University of Delaware Athletics

Photo by: Lillie Scheivert
Football Has Five Named to CSC Academic All-District Team
1/7/2025 3:23:00 PM | Football
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware football team had five student-athletes recognized on the 2024 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District® Team, announced by the organization on Tuesday. Kaelin Costello, Nate Reed, Ethan Saunders, Jo'Nathan Silver and Jake Thaw were all recognized for their performance in the classroom and on the football field.
To be eligible, a nominee must have been a starter or important reserve during the 2024 season, must have at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate studies and is at least a sophomore academically and athletically.
Costello, a sports management major, earns his second-straight selection to the all-district team. He was a key member of UD's special teams units as he appeared in all 11 games and recorded eight tackles, including seven solo takedowns. The Warminster, Pennsylvania native also averaged 4.9 yards on 10 rushing attempts.
A double major in finance and history, Reed had a stellar year as Delaware's primary placekicker earning All-CAA Honorable Mention honors. He finished 7-of-10 on field goals, with a long of 41 yards, while making 35 PAT attempts to finish with 56 total points scored on the season. The Manheim, Pennsylvania native set the UD single-season record with 47 touchbacks on 71 kickoffs.
Saunders, who received his degree from Delaware in economics and is pursuing an MBA, earns his second-straight nod to the all-district team. He appeared in all 11 games with two starts on the defensive line and finished with 23 total tackles, and was among the team leaders with 5.5 TFLs and 3.0 sacks. The Waynesboro, Pennsylvania native recovered two fumbles on the season, returning one for a touchdown against Sacred Heart.
Silver, a health behavior science major, also earns his second all-district recognition after having a strong junior season for the Blue Hens. He ranked second on the squad with 462 rushing yards on 70 carries, while also catching 12 passes for 118 yards. The Washington Township, New Jersey native finished with five total touchdowns on the season with four rushing and one receiving. Silver ran for a career-high 97 yards in UD's victory at Monmouth.
Thaw, who is pursuing a master's degree in international business, earns his second all-district selection after receiving the honor last year while at Michigan. In his first year with the Blue & Gold, Thaw became one of UD's most reliable receivers, catching 41 passes for 334 yards and five touchdowns, all of which ranked second on the team. The Westport, Connecticut native earned All-CAA Second Team Honors as a punt returner as he returned nine punts for 108 yards, averaging 12.0 yards per return, and had three punt returns of at least 25 yards
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Season tickets for the 2025 season, Delaware's inaugural campaign at the FBS level, are on sale now. Fans who purchase season tickets by February 28, 2025 can save up to 34 percent on their season ticket packages over single-game ticket prices. The Blue Hens will play six home games at Delaware Stadium, including non-conference contests against Delaware State (Aug. 28) and UConn (Sept. 13). Season ticket members also get first access to away game tickets, including UD's games at Colorado (Sept. 6) and Wake Forest (Nov. 22). The eight-game Conference USA schedule, which consists of four home games, will be announced by February.
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To be eligible, a nominee must have been a starter or important reserve during the 2024 season, must have at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate studies and is at least a sophomore academically and athletically.
Costello, a sports management major, earns his second-straight selection to the all-district team. He was a key member of UD's special teams units as he appeared in all 11 games and recorded eight tackles, including seven solo takedowns. The Warminster, Pennsylvania native also averaged 4.9 yards on 10 rushing attempts.
A double major in finance and history, Reed had a stellar year as Delaware's primary placekicker earning All-CAA Honorable Mention honors. He finished 7-of-10 on field goals, with a long of 41 yards, while making 35 PAT attempts to finish with 56 total points scored on the season. The Manheim, Pennsylvania native set the UD single-season record with 47 touchbacks on 71 kickoffs.
Saunders, who received his degree from Delaware in economics and is pursuing an MBA, earns his second-straight nod to the all-district team. He appeared in all 11 games with two starts on the defensive line and finished with 23 total tackles, and was among the team leaders with 5.5 TFLs and 3.0 sacks. The Waynesboro, Pennsylvania native recovered two fumbles on the season, returning one for a touchdown against Sacred Heart.
Silver, a health behavior science major, also earns his second all-district recognition after having a strong junior season for the Blue Hens. He ranked second on the squad with 462 rushing yards on 70 carries, while also catching 12 passes for 118 yards. The Washington Township, New Jersey native finished with five total touchdowns on the season with four rushing and one receiving. Silver ran for a career-high 97 yards in UD's victory at Monmouth.
Thaw, who is pursuing a master's degree in international business, earns his second all-district selection after receiving the honor last year while at Michigan. In his first year with the Blue & Gold, Thaw became one of UD's most reliable receivers, catching 41 passes for 334 yards and five touchdowns, all of which ranked second on the team. The Westport, Connecticut native earned All-CAA Second Team Honors as a punt returner as he returned nine punts for 108 yards, averaging 12.0 yards per return, and had three punt returns of at least 25 yards
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Season tickets for the 2025 season, Delaware's inaugural campaign at the FBS level, are on sale now. Fans who purchase season tickets by February 28, 2025 can save up to 34 percent on their season ticket packages over single-game ticket prices. The Blue Hens will play six home games at Delaware Stadium, including non-conference contests against Delaware State (Aug. 28) and UConn (Sept. 13). Season ticket members also get first access to away game tickets, including UD's games at Colorado (Sept. 6) and Wake Forest (Nov. 22). The eight-game Conference USA schedule, which consists of four home games, will be announced by February.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware football, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
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