MIDDLETOWN, Conn. –
Dylan Connors '26 and
Austin Baker '27 of the Wesleyan football team were both included on the 2025 New England Division II/III All-New England Team, as announced by the New England Football Writers Association (NEFW) on Monday afternoon. This is Connors' second career All-New England nod while Baker makes the list for the first time.
Connors, the 2025 NESCAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year, closes out his collegiate career as a two-time All-New England selection. He played a key role on Wesleyan's defense, which led the NESCAC in fewest yards allowed per game for the second straight year. He totaled 51 tackles (35 solo) with four tackles for loss, two interceptions, and seven pass breakups. Connors' ability really shined as the year went along, including a tremendous all-around game in the win over Amherst that saw Connors total six tackles, one TFL, two pass breakups, and a blocked punt which he scooped up and scored from 22 yards out. He graduates with four career touchdowns (two interception, two blocked punt recoveries), five interceptions, 26 pass breakups, and 145 tackles.
In his first year as a starter at linebacker, Baker produced a team-leading 61 tackles (34 solo) including 7.5 TFL, two sacks, four pass breakups, and four QB hurries. Playing for a Wesleyan defense that graduated all three starters at the linebacker position from last season, Baker quickly made a name for himself and went on to have a productive all-around season as a three-down contributor at the position. He started the year with nine tackles in a home win over Middlebury, produced five tackles and two TFL in a road win over Bates, recorded seven tackles (six solo) and two pass breakups on the road against Colby, and had his best game with a season-high 12 tackles (six solo) with two TFL and one sack in the OT win over Williams on the road.
Both Connors and Baker will be honored at the New England Football Writers Captains and Awards Banquet on Thursday, December 11 at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel and Conference Center.
