Four Bulldogs Named To VSN NAIA Football All-American Teams

FARGO, N.D. - The Victory Sports Network (VSN) has released its NAIA Football All-American Teams, VSN founder Jason Dannelly announced Monday. Eli Nourse (first team), Tyler Walker (second team), Michael Palandri (honorable mention), and Jace Fitzgerald (honorable mention) all received nods for Western.

The VSN NAIA Football team is compiled by Dannelly of the Victory Sports Network. Nominations are automatically taken from First Team selections from the All-Conference teams in the NAIA. Input on the selections comes from coaches, SIDs and media members around the NAIA. The final selections are made by Dannelly.

VSN NAIA All-American First Team - Wide Receiver

Eli Nourse - Dillon, Mont. / JR

Nourse totaled 78 receptions for 1,192 yards (119.2 yards per game) in his junior campaign, setting school records in career receptions (256) and career receiving yards (3,583) in the process. He earned 10 receiving touchdowns. His longest catch was 65 yards and he averaged 15.3 yards per reception. Nourse finished second in both the conference and the nation in yards per game. He also ranked fifth in the Frontier and 14th nationally in receiving touchdowns.

VSN NAIA All-American Second Team - Defensive Line

Tyler Walker - Dillon, Mont. / R-SR.

Walker was the driving force of the Bulldog defensive efforts in 2025.He set school records in single game sacks (4.5) and single-season tackles-for-loss (21.5) while helping the Bulldogs' defense set the record for single-game sacks as a team (eight). Additionally, Walker led the team in total tackles (70), solo tackles (33), TFLs (21.5), and sacks (8.5). He also forced one fumble and tallied two fumble recoveries, three pass breakups, and one QB hurry.

VSN NAIA All-American Honorable Mention - Quarterback

Michael Palandri - Maple Valley, Wash. / R-SR

Palandri leaves Western as the record holder in single game touchdown passes (eight), single-season and career completion percentage (68.3 and 66.0, respectively), single-season passing yards (3,670), single-season total offensive yards (3,972), and single-season touchdown passes (34) while helping set a single-game passing yards (497) record for the Bulldogs. He earned Frontier Conference West Division Player of the Year and First Team-All Conference selections. He threw over 3,000 yards for the second consecutive season and compiled 42 total touchdowns.

VSN NAIA All-American Honorable Mention - Linebacker

Jace Fitzgerald - Dillon, Mont. / R-SR

Wearing the no. 18 Legacy jersey for UMW, Fitzgerald left his mark in 2025. He earned Frontier Conference First Team All-Conference Honors. He racked up 66 total tackles including 26 solos. He also posted 4.0 tackles-for-loss totaling 28 yards and 1.5 sacks for 22 yards. Fitzgerald earned one interception, forced and recovered a fumble, and had two pass breakups ups. He had six outings with multiple solo tackles and recorded a career-high 16 tackles at College of Idaho (10/18).