Gore Named WR of the Year as Nine Muskies Earn All-OAC Football Honors

The Ohio Athletic Conference has announced its 2025 football postseason awards, with sophomore John Christopher Gore earning the Ed Sherman Award as Wide Receiver of the Year and leading a group of nine Muskingum football student-athletes recognized on the All-OAC teams. Gore was joined on the First Team by senior offensive lineman Foster Wertz, senior linebacker Conner Gurney, and sophomore defensive lineman Nathan Thomas. Senior quarterback Garrett Gurney, senior wide receiver David Westrick, and senior defensive lineman Kenny Page earned Second Team All-OAC honors, while senior offensive lineman Samaar Scott and sophomore defensive back Malachi Stromile received Honorable Mention recognition. In total, nine Muskies, highlighted by Gore, were honored for their outstanding performances during the 2025 season.

Gore finished the season with 59 receptions for 735 yards with 5 touchdowns. Gore also had 11 kick returns for 219 yards. Gore ranked first in the OAC for receptions and third for receiving yards and eighth in receiving touchdowns. This marks the first time a Muskingum wide receiver has been honored with this award and the first time since 2019 (Tim Ousley/Paul Hoernemann Award/Most Outstanding Defensive Lineman) that a Muskie has received an OAC Player of the Year Award.

Wertz and Scott anchored the Muskies' offensive line, helping power an offense that averaged 383.2 total yards per game. Their efforts up front contributed to Muskingum finishing second in the OAC in passing, totaling 2,596 yards through the air.

Conner Gurney anchored the Muskie defense, posting a team-high 86 tackles, along with 11.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. His standout season ranked him second in the OAC in total tackles and third in tackles for loss.

Thomas led the Muskies with five sacks, ranking third in the OAC, and added 50 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. He also finished fourth in the conference in tackles for loss.

Garrett Gurney threw for 2,257 yards with a 63.3% completion rate, averaging 250.8 passing yards per game, which ranked second in the OAC. He finished the season with 19 passing touchdowns, 6 rushing touchdowns, and 217 rushing yards. Gurney also ranked third in the conference in passing yards, first in completions (195-of-308), and tenth in rushing touchdowns. He capped his standout year by setting the Muskingum single-game total offense record with 581 yards (569 passing, 12 rushing) in the win over Wilmington.

Westrick recorded 57 receptions for 617 yards, averaging 61.7 yards per game and scoring five touchdowns. He ranked second in the OAC in receptions, trailing only Gore, and eighth in receiving touchdowns.

Page anchored the defensive line, finishing the season with 32 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 1 sack.

Stromile posted 68 tackles, the second-highest total on the team, along with 1 sack and 1 tackle for loss. He added 3 interceptions, ranking second in the OAC, and placed 10th in the conference in total tackles.

League coaches vote on All-OAC accolades and awards.