Bowling Green State University Athletics
Bowling Green Places 10 Falcons on the 2023 Football All-MAC Team
November 29, 2023 | Football
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Bowling Green State University placed 10 Falcons on the 2023 All-MAC team, as announced by Mid-American Conference commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher. Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. and cornerback Jalen Huskey headline BGSU's selections by earning first-team honors. The All-MAC team and specialty award winners are voted on by the league's 12 head coaches.
Darren Anders (ILB), Jordan Oladokun (CB) and Terion Stewart (RB) were named to the second team. Jhaylin Embry (KR), Davon Ferguson (CB), Odieu Hiliare (WR), Cashius Howell (OLB) and Alex Wollschlaeger (OT) all were named to the third team.
It is the second career nods for Anders and Hiliare. Anders earned first-team accolades in 2021 after leading the league in tackles, while Hiliare brought home second-team honors last year.
The 10 Falcons named to the All-MAC team are the most since 11 received all-league honors in 2015.
Fannin (So., Canton, Ohio) finished the regular season No. 1 in the MAC and No. 11 in the nation among tight ends with 39 receptions. His 573 receiving yards rank No. 6 in the nation and No. 1 in the MAC among tight ends, while his six receiving touchdowns rank No. 5 nationally and No. 1 in the MAC in the same category. Fannin gives BGSU the first-team All-MAC tight end for the third time in four seasons. He joins Quintin Morris in 2020 and Christian Sims in 2021. Sims earned second-team honors in 2022.
Huskey (So., Frederick, Md.) is tied for No. 2 in the MAC and No. 16 in the nation with four interceptions. He is third on the team with 52 tackles. He also broke up six passes, recovered a fumble and forced a fumble. Huskey is the first defensive back to earn first-team accolades since BooBoo Gates in 2013.
Anders (Sr., North Olmsted, Ohio) leads BGSU with 82 tackles, tied for the team lead with 10.5 tackles for loss and has 4.5 sacks. He also broke up two passes and recovered two fumbles. He is No. 17 in the nation and No. 2 in the MAC with two fumbles recovered. The 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries are all career highs for a season. Anders has appeared in 53 career games which is tied for No. 3 all-time in program history.
Oladokun (Jr., Tampa, Fla.) is tied with Huskey for No. 2 in the MAC and No. 16 in the nation with four interceptions. He has posted 30 tackles, 1.0 tackles for loss and has broken up six passes. Oladokun returned one of his interceptions 53 yards for a touchdown at Western Michigan, which has placed BGSU No. 24 in the nation in defensive touchdowns.
Stewart (So., Memphis, Tenn.) has been one of the hardest running backs to tackle in the nation. Despite missing the past three games with an injury, Stewart is No. 2 in the nation with 75 broken tackles. His 4.81 yards after contact average is still No. 1 in the nation, while his 31 runs of 10+ yards rank No. 22 in the nation. Stewart leads BGSU with 762 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. His 6.1 yards per carry average ranks No. 26 nationally. Stewart's 6.3 yards per carry for his career ranks No. 1 in the BGSU record book.
Embry (Jr., Jacksonville, Fla.) averages 20.8 yards per kick return and 6.5 yards per punt return, which is No. 2 in the MAC. Embry has only returned 12 kicks as most teams have kicked away from him in 2023.
Ferguson (Sr., Baltimore, Md.) has notched 47 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, recovered one fumble and broken up six passes as a key defensive back for the Falcons. He was named MAC East Defensive Player of the Week after he recorded two key interceptions in a road win at Buffalo.
Hiliare (Sr., Belle Glade, Fla.) is one of BGSU's key receiving targets. He has posted 35 receptions for 380 receiving yards and three touchdowns. In just his second season at BGSU, Hiliare became the 41st Falcon to reach 1,000 career receiving yards earlier this season and is just seven receptions away from 100 during his time at Bowling Green.
Howell (So., Kansas City, Mo.) is tied for No. 1 in the MAC and No. 10 in the nation with 9.5 sacks. His 9.5 sacks have him tied with Diyral Briggs (2008) for No. 4 all-time on BGSU's single-season ledger.
