Kirksville, Mo. — Following one of the most successful seasons in program history, Truman State Football was heavily represented on the 2025 All-GLVC Teams announced Monday afternoon, as 15 Bulldogs earned All-Conference recognition, including seven First Team selections, six on the Second Team, and two Honorable Mentions.
Head coach Kellen Nesbitt was voted the GLVC Coach of the Year, becoming just the second Truman head coach, joining his father, Gregg Nesbitt, to receive the honor. Nesbitt led Truman to an 8–4 overall record, a 7–1 GLVC finish, and the Bulldogs' first NCAA Division II Playoff berth since 1994.
The selections reflect a season in which Truman ranked among the league's elite statistically, finishing 2nd in scoring offense (36.7 ppg), 3rd in scoring defense (22.5 ppg allowed), and 1st in rushing offense (2,261 yards; 205 per game).
FIRST TEAM ALL-GLVC
Greg Krupa – Offensive Line
A powerful anchor on Truman's left side, Krupa started every game and helped the Bulldogs produce the GLVC's top rushing offense. His consistency and finish were vital in paving the way for 2,261 rushing yards and one of the most efficient offensive units in the conference.
Wyatt Bonnett – Offensive Line
Bonnett teamed with Krupa to form one of the league's most dominant guard-tackle combinations. He was a major factor in Truman allowing one of the fewest sack totals in the GLVC and led the team in knockdowns among linemen.
Denim Cook – Running Back
The GLVC's Rushing Champion, Cook ran for 905 yards and 11 touchdowns, finishing first and second in the league respectively. He surpassed 90 yards five times, posted two multi-touchdown games, and was the centerpiece of Truman's run-heavy offensive identity.
Jack Weltha – Linebacker
Weltha finished among Truman's top tacklers for the second straight season, delivering a disruptive year from the middle of the defense. He recorded double-digit tackles multiple times and was a key figure in a unit that ranked third in the GLVC in scoring defense.
Jaxin Patterson – Defensive Back
Patterson emerged as one of the league's most reliable corners, consistently eliminating vertical shots and contributing in run support. He recorded multiple pass breakups and was instrumental in Truman's red-zone defensive success.
Connor Baxley – Defensive Back
Baxley brought physicality and range to the secondary, finishing among the team leaders in tackles from the defensive backfield. His coverage consistency helped Truman allow one of the lowest completion rates in the conference.
Thomas Pulliam – Return Specialist
Pulliam dominated the return game, leading the GLVC with 342 kick return yards and regularly flipping field position. His explosiveness was a major asset to Truman's special teams unit and made him one of the conference's most dangerous specialists.
SECOND TEAM ALL-GLVC
Dylan Hair – Quarterback
Hair orchestrated one of the GLVC's top offenses, finishing 4th in the league in total offense (267 ypg). He threw multiple touchdown passes in several games, added major production with his legs, and posted one of the conference's best efficiency marks.
Nathan Ryan – Wide Receiver
Ryan became Truman's top scoring threat through the air, finishing 4th in the GLVC with eight receiving touchdowns. He created matchup problems with size and catch radius, highlighted by multiple red-zone scores down the stretch of the season.
Gerard Grewe – Tight End / Offensive Utility
Grewe earned dual recognition for his versatility. He was Truman's most productive all-around pass-catcher, finishing with several multi-catch games and serving as a matchup problem for linebackers and safeties. His blocking also contributed heavily to the Bulldogs' league-leading ground attack.
Thomas Spaulding – Defensive Line
Spaulding was one of the conference's most disruptive interior defenders, finishing with multiple sacks and a team-high in tackles for loss down the stretch. His ability to collapse pockets allowed Truman's secondary to thrive in coverage.
Jack Weltha – Defensive Utility
Weltha earned a rare second recognition for his ability to contribute in multiple defensive packages. He logged snaps across linebacker alignments, making him one of the GLVC's most adaptable defenders.
HONORABLE MENTION ALL-GLVC
Tyler Shanks – Defensive Line
Shanks provided steady pressure throughout the year, finishing among Truman's leaders in quarterback hurries. His rotational presence helped the Bulldogs rank among the GLVC's best in limiting opponents' rushing production.
Dominic Grand – Defensive Back
Grand capped his breakout year by finishing 1st in the GLVC in passes defended (18). His ball skills allowed Truman's defense to win key third-down and red-zone situations all season.
SPALDING SPORTSMANSHIP HONOREE
Nathan Ryan earned Truman's GLVC James R. Spalding Sportsmanship recognition, honoring his leadership, integrity, and contributions on and off the field.
A Historic Year for Truman Football
Truman's 15 All-GLVC selections reflecst the depth, balance, and physical identity of the 2025 Bulldogs. Behind Coach of the Year Kellen Nesbitt, the Bulldogs reached the NCAA Division II Playoffs for the first time since 1994 and finished near the top of the conference in nearly every major statistical category. With multiple all-conference honorees returning in 2026, the foundation is firmly set for continued championship-level football in Kirksville.
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