22 Grizzlies Earn All-KJCCC Honors

EL DORADO, Kan. – The Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference released its postseason awards on Thursday following the conclusion of the 2025 regular season.

In total, 22 Grizzlies received honors with six first team selections, two second team selections, and 14 honorable mention selections. The Grizzlies finished the 2025 season with a 7-3 overall record, 4-2 in KJCCC play. 

Click here to view the full 2025 All-KJCCC Football Teams 

In a somewhat surprising decision, despite leading the nation and Jayhawk Conference in rushing, sophomore running back Markellus Bass was not selected as the KJCCC Offensive Player of the Year. Redshirt freshman linebacker Justyce Betts was third in the nation and the Jayhawk Conference leader in total tackles with 96, 26 more than second place, and he was not considered as the Defensive Player of the Year.  

FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS

Running back Markellus Bass was the nation's leading rusher with 1,237 yards, boasting 123.7 yards per game across 10 contests. Bass rushed for at least 100 yards in every game except two. Bass had a career day at Dodge City on November 15th, when he had 187 yards and three touchdowns on only 17 carries. Bass finishes his career as the 11th all-time leading rusher in Butler program history with 1,768 yards. 

Linebacker Justyce Betts was the lone defensive player for the Grizzlies to earn first team all-conference. Betts finished his season with 96 total tackles, 9.6 tackles per game, and 4.5 sacks. 

Butler kicker Hunter Rioux was named to first team special teams. Rioux was 12-15 on field goals for the season, with a long of 48 yards. Rioux is tied for first in field goals and tied for second nationally. Rioux's 66 points also marked him for third most in the conference, and sixth nationally. 

Fullback/tight end Noah Bruce was named first team fullback for the Grizzlies. Two offensive lineman rounded out the first team selections for Butler, including Chandler, Oklahoma native center Chaden Sullivan and West Memphis, Arkansas native offensive tackle Kendrick Hall. 

SECOND TEAM SELECTIONS

Guard Cape Johnson was selected to second team all-conference, along with guard Chase Burns. 

HONORABLE MENTION SELECTIONS

DeColdest Crawford - WR

Nakai Poole - WR

Mark Debiak - DE

Marcel Bowes - S

Jaylen Lawrence - LB

Braxton Urquhart - CB

Tavares Elston Jr. - LB

Nolan Chambers - WR

Ozzy Poage - DT

Noah Bruce - TE

Mason Teague - P

Deshawn Woods - OT

Donovan Williams - DT

Dexter Carr - DT