Phil Steele released its All-Ohio Valley Conference Preseason teams on, which featured 12 student-athletes from Lindenwood football.

The Lions had five players land on the first team: Steve Hall, Jalen Smith, Andrew Swingle, Jacob Waller, and Christopher Bennett Jr.

In 2025, Hall was a Second Team All-Conference selection after running for 612 yards on 111 carries. The St. Louis, Mo. native found the endzone eight times, which tied for the team lead. Hall amassed three 100-yard rushing games during the year and was a big reason why the Lions led the OVC in rushing scores during conference play with 20.

Smith is coming off a breakout season a year ago when he was a Second Team All-Conference honoree. The Illinois native set career-highs in catches (40), yards (771), and touchdowns (4). He compiled three 100-yard receiving games during the year, including 146 against UT Martin. Smith was a big play threat as he averaged 19.3 yards per catch.

Swingle was tabbed a Third Team All-American by Phil Steele last season. The Eureka, Mo. native was an anchor on the offensive line that led the conference in rushing touchdowns during conference play with 20 and allowed the fewest sacks at 14 - cutting the previous season (2024) total in half (from 30) and improving from their eighth-place ranking in that category.

Waller was a one-time Defensive Player of the Week selection after compiling 17 tackles in a win over Charleston Southern. He finished with 89 stops on the year, which ranked seventh in the conference and was a top 10 Lindenwood single-season mark. 59 of those tackles were solo and that led the Association. He also compiled 8.5 tackles for loss, tops on the team.

Bennett Jr. made a big impact on special teams during the season, being named Freshman of the Week after his performance at Tennessee State where he totaled 114 all-purpose yards (69 KO, 45 PR). On the year, Bennett averaged 22.9 yards per kick return, which ranked fourth in the conference, and 10.7 yards per punt return which ranked second.

Two out of the four selections on the second team were offensive linemen in Tony Failla and Eli Freeman. Ashtin Rustemeyer and Cater Johnson also earned nods. The St. Charles, Mo. native made 18 tackles, including 1.5 sacks a year ago.

Johnson burst onto the scene late last year and compiled 14 tackles across 11 games. He was named conference Freshman of the Week for his efforts against SEMO where he had four tackles and one interception.

Lindenwood had three players recognized on the third team, including Nate Compere, Andrew Zook, and Will Graham. Zook will be an anchor on the defensive line. In 2025, he made 19 tackles, including a season-high five against Tennessee Tech. The Yorkville, Ill. native started all 12 games and had 1.5 stops for loss and broke up a pass. Graham made five field goals a season ago and averaged 62.2 yards on kickoffs with 31 touchbacks.

Season tickets and three-game mini plans for the 2026 Lindenwood football season are on sale now and available for purchase at lindenwoodlions.com/tickets. By becoming a season ticket holder, you'll unlock a host of exciting benefits designed to enhance your game day experience and show our appreciation for your unwavering support.