Wollschlaeger (Aurora, Ill.) took part in 706 snaps at right tackle for the Falcons. He was part of an offensive line that helped block for Stewart as he became one of the more electrifying running back in the nation. Wollschlaeger also helped block for Ta'ron Keith, who became the first Falcon in program history to record 100+ rushing and 100+ receiving yards in the same game when he did so at Kent State.
Bowling Green's 10 All-MAC honorees are the third most behind Toledo's 14 and 12 from Miami (OH), the two teams playing for the MAC Championship on Saturday.
Bowling Green finished the regular season 7-5 to give the Falcons their first winning season since 2015. A bowl announcement will be made on Dec. 3.
2023 MAC Football Postseason Specialty Awards & All-Conference Teams
Coach of the Year: Jason Candle, Toledo
Vern Smith Leadership Award Winner: Dequan Finn, QB, Toledo
Offensive Player of the Year: Peny Boone, RB, Toledo
Defensive Player of the Year: Matt Salopek, LB, Miami
Special Teams Player of the Year: Graham Nicholson, PK, Miami
Freshman of the Year: Jalen Buckley, RB, Western Michigan
2023 All-MAC First Team Offense
Quarterback – Dequan Finn, Toledo
Offensive Lineman – Corey Stewart, Ball State
Offensive Lineman – Nolan Potter, NIU
Offensive Lineman – Nick Rosi, Toledo
Offensive Lineman – Vinny Sciury, Toledo
Offensive Lineman – Jacob Gideon, Western Michigan
Tight End – Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
Wide Receiver – Chrishon McCray, Kent State
Wide Receiver – Sam Wiglusz, Ohio
Wide Receiver – Jerjuan Newton, Toledo
Wide Receiver – Kenneth Womack, Western Michigan
Running Back – Antario Brown, NIU
Running Back – Peny Boone, Toledo
Placekicker – Graham Nicholson, Miami
2023 All-MAC First Team Defense
Down Lineman – CJ Nunnally, Akron
Down Lineman – Sidney Houston, Ball State
Down Lineman – Caiden Woullard, Miami
Down Lineman – Judge Culpepper, Toledo
Linebacker – Matt Salopek, Miami
Linebacker – Bryce Houston, Ohio
Linebacker – Keye Thompson, Ohio
Linebacker – Dallas Gant, Toledo
Defensive Back – Jalen Huskey, Bowling Green
Defensive Back – Devin Grant, Buffalo
Defensive Back – Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Defensive Back – Maxen Hook, Toledo
Punter – Mitchell Tomasek, Eastern Michigan
2023 All-MAC First Team Specialists
Kickoff Return Specialist – Marion Lukes, Central Michigan
Kickoff Return Specialist – Jacquez Stuart, Toledo
2023 All-MAC Second Team Offense
Quarterback – Kurtis Rourke, Ohio
Offensive Lineman – Deiyantei Powell-Woods, Central Michigan
Offensive Lineman – Brayden Swartout, Central Michigan
Offensive Lineman – Brian Dooley, Eastern Michigan
Offensive Lineman – Will Jados, Miami
Offensive Lineman – Reid Holskey, Miami
Tight End – Anthony Torres, Toledo
Wide Receiver – Daniel George, Akron
Wide Receiver – Jasaiah Gathings, Akron
Wide Receiver – Tanner Knue, Eastern Michigan
Wide Receiver – Jesse Prewitt III, Central Michigan
Running Back – Marquez Cooper, Ball State
Running Back – Terion Stewart, Bowling Green
Placekicker – Andrew Glass, Kent State
2023 All-MAC Second Team Defense
Down Lineman – Jacques Bristol, Central Michigan
Down Lineman – Brian Ugwu, Miami
Down Lineman – James Ester, NIU
Down Lineman – Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
Linebacker – Cole Pearce, Ball State
Linebacker – Darren Anders, Bowling Green
Linebacker – Joe Sparacio, Eastern Michigan
Linebacker – Ty Wise, Miami
Defensive Back – Jordan Oladokun, Bowling Green
Defensive Back – Donte Kent, Central Michigan
Defensive Back – Yahsyn McKnee, Miami
Defensive Back – JaVaughn Byrd, NIU
Punter – Alex Bevelhimer, Miami
