Boston, MA, December 25, 2025
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) football program has marked a significant achievement as four student-athletes earned selections to the D3football.com All-Region Team. Juniors Michael Dennison and Lucky Deignan were recognized on the First Team, while senior Stephen Schulze and junior Dominic Hess made the Second Team. This accolade underscores the strong commitment to academic rigor and athletic excellence within MIT’s sports culture, highlighting a unique Division III philosophy focused on personal development and teamwork.
Boston, MA — The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) football program recently celebrated a significant achievement, with four of its dedicated student-athletes earning prestigious selections to the 2025 D3football.com All-Region Team. This recognition highlights the individual excellence and collective strength cultivated within the Engineers’ athletic department, underscoring a commitment to both academic rigor and competitive spirit. The announcement, made on December 24, 2025, spotlights juniors Michael Dennison and Lucky Deignan on the First Team, alongside senior Stephen Schulze and junior Dominic Hess on the Second Team, all representing D3football.com All-Region 1.
This commendation not only honors the hard work and perseverance of these young men but also reflects positively on MIT’s unique approach to collegiate athletics. In an era where the landscape of college sports is continually evolving, particularly concerning financial models and external investments, the Division III philosophy remains steadfast: prioritizing comprehensive student development, academic achievement, and the inherent love of the game. The Engineers’ success exemplifies how dedication and personal initiative can lead to top-tier athletic recognition without direct monetary incentives, providing a compelling narrative for aspiring student-athletes and local communities alike.
Celebrating Collegiate Excellence and Personal Drive
Individual Honors Pave Way for Team Recognition
The D3football.com All-Region selections mark a career first for all four MIT honorees, a testament to their individual growth and impact throughout the 2025 season. Junior tight end Michael Dennison, a First Team selection, concluded the season as the team leader and ranked fifth in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) for receptions, securing 31 catches, including four crucial touchdown grabs. On the defensive side, junior cornerback Lucky Deignan, also a First Team recipient, led the Engineers in solo tackles with 28 and was third in the NEWMAC with seven pass breakups and three interceptions over nine games.
Meanwhile, junior outside linebacker Dominic Hess’s exceptional season earned him a Second Team All-Region nod, alongside additional accolades as an AFCA Division III All-America Second Team member and a NEFW All-New England Team selection. Hess showcased remarkable playmaking ability, tying for the NEWMAC lead with five interceptions, contributing 45 total tackles, 25 solo tackles, forcing a fumble, and recovering two more. Senior defensive tackle Stephen Schulze, a Second Team honoree, anchored the defensive line with three forced fumbles, 25 total tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery in nine games. These outstanding performances were integral to MIT’s 6-3 overall record and 4-3 NEWMAC standing in 2025.
Local Impact and the D3 Philosophy in Massachusetts
Fostering Community and Academic-Athletic Balance
The success of programs like MIT football resonates beyond the playing field, contributing to the broader athletic landscape of Boston and Massachusetts. While the economic impact of Division III athletics differs from the massive scale seen in Division I programs, it nonetheless fosters community engagement, school pride, and offers a valuable platform for student development. Division III institutions, including MIT, uphold a philosophy that emphasizes broad-based education and the holistic success of student-athletes, who compete for the sheer love of the game without receiving athletic scholarships. This model cultivates a unique environment of personal commitment, choice, and self-improvement, which are vital components of responsible growth.
These achievements bolster the reputation of Massachusetts as a hub for both academic excellence and competitive sportsmanship. Universities serve as crucial “anchor institutions” for their regions, and a thriving athletics program, built on the individual initiative of student-athletes and the responsible stewardship of university resources, enhances this role. Such success can inspire local youth, draw attention to collegiate opportunities within the state, and indirectly stimulate local businesses through increased visitation for games and university events, albeit on a smaller scale than major Division I spectacles.
Supporting Growth Through Responsible Stewardship
University Programs and Community Engagement Drive Success
The consistent performance of the MIT football team, culminating in multiple All-Region selections, is a testament to the effective administration of university programs and the supportive community surrounding student-athletes. Unlike the growing trend of private equity investment directly into Division I athletic departments to fund athlete compensation, Division III success is often a product of internal university support, strategic coaching, and the self-driven nature of its participants. This model emphasizes the value of hard work, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence as an end in itself, rather than being contingent on external financial incentives.
The ability of MIT to attract and develop top-tier talent like Deignan, Schulze, Dennison, and Hess, who are recognized among the best in their region, speaks to the strength of its academic and athletic infrastructure. This environment encourages student-athletes to excel both in their demanding studies and on the football field, fostering a culture of personal accountability and competitive achievement. The 21st annual D3football.com All-Region teams underscore a nationwide recognition of these values, celebrating 1,062 nominated players across six regions who embody the spirit of amateur competition.
The increasing interest from private equity in college sports, often driven by recent shifts in Division I athlete compensation rules, highlights a broader trend towards valuing athletic programs as significant assets. While Division III operates under a different financial paradigm, emphasizing educational quality and academic success over monetary incentives, the principles of strategic investment in infrastructure and talent development remain universal. For institutions like MIT, sustaining athletic excellence through judicious resource allocation and fostering a culture of self-reliance aligns with conservative economic principles, demonstrating how competition and initiative lead to success.
Future Outlook for Massachusetts Athletics
Sustaining Excellence Through Enduring Values
The continued success of MIT football, exemplified by these D3football.com All-Region honors, contributes positively to the overall vibrancy of Massachusetts athletics. It showcases that high levels of achievement are attainable through focused effort and a commitment to core values, rather than solely through large-scale commercialization. The D3 philosophy, with its emphasis on balancing academics and athletics, develops well-rounded individuals prepared for leadership beyond the playing field. This focus on character and educational outcomes creates a sustainable model for athletic programs within the state.
As collegiate sports navigate evolving financial landscapes, the Division III commitment to the pure love of the game, coupled with robust university support, provides a stable foundation. This approach benefits student-athletes by equipping them with skills and experiences that extend far beyond athletic competition, preparing them for future professional and civic responsibilities. Such a model, driven by internal community strength and individual initiative, offers a clear path for athletic departments to thrive responsibly.
Conclusion: The impressive recognition of four MIT football players on the 2025 D3football.com All-Region Team is a proud moment for the institution and the broader Massachusetts sports community. It serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring values of personal commitment, academic dedication, and the joy of competition that define Division III athletics. As the landscape of college sports continues its dynamic evolution, the Engineers’ achievements highlight the importance of cultivating programs that prioritize holistic development and the intrinsic rewards of striving for excellence. We encourage all members of the community to support the continued endeavors of these remarkable student-athletes, recognizing their contributions not just to sports, but to the vibrant spirit of Boston’s collegiate scene and the principles of responsible growth. Stay engaged with Massachusetts college football and cheer on these local heroes as they continue to demonstrate the power of hard work and integrity.
FAQ Section
Q: How many MIT football players were selected for the 2025 D3football.com All-Region Team?
A: Four MIT football players earned selections to the 2025 D3football.com All-Region Team.
Q: Who were the MIT players named to the D3football.com All-Region First Team?
A: Juniors Michael Dennison (tight end) and Lucky Deignan (cornerback) were named to the D3football.com All-Region First Team.
Q: Which MIT players received D3football.com All-Region Second Team honors?
A: Senior Stephen Schulze (defensive tackle) and junior Dominic Hess (outside linebacker) earned spots on the D3football.com All-Region Second Team.
Q: What other significant accolades did Dominic Hess receive?
A: Dominic Hess was also named to the AFCA Division III All-America Second Team and the NEFW All-New England Team.
Q: What was the MIT football team’s overall record in 2025?
A: The MIT football team finished the 2025 season with a 6-3 overall record.
Q: In which D3football.com All-Region did these MIT players compete?
A: All four MIT players were selected from D3football.com All-Region 1.
Feature Table: 2025 MIT Football D3football.com All-Region Selections
| Player Name | Class | Position | D3football.com All-Region Team | Key Season Stat/Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Dennison | Junior | Tight End | First Team (Region 1) | 31 receptions, 4 touchdown grabs (team leader/5th NEWMAC) |
| Lucky Deignan | Junior | Cornerback | First Team (Region 1) | 28 solo tackles, 7 pass breakups, 3 interceptions (team leader solo tackles) |
| Dominic Hess | Junior | Outside Linebacker | Second Team (Region 1) | 5 interceptions (tied NEWMAC lead), 45 total tackles |
| Stephen Schulze | Senior | Defensive Tackle | Second Team (Region 1) | 3 forced fumbles, 25 total tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss |
Now Happening on X
- @MITAthletics (December 24, 2025): MIT football players Lucky Deignan, Stephen Schulze, Michael Dennison, and Dominic Hess were named to the D3football.com All-Region Team for the 2025 season. View on X
- @MWCSports (December 22, 2025): Monmouth College’s Ethan James has been named a D3 All-American. View on X
- @J_McPherson1126 (December 18, 2025): University of Miami’s final All-America selections include first-team honors for Francis Mauigoa and James Brockermeyer, with second-team nods for others like Malachi Toney and Rueben Bain; Toney also named Freshman of the Year. View on X
- @J_McPherson1126 (December 10, 2025): Francis Mauigoa and James Brockermeyer earn first-team All-America honors, while Malachi Toney, Rueben Bain, and Keionte Scott receive second-team; Toney named Freshman of the Year. View on X
- @The3rd_Division (December 11, 2024): The 2024 D3 Football All-Freshman Team features standout freshmen like Rashan La Mons as Freshman of the Year, along with key offensive and defensive selections. View on X
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