Simpson places five on academic all-district team

INDIANOLA, Iowa – Five Simpson College football players were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team on Tuesday.

Sophomore linebackers Eli Fox and Mitchell Stevens were recognized alongside senior center Lucas Bartachek, sophomore wide receiver Lawson Langford, and sophomore punter Tanner Philpott. All five players earned the recognition for the first time in their careers.

To qualify, all nominees must be at least a sophomore in academic standing, have played in 90 percent of the team's games or started at least 66 percent, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher. The full team can be viewed by clicking here.

The CSC Academic All-America team will be announced on Jan. 27, 2026.

Lucas Bartachek
Senior center from Monticello, Iowa
Major: Health and Exercise Science
Season stats: 10 games started

Eli Fox
Sophomore linebacker from Indianola, Iowa
Major: Mathematics
Season stats: 10 games played, 31 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery

Lawson Langford
Sophomore wide receiver from Ankeny, Iowa
Major: Economics: Finance
Season stats: 10 games played, 29 receptions, 251 yards, 1 touchdown

Tanner Philpott
Sophomore punter from Waukee, Iowa
Major: Physical Education
Season stats: 10 games played, 40 punts, 1757 yards, 16 inside the 20

Mitchell Stevens
Sophomore linebacker from West Bend, Iowa
Major: Health and Exercise Science
Season stats: 9 games played, 23 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 0.5 sack