The College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) achieved significant recognition on the 2025 D3football.com All-Region 5 Team, with its athletes and coaches sweeping the region’s major awards. The announcement was made Wednesday.
North Central quarterback Garret Wilson received the Region 5 Offensive Player of the Year award after being named First Team quarterback. Wilson completed nearly 71 percent of his passes for a total of 2,479 yards and 39 touchdowns during the season. His passing efficiency rating of 212 led all NCAA Division III quarterbacks. John Sullivan, also from North Central, was selected as Region 5 Defensive Player of the Year for a second consecutive year, finishing with 61 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks.
Wheaton head coach Jesse Scott earned Region 5 Coach of the Year honors following an 11–2 season that ended in a trip to the Division III national quarterfinals. Wheaton had ten players named to the All-Region team, including six First Team selections. North Central led all CCIW schools with twelve honorees overall.
Other North Central First Team selections included running back Donovan McNeal—who averaged 8.3 yards per carry while rushing for over one thousand yards—wide receiver Thomas Skokna (who led Division III with twenty-three receiving touchdowns), offensive tackle Cortez Jones, center Jerred Durian, kicker Aidan Ellison (who converted thirteen out of fourteen field goals with a long kick of fifty-seven yards), and cornerback Rahmareon Roby (with four interceptions and eleven pass breakups).
Wheaton’s First Team honorees were guard Aiden Byrne, offensive tackle Aidan Kingsbury, defensive end Peter Johanik (who set a program record for tackles for loss), linebacker Zeke Harris (conference leader in tackles at one hundred twelve), safety Colin Moore (whose eight interceptions tied for most nationally in Division III), and punter Josiah Smith.
Additional CCIW players recognized included Carroll senior tight end Reed Breckheimer on the First Team; his teammate Max Katsenos was named Second Team center. Illinois Wesleyan sophomore Will Nazha received Second Team honors at both wide receiver and returner; junior Zach Hansen earned Second Team recognition at long snapper.
Wheaton added several Second Team picks: quarterback Mark Forcucci, wide receiver Seth Kortenhoeven, tight end Ben Juska, and linebacker Luca Torti. WashU junior Brady Cavan was also named to the Second Team offense. North Central rounded out its representation with additional defensive selections on both Second and Third Teams.
All athletes honored in Region 5 are eligible for D3football.com All-America consideration when national teams are announced Monday, December 22. Region 5 includes institutions from four conferences: American Rivers Conference, CCIW, Midwest Conference, and Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference.
Garret Wilson said: “It’s an honor to be recognized among so many talented players across our region.” John Sullivan stated: “Receiving this award again is a testament to our team’s hard work.” Jesse Scott commented: “I’m proud of what our program accomplished this season.”
