AUSTIN, Texas—UIndy football picked up a pair of prestigious honors Tuesday as Kednal Alexis and Aaron Barnett were both named to the 2023 Academic All-America® Division II Football Team, as selected by the College Sports Communicators (CSC). The annual list recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom.
 
Both student-athletes were named to the first team, with Barnett earning his second such award and Alexis his first. The duo helped the Greyhounds to a GLVC championship, an NCAA playoff berth and a No. 22 ranking in the final AFCA DII poll. UIndy football has now earned two Academic All-America® awards in each of the last four seasons.
 
Barnett spearheaded a relentless UIndy pass rush this past season. The two-time All-GLVC first teamer ranked second in the league in sacks (7.0) and 12th in tackles for a loss (9.0). He recorded seven tackles, two TFLs and a QB hurry in the playoff game at Pitt State after blocking a field goal in a win at nationally-ranked Truman. He is one of only seven DII players to appear on the first team in each of the last two seasons.
 
A three-time All-GLVC First Team honoree, Alexis led a unit that ranked seventh in DII in team passing efficiency and 20th in total offense. The team captain garnered All-America Honorable Mention from the Don Hansen Football Committee and was an Gene Upshaw Award nominee, an honor given annually to the top lineman in Division II. He finished his college career with 36 consecutive starts on the UIndy o-line.