Marietta College linebacker Harley Hopkins (10) lines up prior to a snap during a game against Muskingum this season at Don Drumm Stadium. (Photo by Jordan Holland)

WESTERVILLE — The Marietta College football team placed seven players on the All-Ohio Athletic Conference Football Team announced Monday (Nov. 24) morning by the league office.

Seniors Harley Hopkins, Brady McManaway, and Brayden Adams were named to the All-OAC first team. Sophomores Leo Grandizio and Drew Neal earned second team honors, and seniors Vante’ Hodges and John Sierputowski were named to the honorable mention squad.

“I’m proud of each of our All-OAC honorees,” said Marietta Head Football coach Tom Kaufman. “I’m also proud of every senior on our team who never wavered and helped us finish strong, creating massive momentum as we enter the offseason. This is a special group that I’ll never forget.”

Hopkins made the All-OAC first team at linebacker for the third consecutive year as he ranked among the league leaders in tackles, tackles for a loss, sacks, and forced fumbles. He was fourth in the OAC with 8.4 tackles per game, including 14 tackles for loss which resulted in a loss of 30 yards. Hopkins finished with 4.0 sacks and two forced fumbles.

“Harley is such a tremendous football player,” said Kaufman. “We asked him to do a lot this year, and he handled it all with confidence. He is a physical force, someone that opponents always had to gameplan for. We will miss his presence and leadership, and he leaves here as one of the best linebackers in Marietta history.”

McManaway repeated as a linebacker on the first team after finishing the season with a team lead of 90 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss. McManaway also intercepted two passes and recover three fumbles on the year.

“Brady had a tremendous senior season,” said Kaufman. “He was a tackling machine, but his production went well beyond that, including sacks, TFLs, INTs, and defensive TDs. There was not a better linebacker in the country in 2025 than Brady, and he was one of our best leaders.”

Adams also made the all-conference first team for the second consecutive season as he started in all 10 contests, anchoring the Pioneer offensive line. The Pioneers ranked third in the OAC in sacks allowed with just 10 on the season.

“Brayden has been a rock at left tackle,” said Kaufman. “He’s a special athlete, competitor, and leader. He is as good in pass protection as he is moving people in the run game. I appreciate his professional approach to the game, and we will miss him greatly.”

Defensive backs Neal and Grandizio took advantage of their expanded playing time and had great season as first-time starters. Neal was fifth in the OAC with 8.3 tackles per game. Grandizio was among the conference leaders with three interceptions and 10 pass breakups.

“Drew is tough as nails and is also an elite communicator. He recognizes formation and split tendencies extremely well, which allows him to play really fast. Leo has a high football IQ and is one of our better communicators. He practices like a pro, fully understanding the value or preparation,” said Kaufman of his two young defensive backs.

Hodges was on his way to monster season but was temporarily sidelined with an injury. He still went on to be the fifth leading rusher in the OAC with 933 yards, 6.3 yards per rush, and nine touchdowns on the season. He ranked third in the league averaging 116.6 yards per game.

“Vante’ is such a talented young man,” said Kaufman. “When Pioneer fans had a chance to see him playing healthy, they saw one of the best running backs in the country. Every touch was a potential big play. He is a special player who was so fun to watch, and I’ll miss watching him making plays.”

Sierputowski was second in the conference with 781 receiving yards and was third with 47 receptions and six touchdowns.

“John is a great example of resilience,” said Kaufman. “He came back to finish his career with a tremendous senior season. He got better every week, and his last game against Bluffton was his best. He was a leader for the receiver room, and I’ll miss his savvy veteran presence.”

Marietta finished the season with a 5-5 overall record and a 3-5 conference record.