2023 All-MAC Second Team Specialists
Kickoff Return Specialist – Jaylon Jackson, Eastern Michigan
Kickoff Return Specialist – Cade McDonald, Miami
2023 All-MAC Third Team Offense
Quarterback – Brett Gabbert, Miami
Offensive Lineman – Damon Kaylor, Ball State
Offensive Lineman – Alex Wollschlaeger, Bowling Green
Offensive Lineman – Gabe Wallace, Buffalo
Offensive Lineman – Tyler Doty, Buffalo
Offensive Lineman – Addison West, Western Michigan
Tight End – Tanner Koziol, Ball State
Wide Receiver – Odieu Hiliare, Bowling Green
Wide Receiver – Luke Floriea, Kent State
Wide Receiver – Trayvon Rudolph, NIU
Wide Receiver – Anthony Sambucci, Western Michigan
Running Back – Rashad Amos, Miami
Running Back – Jalen Buckley, Western Michigan
Placekicker – Luke Pawlak, Toledo
2023 All-MAC Third Team Defense
Down Lineman – CJ West, Kent State
Down Lineman – Vonnie Watkins, Ohio
Down Lineman – Rayyan Buell, Ohio
Down Lineman – Darius Alexander, Toledo
Linebacker – Bryan McCoy, Akron
Linebacker – Cashius Howell, Bowling Green
Linebacker – Kyle Moretti, Central Michigan
Linebacker – Chase Kline, Eastern Michigan
Defensive Back – KJ Martin, Akron
Defensive Back – Davon Ferguson, Bowling Green
Defensive Back – Chris McDonald Jr., Toledo
Defensive Back – Keni-H Lovely, Western Michigan
Punter – Lucas Borrow, Ball State
2023 All-MAC Third Team Specialists
Kickoff Return Specialist – Jhaylin Embry, Bowling Green
Kickoff Return Specialist – Ron Cook, Buffalo
Darren Anders (ILB), Jordan Oladokun (CB) and Terion Stewart (RB) were named to the second team. Jhaylin Embry (KR), Davon Ferguson (CB), Odieu Hiliare (WR), Cashius Howell (OLB) and Alex Wollschlaeger (OT) all were named to the third team.
It is the second career nods for Anders and Hiliare. Anders earned first-team accolades in 2021 after leading the league in tackles, while Hiliare brought home second-team honors last year.
The 10 Falcons named to the All-MAC team are the most since 11 received all-league honors in 2015.
Fannin (So., Canton, Ohio) finished the regular season No. 1 in the MAC and No. 11 in the nation among tight ends with 39 receptions. His 573 receiving yards rank No. 6 in the nation and No. 1 in the MAC among tight ends, while his six receiving touchdowns rank No. 5 nationally and No. 1 in the MAC in the same category. Fannin gives BGSU the first-team All-MAC tight end for the third time in four seasons. He joins Quintin Morris in 2020 and Christian Sims in 2021. Sims earned second-team honors in 2022.
Huskey (So., Frederick, Md.) is tied for No. 2 in the MAC and No. 16 in the nation with four interceptions. He is third on the team with 52 tackles. He also broke up six passes, recovered a fumble and forced a fumble. Huskey is the first defensive back to earn first-team accolades since BooBoo Gates in 2013.
Anders (Sr., North Olmsted, Ohio) leads BGSU with 82 tackles, tied for the team lead with 10.5 tackles for loss and has 4.5 sacks. He also broke up two passes and recovered two fumbles. He is No. 17 in the nation and No. 2 in the MAC with two fumbles recovered. The 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries are all career highs for a season. Anders has appeared in 53 career games which is tied for No. 3 all-time in program history.
Oladokun (Jr., Tampa, Fla.) is tied with Huskey for No. 2 in the MAC and No. 16 in the nation with four interceptions. He has posted 30 tackles, 1.0 tackles for loss and has broken up six passes. Oladokun returned one of his interceptions 53 yards for a touchdown at Western Michigan, which has placed BGSU No. 24 in the nation in defensive touchdowns.
