Tiffin University led the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) and ranked third among all NCAA Division II institutions as the Division II Athletics Directors Association (D2 ADA) announced its 2025-26 Academic Achievement Award recipients. A total of 297 Dragons student-athletes earned the honor, which recognizes the academic accomplishments of NCAA Division II student-athletes competing in championship-sponsored sports.
The annual awards recognize the academic accomplishments of NCAA Division II student-athletes competing in championship-sponsored sports. To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, complete a minimum of two years (four semesters) of college-level work and be an active member of an intercollegiate team during the previous academic year.
Tiffin was one of just 16 NCAA Division II institutions to have more than 200 student-athletes earn the honor and was the only G-MAC member to surpass the 200-recipient mark. Now in its 19th year, the D2 ADA Academic Achievement Awards program recognizes the academic accomplishments of student-athletes competing at the NCAA Division II level. Emmanuel University led the nation with 365 honorees, while the University of Mount Olive ranked second with 322 recipients.
“This is a significant honor for our student-athletes, and we are incredibly proud to see their hard work and academic achievements recognized,” said Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Director of Athletics Kelly Daniel.
“Congratulations to each of our student-athletes on this well-deserved accomplishment. Their dedication to excellence in the classroom reflects the values of Tiffin University and is a testament to their commitment both academically and athletically.”
“This recognition truly embodies what Tiffin University is all about,” added Daniel. “We have exceptional coaches who recruit outstanding student-athletes, and those student-athletes are supported and challenged by phenomenal professors and staff. To have so many of our student-athletes recognized for their academic achievements is a testament to their dedication, work ethic and commitment to excellence.”
Overall, a total of 21,000-plus student-athletes were recognized from 179 institutions for the 2025-26 Academic Achievement Awards. Since its inception, more than 211,000 Division II student-athletes have received the honor.