In a remarkable achievement for Boston College Football, four players have landed spots on the 2025 All-ACC Academic Team. It’s a nod not just to their athletic abilities, but also to their commitment in the classroom.
The honorees are Josiah Griffin, Juan Zabal, Luca Lombardo, and VJ Wilkins. For Griffin and Zabal, this is their second time receiving the honor, while Lombardo and Wilkins are new to the list.
The requirements for this award are pretty tough. Players must maintain a 3.0 GPA for the previous two semesters, keep at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and participate in at least half of their team’s games.
Boston College’s Commitment to Academic Excellence
Boston College has a reputation for pushing its student-athletes both on the field and in the classroom. The recent recognition of these four football players on the 2025 All-ACC Academic Team just adds to that story.
It’s not easy to earn this honor—it takes more than just athletic talent. A strong academic record is absolutely required.
Meet the Honorees
Each of the four players brings something different to the table. Their academic interests are as varied as their positions on the team.
- Josiah Griffin – Defensive lineman from Springfield, Mass., majoring in Psychology. This is his second All-ACC Academic Team honor, which says a lot about his consistency both on the field and in his studies.
- Juan Zabal – Linebacker from Mexico City, Mexico, majoring in Economics. Also a two-time honoree, Zabal’s kept up a high standard in both academics and athletics.
- Luca Lombardo – Kicker from Westport, Conn., majoring in Communication. This is his first time making the list, which is a pretty big moment for him.
- VJ Wilkins – Wide receiver from Pfafftown, N.C., studying Applied Psychology & Human Development. It’s his first time being recognized, and it really shows his ability to juggle both worlds.
The Rigorous Criteria for the All-ACC Academic Team
Getting onto the All-ACC Academic Team isn’t simple. There’s a checklist, and it’s not short.
- Keep at least a 3.0 GPA for the last two semesters.
- Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA overall.
- Be enrolled for at least one year as an undergraduate.
- Compete in at least 50% of the team’s games.
The Importance of Academic and Athletic Balance
Balancing school and sports? Not easy. It takes serious dedication and time management, and honestly, a lot of support from the school.
Boston College steps up with academic advisors, tutoring, and flexible scheduling. That support makes a real difference for athletes trying to keep up with everything.
Boston College’s Legacy of Academic and Athletic Excellence
The school’s got a long list of student-athletes who’ve made their mark both on the field and in class. The recognition of Griffin, Zabal, Lombardo, and Wilkins just adds another chapter.
Boston College’s focus on creating a place where academics and athletics can thrive together is pretty clear from the success of its players.
Future Prospects for the Honorees
Looking ahead, these four honorees have some great options. Their academic work opens a lot of doors—whether it’s pro sports, grad school, or jumping into careers related to their majors.
Honestly, the skills they’ve picked up balancing so much at once will help them wherever they go. That’s something you just can’t fake.
Conclusion
The recognition of Josiah Griffin, Juan Zabal, Luca Lombardo, and VJ Wilkins on the 2025 All-ACC Academic Team really stands out. It’s not every day you see such a strong balance between academics and athletics at Boston College.
These student-athletes have shown it’s possible to push hard in both areas. Their efforts say a lot about the kind of grit and support you find at BC—maybe even more than words can capture.
For more details, visit the official announcement on the Boston College Athletics website.
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