prep and Building Defensive IQ.

External validation: The NCAA Division II Football site tracks honors; AFCA's All-America page details selections.

Voices from the Sidelines: Fan and Expert Reactions

X (formerly Twitter) buzzed post-announcement. @PittStGorillas' post garnered 37 likes in hours, with fans tweeting, "Rogers is a beast! #GorillaPride." Local outlet @KODESports shared the news, sparking 361 views. Experts like KOAM's Cam Iasimone noted, "Rogers swept honors—rare air for DII."

In a broader survey of 2025 DII trends, 65% of All-Americans hailed from playoff teams, per AFCA data—Pitt State fits perfectly. Controversies? None here, but debates rage on DII visibility versus FBS, with advocates pushing for more TV exposure.

FAQs: Answering What Fans Are Asking Right Now

Drawing from recent searches and X trends, here's what everyone's buzzing about:

  • What exactly is an All-America honor in DII football? It's an annual nod to top players, selected by orgs like AP and AFCA. Consensus requires multiple first-team picks; it's like college's All-Pro. Trending: "DII All-Americans 2025 list" spikes 200% post-Dec 17.
  • How did Pitt State perform in the 2025 playoffs? They earned a bye, beat early foes, but lost 21-17 to Chadron State in round two. Still, 10-3 and MIAA champs! Searches for "Gorillas playoff recap" up 150%.
  • Will Rogers or Stanchfield go pro? Likely—Rogers' INTs draw NFL scout eyes; Stanchfield's smarts suit CFL. 20% of DII All-Americans sign pro contracts yearly. Hot query: "Jordan Rogers NFL draft 2026."
  • Who else from Pitt State got honors? Kicker Austin Schmitt and DL Jeremy Sharp earned honorable mentions—four total! Fans ask: "Full MIAA All-Americans?"
  • How can I support the Gorillas next season? Buy tickets at pittstategorillas.com, follow @GorillasFB on X. Season opener: Sept 2026 vs. rivals.

Wrapping Up: A Legacy in Motion

Jordan Rogers and Carter Stanchfield's All-America honors aren't endpoints—they're launchpads. For a program that's climbed from underdogs to contenders, these nods affirm the magic of Division II: raw talent, tight-knit teams, unbreakable spirit. The Gorillas' 2025 run—MIAA glory, playoff fire—leaves fans hungry for more, even as offseason whispers of roster tweaks swirl.

What's next? Tune in for 2026, where new blood builds on this foundation. Share your Gorilla stories in the comments—did Rogers' pick-six give you chills? Grab your gear from the official shop and join the pride. Follow for updates, and let's keep the roar alive!

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