GROVE CITY, Pa. -- Grove City College senior linebacker Ben Bladel (Coraopolis, Pa./Moon) earned First Team Division III All-America honors Wednesday morning from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) in recognition of his performance during the 2025 season. It is Bladel's second consecutive AFCA All-America honor.

Injuries limited Bladel to six full games this season but the 6-foot, 225-pounder still recorded 5.5 quarterback sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. He concluded his career as Grove City's all-time leader with 39.5 sacks and 70.5 tackles for loss. 

Bladel's efforts helped Grove City lead the Presidents' Athletic Conference in rushing defense during the regular season as the Wolverines held foes to 66.6 yards per game. He earned First Team All-PAC following the season. 

Bladel also earned AFCA All-America honors in 2024. D3football.com recognized him as an All-American in 2023 and 2024. He earned Presidents' Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year distinction in 2023.

Grove City finished 8-3 overall and earned the program's third straight berth in the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament.