The Associated Press (AP) today released its Division III All-America Teams for the 2025 Football season. In a season full of firsts, Eastern University Football collected another big honor as linebacker Jason Bateman became the first Eastern player to earn All-America recognition. 

Bateman, the MAC Defensive Player fo the Year, was in the middle of an Eastern defense that finished the season 13th in total defense. The MAC Champion Eagles led the MAC in Rushing Defense, Passing Defense, Scoring Defense, and Total Defense. Bateman led the Eagles in tackles with 97 and was tied for the national lead with seven forced fumbles. The junior from Upper Darby played sideline-to-sideline against the run and was able to drop into coverage or rush the passer. On a defense with 12 different players who recorded a sack, Bateman finished with six. 

In Eastern's NCAA Tournament 28-24 win at Franklin & Marshall, his pressure helped create an interception in the final seconds to secure the first post-season win in program history. In the final moments of Eastern's 28-21win at Misericordia, he forced a fumble near midfield to give the Eagles the upper hand in the race toward a MAC Championship. 

Eastern finished 2025, the program's third year, with a 10-2 mark and appearance in the third round of the NCAA Tournament. 

Click here to see the entire AP All-America Team