The recipients of the 2025 OVC-Big South Football Association All-Academic Team have been released. In addition, Charleston Southern senior defensive lineman Malik McKinzie was named the OVC-Big South Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Each school nominated one individual, with at least a 3.0 GPA, for inclusion on the All-Academic Team. To be considered for Scholar-Athlete of the Year, which was voted on by the Association communications directors, the nominees had to have at least a 3.30 GPA.

McKinzie holds a 3.97 grade point average in natural sciences (with a minor in social human science).  After his playing career he plans to attend medical school and become a doctor. On the field this season he earned first-team OVC-Big South honors this season after collecting 63 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks.

2025 OVC-BIG SOUTH ALL ACADEMIC TEAM
Malik McKinzie, DL, Sr., Charleston Southern
Tienne Fridge, DB, Grad., Eastern Illinois
Cole Pennington, QB, R-Jr., Gardner-Webb
Gavin Hulet, OL, R-Sr., Lindenwood
Jax Leatherwood, QB, Jr., Southeast Missouri
Jaylon Price, DE, Jr., Tennessee State
Logan Weedman, OL, Sr., Tennessee tech
Josiah Tingley, OL, Grad., UT Martin
Christian Pierce, LB, Grad., Western Illinois 

2025 OVC-Big South Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Malik McKinzie, Charleston Southern