Three Mustangs Earn CSC Academic All-District Honors

Via Mustang Wire

AUSTIN, Texas (CSC/SMU) – SMU Football placed three student-athletes on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team, as tight end Matthew Hibner, kicker Sam Keltner, and long snapper Morgan Tribbett earned recognition for excellence on the field and in the classroom.

To qualify for Academic All-District honors, student-athletes must carry a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA, be at least a sophomore academically, and meet specific participation benchmarks during the 2025 season. The CSC Academic All-District program recognizes the nation’s top football student-athletes across all divisions for their combined academic and athletic achievements.

Hibner started all 13 games for the Mustangs, totaling 31 receptions for 436 yards and four touchdowns, including a season-long 80-yard reception. The graduate student was named a Campbell Trophy Semifinalist and earned All-ACC Honorable Mention honors. Off the field, Hibner continued his academic excellence, earning academic all-conference recognition for the fourth consecutive year.

Keltner anchored SMU’s special teams, converting 14 field goals and 36 PATs for a team-best 78 points. The Keller, Texas, native also handled kickoff duties, recording 4,744 yards and 42 touchbacks on 76 kickoffs. His performance in SMU’s 35-24 win over Clemson earned him ACC Specialist of the Week and Lou Groza Star of the Week honors.

Tribbett served as the Mustangs’ starting long snapper and saw action in every game this season. His consistency was instrumental in the success of both Keltner and punter Wade McSparron, who finished the year with 55 punts for 2,337 yards.

All three honorees played key roles in helping SMU post a 9–4 record and secure a victory in the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl.