Nebraska Wesleyan University now leads all NAIA schools in Academic All-Americans thanks to seven recent honors.

On December 5, seven NWU football players were added to the 2011 Capital One Academic All-America College Division Football Team. Four NWU football players were named to the first team while three others were named to the second team.

Nebraska Wesleyan's first team selections include Stephen Anderson of Omaha, Garek Bebee of Wakefield, Kelby Vandenberg of David City, and Russell Walton of Franklin. Second team selections include Matt Edwards of Omaha, Cody Eiler of O'Neill, and Brett Kaczor of Ewing.

Nebraska Wesleyan was the only NAIA school with four student-athletes selected to the First Team. NWU now has 116 Academic All-America awards, which puts the university among the top in all divisions of competition.

The NWU football team has had 29 players earn 39 Academic All-American awards, which ranks among the top 10 of all football playing schools in the country.

To qualify for an Academic All-American award, student-athletes must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 or better; must have at least two terms of attendance at the institution; must be at least a sophomore in athletic eligibility, and must be a starter or key reserve in their respective sport.