CEDAR CITY, Utah – The United Athletic Conference announced its 2025 postseason awards on Tuesday, and Southern Utah Football was well represented with seven Thunderbirds earning major honors and All-Conference recognition. The group is headlined by Defensive Player of the Year Lando Brown, who was also a unanimous First Team selection.
Head Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said
"I'm incredibly proud of this group and the way they represented Southern Utah all season. These young men earned every bit of this recognition with their consistency, toughness, and commitment to doing things the right way. Awards like these don't happen by accident; our players put in the work every day, and they made each other better. I'm grateful for their leadership and the standard they've helped set for our program moving forward."
Lando Brown – UAC Defensive Player of the Year & Unanimous First Team All-Conference (DL)
Redshirt senior edge rusher Lando Brown put together one of the most dominant defensive seasons in the nation, earning him the title of UAC Defensive Player of the Year. Brown led the FCS in sacks per game (1.27), finishing with 14 total sacks and 18 tackles for loss—both among the national leaders. His 55 tackles, 11 quarterback hurries, and relentless disruption anchored a defense that consistently changed games at the line of scrimmage.
Brown was also recently named to the Walter Camp FCS Player of the Year Watchlist and finished fifth in Buck Buchanan Award voting, securing his place as one of the nation's premier defensive players.
UAC Offensive Player of the Year – Joshua Dye (RB)
Running back Joshua Dye was named the league's Offensive Player of the Year following one of the most prolific rushing seasons in Division I football. Dye led all FCS players with 1,831 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns, pacing national leaders in rushing yards per game, rushing TDs, points scored, and total rushing attempts. His explosive production helped drive Southern Utah's offensive identity throughout the season. Dye finished fourth in the voting for the Walter Payton FCS Offensive Player of the Year.
First Team All-Conference – Edward Riley (C)
Graduate center Edward Riley served as the heartbeat of the Thunderbirds' offensive line in his final season. A captain and veteran leader, Riley excelled in setting pass protection, enforcing the tone up front, and creating lanes for a run game that finished among the most efficient in the country. His reliability and football IQ made him one of the top interior linemen in the UAC.
Second Team All-Conference – Sirri Kandiyeli (OL)
Sophomore lineman Sirri Kandiyeli continued his rise as one of the conference's most promising young trench players. A strong, technically sound run blocker with the agility to excel in pass protection, Kandiyeli helped pave the way for Southern Utah's explosive offense and provided consistency along the line all season long.
Second Team All-Conference – Shane Carr (WR)
Junior wide receiver Shane Carr earned Second Team honors after a breakout campaign. Carr led the team with 50 receptions for 744 yards and four touchdowns, logging at least two catches in every game and producing multiple explosive plays throughout the year. His 124-yard performance at Eastern Kentucky highlighted his role as a dependable and dynamic weapon in the passing game.
Second Team All-Conference – Sebastian Adamski (LB)
A backbone of the SUU defense, redshirt senior linebacker Sebastian Adamski finished as the team's leading tackler and one of the most consistent defenders in the conference. Adamski recorded seven games with nine or more tackles, added seven tackles for loss, and contributed pressure and playmaking in key moments. His instincts and physical presence solidified the middle of the Thunderbird defense.
Second Team All-Conference – Gavin Lipkin (LS)
Senior long snapper Gavin Lipkin earned postseason recognition after delivering one of the most steady and dependable special teams seasons in the UAC. His precision on both punt and field goal snaps provided the foundation for a reliable kicking operation, while his effort in coverage consistently helped flip field position. Lipkin's consistency and toughness made him a valuable part of SUU's success.
Southern Utah's seven honorees reflect the program's continued growth and the standout performances that powered the Thunderbirds throughout the 2025 season.
Next Up
Southern Utah heads into the offseason with coach Fitzgerald and his staff looking to sign a new class of T-Birds. Stay tuned for all the early signing day information tomorrow.
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