News Summary
Three standout student-athletes from the University of Pennsylvania football team have earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors. Linebacker Kadari Machen, wide receiver Bisi Owens, and quarterback Liam O’Brien showcased exceptional performance both athletically and academically during the season. Their recognition highlights commitment to balancing sports and studies, with all athletes maintaining a high GPA while meeting competitive benchmarks. This award puts them in consideration for the Academic All-America ballot, with national recognition set to follow in the upcoming months.
Philadelphia
Three standout student-athletes from the University of Pennsylvania football team—linebacker Kadari Machen, wide receiver Bisi Owens, and quarterback Liam O’Brien—have been honored with College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District recognition. The announcement was made on Tuesday afternoon, highlighting their exceptional performance both on the field and in the classroom during the 2025 season. This prestigious award acknowledges student-athletes nationwide who demonstrate a remarkable balance between academic success and athletic achievement.
Key Players Recognized for Academic and Athletic Excellence
The trio’s recognition underscores their commitment to high standards in all aspects of their collegiate careers. To be eligible for Academic All-District honors, student-athletes must be at least sophomores academically and athletically, maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 or higher on a 4.00 scale, and meet specific competitive benchmarks, such as playing in at least 90 percent of their team’s contests or starting in 66 percent of the games.
Kadari Machen, a senior linebacker, was a crucial part of Penn’s defense. He earned Second Team All-Ivy honors and started all ten games at middle linebacker. Machen recorded 67 tackles, ranking third on the team, and contributed 5.5 tackles for loss. Notably, he forced two fumbles, tying for second in the Ivy League, and had a game with 12 tackles against No. 11/7 Harvard. He also had two games with at least 2.0 tackles for loss and forced fumbles against Columbia and Brown. Machen concluded his career at Penn with 200 total tackles.
Bisi Owens, a senior wide receiver, showcased an impressive 2025 season. He registered 66 receptions for 696 yards and five touchdowns. Owens ranked fourth in the Ivy League in receiving yards and tied for fifth in touchdowns. His average of 6.6 receptions per game placed him third in the conference. Throughout his Penn career, Owens amassed 1,664 receiving yards (seventh all-time for Penn), 138 receptions (sixth all-time), and 11 touchdown grabs.
Liam O’Brien, a senior quarterback, demonstrated strong leadership and performance throughout the 2025 season. He started all ten games and finished second in the Ivy League in completions (211), attempts (314), and touchdowns (19). O’Brien tied for the second-fewest interceptions (6) in the league, earning him First Team All-Ivy recognition. His 67.2 completion percentage was third in the conference, as were his 2,376 passing yards and 146.9 efficiency rating. He also led the team in rushing yards. O’Brien is a Finance and Business Analytics double major in Penn’s Wharton School of Business and has already received a full-time job offer from J.P. Morgan, where he spent a summer as an Investment Banking Analyst.
Advancing to Academic All-America Ballot
As Academic All-District honorees, Machen, Owens, and O’Brien are now considered for advancement to the CSC Academic All-America ballot. Student-athletes who are selected as CSC Academic All-America finalists will have their achievements voted on by CSC members for national recognition. First-, second-, and third-team Academic All-America honorees will be announced on January 27, 2026. This program, which recognizes honorees in four divisions (NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA), highlights the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined academic and athletic excellence.
The dedication of these University of Pennsylvania football players to both their sport and their studies sets a high benchmark for student-athletes. Their success exemplifies the commitment to well-rounded development fostered by the university’s athletics program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CSC Academic All-District award?
The CSC Academic All-District award, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom.
Which University of Pennsylvania football players received this award?
Linebacker Kadari Machen, wide receiver Bisi Owens, and quarterback Liam O’Brien from the University of Pennsylvania football team received CSC Academic All-District honors.
When was the announcement made?
The College Sports Communicators announced the football All-District teams on Tuesday afternoon, January 6, 2026.
What are the eligibility criteria for the CSC Academic All-District award?
To be eligible, student-athletes must be at least sophomores academically and athletically, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher on a 4.00 scale, and meet competitive benchmarks, such as playing in at least 90 percent of their team’s contests or starting in 66 percent of the games.
What are the athletic achievements of Kadari Machen?
Kadari Machen, a senior linebacker, earned Second Team All-Ivy, started all ten games at middle linebacker, recorded 67 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and forced two fumbles, tying for second in the Ivy League. He finished his career with 200 total tackles.
What are the athletic achievements of Bisi Owens?
Bisi Owens, a senior wide receiver, had 66 receptions for 696 yards and five touchdowns in the 2025 season. He ranked fourth in the Ivy League in receiving yards and third in receptions per game. Owens concluded his Penn career with 1,664 receiving yards, 138 receptions, and 11 touchdown grabs.
What are the athletic and academic achievements of Liam O’Brien?
Liam O’Brien, a senior quarterback, started all ten games, finished second in the Ivy League in completions (211), attempts (314), and touchdowns (19), and earned First Team All-Ivy. His 67.2 completion percentage, 2,376 passing yards, and 146.9 efficiency rating were all ranked third in the conference. He is a Finance and Business Analytics double major in Penn’s Wharton School of Business and has a full-time job offer from J.P. Morgan.
Are these players considered for further national recognition?
Yes, as Academic All-District honorees, they are considered for advancement to the CSC Academic All-America ballot, with first-, second-, and third-team honorees to be announced on January 27, 2026.
Key Features of CSC Academic All-District Recognition
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Awarding Body | College Sports Communicators (CSC) |
| Purpose | Recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. |
| Eligibility – Academic Standing | Must be at least a sophomore academically and athletically. |
| Eligibility – GPA | Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 or higher on a 4.00 scale. |
| Eligibility – Athletic Participation | Must have played in at least 90 percent of the team’s contests or started in at least 66 percent of the games. |
| Next Stage of Recognition | Honorees are considered for advancement to the CSC Academic All-America ballot. |
| All-America Announcement | First-, second-, and third-team Academic All-America honorees will be announced on January 27, 2026. |
| Divisions Recognized | NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA. |
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