Stewart (So., Memphis, Tenn.) has been one of the hardest running backs to tackle in the nation. Despite missing the past three games with an injury, Stewart is No. 2 in the nation with 75 broken tackles. His 4.81 yards after contact average is still No. 1 in the nation, while his 31 runs of 10+ yards rank No. 22 in the nation. Stewart leads BGSU with 762 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. His 6.1 yards per carry average ranks No. 26 nationally. Stewart's 6.3 yards per carry for his career ranks No. 1 in the BGSU record book.
Embry (Jr., Jacksonville, Fla.) averages 20.8 yards per kick return and 6.5 yards per punt return, which is No. 2 in the MAC. Embry has only returned 12 kicks as most teams have kicked away from him in 2023.
Ferguson (Sr., Baltimore, Md.) has notched 47 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, recovered one fumble and broken up six passes as a key defensive back for the Falcons. He was named MAC East Defensive Player of the Week after he recorded two key interceptions in a road win at Buffalo.
Hiliare (Sr., Belle Glade, Fla.) is one of BGSU's key receiving targets. He has posted 35 receptions for 380 receiving yards and three touchdowns. In just his second season at BGSU, Hiliare became the 41st Falcon to reach 1,000 career receiving yards earlier this season and is just seven receptions away from 100 during his time at Bowling Green.
Howell (So., Kansas City, Mo.) is tied for No. 1 in the MAC and No. 10 in the nation with 9.5 sacks. His 9.5 sacks have him tied with Diyral Briggs (2008) for No. 4 all-time on BGSU's single-season ledger.
Wollschlaeger (Aurora, Ill.) took part in 706 snaps at right tackle for the Falcons. He was part of an offensive line that helped block for Stewart as he became one of the more electrifying running back in the nation. Wollschlaeger also helped block for Ta'ron Keith, who became the first Falcon in program history to record 100+ rushing and 100+ receiving yards in the same game when he did so at Kent State.
Bowling Green's 10 All-MAC honorees are the third most behind Toledo's 14 and 12 from Miami (OH), the two teams playing for the MAC Championship on Saturday.
Bowling Green finished the regular season 7-5 to give the Falcons their first winning season since 2015. A bowl announcement will be made on Dec. 3.
2023 MAC Football Postseason Specialty Awards & All-Conference Teams
Coach of the Year: Jason Candle, Toledo
Vern Smith Leadership Award Winner: Dequan Finn, QB, Toledo
Offensive Player of the Year: Peny Boone, RB, Toledo
Defensive Player of the Year: Matt Salopek, LB, Miami
Special Teams Player of the Year: Graham Nicholson, PK, Miami
Freshman of the Year: Jalen Buckley, RB, Western Michigan
2023 All-MAC First Team Offense
Quarterback – Dequan Finn, Toledo
Offensive Lineman – Corey Stewart, Ball State
Offensive Lineman – Nolan Potter, NIU
Offensive Lineman – Nick Rosi, Toledo
Offensive Lineman – Vinny Sciury, Toledo
Offensive Lineman – Jacob Gideon, Western Michigan
Tight End – Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
Wide Receiver – Chrishon McCray, Kent State
Wide Receiver – Sam Wiglusz, Ohio
Wide Receiver – Jerjuan Newton, Toledo
Wide Receiver – Kenneth Womack, Western Michigan
Running Back – Antario Brown, NIU
Running Back – Peny Boone, Toledo
Placekicker – Graham Nicholson, Miami
2023 All-MAC First Team Defense
Down Lineman – CJ Nunnally, Akron
Down Lineman – Sidney Houston, Ball State
Down Lineman – Caiden Woullard, Miami
