STONY BROOK, N.Y. — With the 2025 season approaching, Stony Brook football continues to earn national respect as 12 Seawolves were recognized on Phil Steele's FCS Preseason All-America and All-CAA teams. Headlining the list were running back Roland Dempster and offensive lineman Niko Papic, who both earned national All-America honors.

Dempster, named to the All-America First Team, is coming off one of the most dominant seasons in program history. A 2024 Walter Payton Award finalist, he rushed for 1,332 yards and 18 touchdowns—ranking among national leaders in multiple categories. He added 335 receiving yards and averaged 138.9 all-purpose yards per game, becoming the first Seawolf to post three games with three rushing touchdowns since 2011.

Papic earned Fourth Team All-America honors and anchored an offensive line that helped Stony Brook improve its total offense by nearly 90 yards per game. The unit led the CAA in time of possession, while Papic started every game and played a key role in Dempster's record-setting season.

Both Dempster and Papic were also named to the Phil Steele CAA Preseason First Team, joined by kicker Enda Kirby and linebacker AJ Roberts. Kirby set a program record with 17 made field goals and led the CAA in field goal percentage. Roberts, the team's leading tackler, recorded 86 stops, 4.5 tackles for loss, and returned an interception for a touchdown.

Second Team selections included wide receiver Jayce Freeman (506 yards, 6 TDs), freshman defensive lineman Sebastian Regis (18 tackles, scoop-and-score), and linebacker Anthony Ferrelli (84 tackles, 5.5 TFL). Regis also earned Freshman All-America honors.

Captain Rodney Faulk (10.0 TFL, 4.5 sacks) led the Third Team honorees, joined by wideout Dez Williams, who posted a career-high 382 receiving yards and two touchdowns—including a highlight-reel catch featured on ESPN. Defensive back Aidan Kaler, a transfer from Charlotte, also earned Third Team recognition.

Tight end Cole Bunicci rounded out Stony Brook's selections on the Fourth Team after recording 259 yards, two touchdowns, and averaging 18.5 yards per catch—leading all CAA tight ends in that category.

The Stony Brook football team returns to the field on August 28th as they head to San Diego to battle the Aztecs at SnapDragon Stadium. 

Bring your group out to Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium and enjoy the thrill of gameday, exclusive group benefits, and great discounted pricing to help create an unforgettable experience. Click here or contact the Stony Brook Athletics ticket office at 631-632-WOLF or seawolvestickets@stonybrook.edu to get started. 

More information on each theme and ticket offers will be available throughout the offseason on social media and at StonyBrookAthletics.com.

For an inside look at the Seawolves football program, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.