VILLANOVA, Pa.—Graduate offensive lineman Temi Ajirotutu (Queens, N.Y.) and senior linebacker Shane Hartzell (Perkasie, Pa.) were named to the Football Championship Subdivision Athletic Directors Association (FCS ADA) 28^th Annual Academic All-Star Team in an announcement by the organization on Tuesday morning. They are each among 57 student-athletes in the country to earn the prestigious academic honor, while Hartzell is additionally one of 12 finalists selected for the 25^th Annual FCS ADA $5,000 Postgraduate Scholarship. Two student-athletes will receive postgraduate scholarships.
 
Current FCS ADA President, Kurt McGuffin, director of athletics at University of Tennessee Martin, stated, "This year's honorees exemplify what it means to be complete student-athletes, excelling both in the classroom and in competition. It is always rewarding to recognize outstanding individuals who embody the values and standards of our division, and this year's selections are no exception. We extend our sincere congratulations to all nominees and especially to those receiving this well-deserved recognition."
 
The selections to the FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team are just the latest accolades for Ajirotutu and Hartzell for their combination of success in the classroom and contributions on the field. Hartzell was named to the Athletic Director's Honor Roll at Villanova all eight semesters of his undergraduate career and was chosen as one of two Senior Student-Athletes of the Year among the Wildcats 2025 graduating class. He was a unanimous selection to this year's PhillySIDA Academic All-Area Team which considers a student-athlete's efforts both on and off the field. Hartzell was named a third team All-American by Stats Perform and a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award in addition to repeating on the CAA First Team Defense.
 
Ajirotutu has similarly been a top player on the field for Villanova in addition to his academic achievements. He is a four-time selection to the Athletic Director's Honor Roll and a five-time member of the CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll, including earning High Honors with Distinction for compiling a 4.0 grade point average during the Spring 2025 semester. Ajirotutu earned his second career all-conference selection this season and made his first appearance on the CAA Football First Team Offense. He went on to be an AFCA first team All-American and an Associated Press honorable mention All-America selection.

Football players from all Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) institutions are eligible for the award. Each of the nominees were required to have a minimum grade point average of 3.20 (on a 4.00 scale) in undergraduate or graduate study and have been a starter or key player with legitimate athletics credentials. They must have reached their second year of athletics and academic standing at the nominated institution and have completed a minimum of one full academic year at the nominated institution. They also must have participated in 50 percent of the games played at their designated position.