Down Lineman – Judge Culpepper, Toledo
Linebacker – Matt Salopek, Miami
Linebacker – Bryce Houston, Ohio
Linebacker – Keye Thompson, Ohio
Linebacker – Dallas Gant, Toledo
Defensive Back – Jalen Huskey, Bowling Green
Defensive Back – Devin Grant, Buffalo
Defensive Back – Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Defensive Back – Maxen Hook, Toledo
Punter – Mitchell Tomasek, Eastern Michigan
2023 All-MAC First Team Specialists
Kickoff Return Specialist – Marion Lukes, Central Michigan
Kickoff Return Specialist – Jacquez Stuart, Toledo
2023 All-MAC Second Team Offense
Quarterback – Kurtis Rourke, Ohio
Offensive Lineman – Deiyantei Powell-Woods, Central Michigan
Offensive Lineman – Brayden Swartout, Central Michigan
Offensive Lineman – Brian Dooley, Eastern Michigan
Offensive Lineman – Will Jados, Miami
Offensive Lineman – Reid Holskey, Miami
Tight End – Anthony Torres, Toledo
Wide Receiver – Daniel George, Akron
Wide Receiver – Jasaiah Gathings, Akron
Wide Receiver – Tanner Knue, Eastern Michigan
Wide Receiver – Jesse Prewitt III, Central Michigan
Running Back – Marquez Cooper, Ball State
Running Back – Terion Stewart, Bowling Green
Placekicker – Andrew Glass, Kent State
2023 All-MAC Second Team Defense
Down Lineman – Jacques Bristol, Central Michigan
Down Lineman – Brian Ugwu, Miami
Down Lineman – James Ester, NIU
Down Lineman – Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
Linebacker – Cole Pearce, Ball State
Linebacker – Darren Anders, Bowling Green
Linebacker – Joe Sparacio, Eastern Michigan
Linebacker – Ty Wise, Miami
Defensive Back – Jordan Oladokun, Bowling Green
Defensive Back – Donte Kent, Central Michigan
Defensive Back – Yahsyn McKnee, Miami
Defensive Back – JaVaughn Byrd, NIU
Punter – Alex Bevelhimer, Miami
2023 All-MAC Second Team Specialists
Kickoff Return Specialist – Jaylon Jackson, Eastern Michigan
Kickoff Return Specialist – Cade McDonald, Miami
2023 All-MAC Third Team Offense
Quarterback – Brett Gabbert, Miami
Offensive Lineman – Damon Kaylor, Ball State
Offensive Lineman – Alex Wollschlaeger, Bowling Green
Offensive Lineman – Gabe Wallace, Buffalo
Offensive Lineman – Tyler Doty, Buffalo
Offensive Lineman – Addison West, Western Michigan
Tight End – Tanner Koziol, Ball State
Wide Receiver – Odieu Hiliare, Bowling Green
Wide Receiver – Luke Floriea, Kent State
Wide Receiver – Trayvon Rudolph, NIU
Wide Receiver – Anthony Sambucci, Western Michigan
Running Back – Rashad Amos, Miami
Running Back – Jalen Buckley, Western Michigan
Placekicker – Luke Pawlak, Toledo
2023 All-MAC Third Team Defense
Down Lineman – CJ West, Kent State
Down Lineman – Vonnie Watkins, Ohio
Down Lineman – Rayyan Buell, Ohio
Down Lineman – Darius Alexander, Toledo
Linebacker – Bryan McCoy, Akron
Linebacker – Cashius Howell, Bowling Green
Linebacker – Kyle Moretti, Central Michigan
Linebacker – Chase Kline, Eastern Michigan
Defensive Back – KJ Martin, Akron
Defensive Back – Davon Ferguson, Bowling Green
Defensive Back – Chris McDonald Jr., Toledo
Defensive Back – Keni-H Lovely, Western Michigan
Punter – Lucas Borrow, Ball State
2023 All-MAC Third Team Specialists
Kickoff Return Specialist – Jhaylin Embry, Bowling Green
Kickoff Return Specialist – Ron Cook, Buffalo
Players Mentioned
ILB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
TE
/ Football
CB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
OLB
/ Football
CB
/ Football
CB
/ Football
TE
/ Football
RB
/ Football
OT
/ FootballThursday, June 04
Friday, May 22
Sunday, May 17
Wednesday, April 29