FAIRFIELD, Conn. - In recognition of their unwavering dedication to both their academic and athletic pursuits, Sacred Heart University football standouts Mike Deitelbaum, Cole De Magistris, Maximus Mongelli, Payton Rhoades, and Jack Snyder have earned College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District accolades.

Mongelli has earned All-District honors for the third time in his career, while Rhoades received his second recognition from CSC. 

The 2025 Academic All-District® Football teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the gridiron and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes football honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA.

Deitelbaum, a junior Accounting major with a 3.95 GPA, appeared in all 12 games for the Pioneers during the fall season. The linebacker proved to be a consistent and disruptive force on the defensive front, ranking second on the team in tackles for loss with 6.5 for 16 yards and third in sacks with 2.0, including a 1.5-sack performance against Howard. A native of Naugatuck, Conn., he also finished fifth on the team in total tackles with 43.0, highlighting his versatility and reliability. Deitelbaum recorded multiple tackles in 10 games, with his season-high effort coming against Howard, where he posted eight stops.

DeMagistris, a graduate student pursuing his MBA in Marketing with a perfect 4.0 GPA, started all 12 games on the offensive line. He played a key role in protecting quarterback Jack Snyder, who enjoyed a stellar season and ranked fifth in the FCS in completion percentage at 71.2 percent. A native of Emerson, N.J., DeMagistris also helped anchor an offensive front that powered SHU's rushing attack to a sixth-place national ranking in the FCS, averaging 217.0 yards per game. He also served as team captain.  

Mongelli, a graduate student pursuing his MBA in Finance and Investment Management with a 3.8 GPA, put together an impressive season while competing and starting in all 12 games for the Pioneers. He led the team in total tackles with 61.0 and recorded two double-digit tackle performances, totaling 10 stops against both Stonehill and Merrimack. A model of consistency, Mongelli logged two or more tackles in 10 games during the season. He also made a significant impact in coverage, recording an interception against Norfolk State and ranking second on the team in pass breakups with seven, including four in the Yankee Conference Cup Championship victory over Merrimack. Mongelli also served as team captain. 

Rhoades, a graduate student pursuing his Master's degree in Sports Communications and Broadcasting with a perfect 4.0 GPA, capped his collegiate career with a record-breaking season. This fall, he led the team in receiving yards with 529, averaging 12.6 yards per catch and 44.1 yards per game. The Lindale, Georgia native also recorded back-to-back games with a receiving touchdown against CCSU and Howard. Over the course of his career, Rhoades surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving milestone, finishing with 1,101 yards on 99 receptions and totaled three touchdowns. 

Snyder, a sophomore Management major with a 3.50 GPA, enjoyed a breakout season for the Pioneers, starting 11 of the team's 12 games and establishing himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in the FCS. He completed 166-of-233 passes for 1,867 yards and 11 touchdowns while throwing just three interceptions on the year. A dynamic dual-threat, the Canton, Ohio native also rushed for 675 yards on 111 carries and added seven touchdowns on the ground. On the national stage, Snyder ranked 19th in the FCS in passing efficiency (151.5) and fifth in completion percentage (.712), underscoring his poise and productivity under center. Snyder was also recognized by the New England Football Writers Association as the Gold Helmet Award recipient for the week of Sept. 28 following a standout performance against Delaware State.