Preseason Honors Set the Stage
The Ohio Valley Conference’s preseason awards have already begun to shape expectations for the upcoming campaign, and Lindenwood’s football program is front and center.
Five Lions earned first‑team honors on Phil Steele’s All‑Ohio Valley Conference Preseason teams, a testament to the depth of talent returning to St. Louis.
Running back Steve Hall headlines the group after a breakout 2025 season in which he amassed 612 yards on 111 carries and found the end zone eight times, establishing himself as the team’s primary rushing threat.
Wide receiver Jalen Smith also made the first‑team cut, having posted a career‑high 40 receptions for 771 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 19.3 yards per catch and giving the Lions a potent aerial weapon.
Offensive line anchor Andrew Swingle earned third‑team All‑American recognition from Phil Steele, underscoring the line’s role in a unit that led the conference with 20 rushing touchdowns during league play.
Defensive standout Jacob Waller was recognized with Defensive Player of the Week after a 17‑tackle performance against Charleston Southern, finishing the season with 89 stops and 8.5 tackles for loss.
Special teams contributor Christopher Bennett Jr. ranked fourth in the conference with a 22.9‑yard average on kick returns and second with 10.7 yards per punt return, adding a dynamic edge to field position.
The Lions’ offensive line also allowed the fewest sacks in the OVC (14), a marked improvement from the previous year’s 30, while the team’s overall rushing touchdown tally of 20 topped the conference during league play.
Additional honorees on the second and third teams include linemen Tony Failla and Eli Freeman, as well as freshmen Ashtin Rustemeyer and Cater Johnson, who earned Freshman of the Week after a 18‑tackle outing.
Veteran contributors Nate Compere, Andrew Zook and Will Graham round out the third‑team selections, with Zook starting all 12 games and Graham averaging 62.2 yards on kickoffs.
Coach Tony Failla, speaking on the selections, emphasized that the recognition reflects not only individual talent but also the collective work ethic that has defined the program’s recent growth.
With a schedule that includes matchups against traditional rivals in Illinois, Missouri and beyond, the Lions are poised to translate preseason accolades into on‑field success.