IRVING, Texas — 10 members of the South Dakota State wrestling team, including four NCAA Qualifiers, were honored Thursday as members of the 2026 Winter Academic All-Big 12 Team.
SDSU’s honorees were highlighted by Derrick Cardinal, who was named to the Academic All-Big 12 Team for the fourth time in his college career. Bennett Berge, Connor Gaynor, Brock Fettig, Cael Swensen and Luke Rasmussen all earned the third Academic All-Big 12 honors of their college careers.
Marcus Espinoza-Owens picked up the second Academic All-Big 12 honor of his career, while Logan Swensen, Brady Roark and Cale Seaton all earned the first honors of their career.
To qualify for the Fall Academic Team, student-athletes must maintain a 3.20 GPA or higher, either cumulative or over the two previous semesters, and must have participated in 20% of their team’s scheduled contests. Freshmen are not eligible, while transfers in their first year of academic residence are eligible. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are also eligible.
2026 Winter Academic All-Big 12 Team
- Bennett Berge, R-Jr., Construction Management
- Derrick Cardinal, Sr., Exercise Science
- Marcus Espinoza-Owens, R-So., Computer Science
- Connor Gaynor, Sr., Exercise Science
- Brock Fettig, Jr., Business Economics
- Luke Rasmussen, R-Jr., Aviation
- Brady Roark, R-So., Construction Management
- Cale Seaton, R-Fr., Dairy Production
- Cael Swensen, R-Jr., Business Economics
- Logan Swensen, R-Fr., Exercise Science
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