THIBODAUX, La. - Two defensive players on the Nicholls State University football team were named to the 2025 Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Team as lineman Rasheed Lovelace was selected to first team while linebacker Jake Dalmado landed on third team.

Lovelace has anchored the middle of the Colonel defensive line in his two seasons, finishing with 46 tackles last year which included 2.5 TFLs. The Nicholls defense set a school single-season record with 83.9 yards rushing allowed per game and limited the opposition to six rushing touchdowns -- the lowest in the FCS. Despite playing at nose tackle, Lovelace recorded his second career interception and returned it for a touchdown in the season opener at Louisiana Tech. Lovelace was a Southland First Team and All-Louisiana Second Team honoree in 2024.

Dalmado excelled in his first season at linebacker, earning All-Southland First Team last year while being a two-time SLC Defensive Player of the Week and national honorable mention. Dalmado led the Southland with 9.0 sacks and was third with 12.5 tackles for loss, totaling 41 tackles on the year. He racked up an FCS-high 4.0 sacks with a safety in the win over McNeese, and logged 3.0 sacks in the shutout victory against Northwestern State. 

WEEK 0 OPENER
The Colonels' 2025 season opener against UIW will be nationally televised on ESPN2. The matchup is slated for 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 23 at Manning Field at John L. Guidry Stadium. Season tickets are available by visiting here.

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