BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – Seven Duquesne University football players were named to the Preseason All-Northeast Conference Team, and the Dukes were picked to finish second in the NEC Preseason Coaches' Poll.
Duquesne enters the 2025 season as the two-time defending NEC regular-season champion. The Dukes claimed the outright title and an NCAA FCS playoff bid in 2023, then posted an 8-3 overall record and 5-1 mark in league play last fall to share the crown with Central Connecticut State.
FULL NEC RELEASE
This is the 15th consecutive season Duquesne has been picked in the top three of the NEC Preseason Poll. The Dukes received two first-place votes and have now garnered at least one first-place vote in 14 of the last 15 preseason polls.
PRESEASON ALL-NEC SELECTIONS
Taj Butts (R-Sr., RB)
Returning from an injury-impacted season, Butts played in six games last year and rushed for 268 yards on 69 carries. In 2023, he ranked in the NEC's top 10 with 569 rushing yards and four total touchdowns. The former Missouri Tiger joined the Dukes prior to the 2023 season.
Joey Isabella (Gr., WR – Mayfield, Ohio)
A First Team All-NEC pick in 2024, Isabella carries the longest active touchdown reception streak in the FCS at eight games. His 11 touchdown catches ranked sixth nationally and he finished top 20 in yards per reception at 18.07. He led the NEC with 547 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in conference play. Isabella has three career 100-yard games and five multi-touchdown performances. He was also a 2023 preseason all-conference pick.
Michael Fallah (Gr., OL – Ramsey, N.J.)
A two-year starter at left guard, Fallah was a 2024 Second Team All-NEC selection. He helped anchor a line that allowed just 0.64 sacks per game (third in FCS) and gave up zero sacks in five games. Duquesne led the league in passing and allowed the fewest tackles for loss per game each of the past two seasons.
A.J. Ackerman (Gr., DL – Elizabeth, Pa.)
Ackerman earned his first All-NEC nod last fall after starting all 11 games and recording 18 tackles, including 1.5 for loss. He enters his seventh year in the program and is a preseason selection for the second straight season. He previously started 29 consecutive games before a season-ending injury in 2023.
Jack Dunkley (Jr., DL – Penndel, Pa.)
Named to the 2025 Buck Buchanan Award Watch List, Dunkley was a 2024 First Team All-NEC pick. He tied for the conference lead with 12.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks and ranked 12th nationally with 0.86 sacks per game. He forced three fumbles and delivered a fourth-quarter strip sack in the pivotal 2023 NEC championship game win.
DJ Cerisier (R-So., DB – Cheltenham, Pa.)
Cerisier started all 11 games at cornerback last fall as a redshirt freshman. He recorded 20 tackles and three pass breakups, earning Second Team All-NEC honors. He logged multiple tackles in eight games, including each of the final three.
Antonio Epps (R-Sr., DB – Liberty Borough, Pa.)
Epps led the team with 55 tackles in 2024 after posting 72 the year prior. A First Team All-NEC selection last season, he also recorded his first career interception in Duquesne's win over nationally ranked Youngstown State.
2025 SEASON
Head coach
Jerry Schmitt enters his 21st year leading the program and 32nd season on staff. Duquesne's 12-game regular season is the program's longest since 2014. The Dukes open the year on August 30 at Acrisure Stadium against Pitt. The home opener is set for September 6 against Lincoln (Pa.) at Rooney Field. NEC play begins October 4 versus Stonehill.
🗓️ Full schedule here
🎟️ Get your 2025 Duquesne Football tickets
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