Harvard Football Celebrates Academic Excellence
Harvard football has made headlines by placing eight players on the 2025 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. This recognition spotlights not just athletic achievement but also academic success.
The players honored include:
- Xaviah Bascon, Junior, Running Back
- Xaden Benson, Sophomore, Defensive Back
- Jaden Craig, Senior, Quarterback
- Alex DeGrieck, Senior, Defensive Lineman
- Jaeden Kinlock, Senior, Linebacker
- Jack Kirkwood, Senior, Linebacker
- Ryan Osborne, Senior, Tight End
- Derek Osman, Senior, Offensive Lineman
Notably, Craig and Osman received this accolade for the second year in a row, underscoring their consistent performance both on the field and in the classroom.
To qualify for the Academic All-District honors, student-athletes must meet several criteria. They need to be at least sophomores, have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher, and play in at least 90% of games or start in 66% of contests. This standard highlights the balance between rigorous academics and high-level athletics.
The Harvard Crimson had a strong showing last season, finishing with a 9-2 record and earning a spot in the NCAA FCS Playoffs. They maintained a national ranking for most of the season, even reaching the top 10 during the final weeks.
This achievement reflects a broader trend in collegiate sports, where academic performance is increasingly valued alongside athletic skill. Many universities, including Harvard, are recognizing that success in the classroom can go hand-in-hand with success on the field.
For more insights on the importance of academics in sports, check out research from the NCAA, which shows that student-athletes who excel academically tend to perform better in their respective sports. This reinforces the idea that education is foundational to success in all areas of life.
Harvard’s dedication to both athletics and academics sets a strong example for institutions across the country.
