University of Tennessee Shines with Record 177 on First-Year SEC Honor Roll
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The University of Tennessee has set a remarkable benchmark this year, showcasing its commitment to academic excellence with an astounding 177 student-athletes making the 2024-25 First-Year Southeastern Conference (SEC) Academic Honor Roll. This phenomenal achievement was announced on Friday by SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey.
A Record-Breaking Achievement
This year’s total represents a remarkable increase of 41 from the previous record of 136 honored in the 2023-24 academic year. Tennessee’s dedicated focus on academic performance is further underscored by the total of 486 student-athletes recognized across all academic honor rolls for the 2024-25 year. This marks the tenth consecutive year that the university has witnessed a rise in the number of student-athletes acknowledged on the SEC Honor Rolls.
Academic Excellence Across Sports
Leading the charge on the 2024-25 First-Year SEC Honor Roll are football and baseball, with 27 and 25 student-athletes recognized, respectively. The ranking of top-performing sports continues with rowing at 21, followed by men’s track & field with 19, and women’s track & field with 13 honorees. Here’s a breakdown of other recognized sports:
- Softball: 11
- Soccer: 9
- Men’s Swimming & Diving: 8
- Women’s Swimming & Diving: 8
- Men’s Basketball: 8
- Women’s Tennis: 6
- Volleyball: 6
- Men’s Tennis: 5
- Women’s Basketball: 4
- Men’s Golf: 4
- Women’s Golf: 3
A total of 1,903 student-athletes from various SEC institutions have been recognized in this year’s First-Year Honor Roll, celebrating their academic achievements during the 2024-25 academic year.
Criteria for Honoring Academic Excellence
A student-athlete must meet specific criteria to qualify for the SEC Academic Honor Roll, ensuring that only the most dedicated and driven individuals are recognized. The eligibility requirements include:
GPAs: Undergraduate student-athletes must maintain a GPA of 3.00 or above for either the preceding academic year or cumulatively at their institution. Graduate student-athletes must also meet the same standard.
Completion of Course Credits: Undergraduate students need to complete 24 semester or 36 quarter hours of non-remedial academic credit, while graduate students must complete 18 semester or 27 quarter hours toward their degree.
- Participation Requirements: The athlete must have competed with their varsity team for the full NCAA Championship segment and must be in a championship sport designated by the SEC.
These rigorous standards ensure that these honors reflect a robust commitment to both academic and athletic excellence.
Celebrating the 2024-25 First-Year SEC Academic Honor Roll
The University of Tennessee is extremely proud to celebrate its student-athletes’ academic accomplishments. The following are a few notable mentions among those recognized:
Baseball (25 Honorees)
- Nic Abraham – Kinesiology
- Brandon Arvidson – Information Sciences
Football (27 Honorees)
- Max Anderson – Sport Management
- Boo Carter – Communication Studies
Women’s Basketball (4 Honorees)
- Favor Ayodele – Agricultural Education, Communication & Education (Master’s)
This exceptional performance speaks volumes about the University of Tennessee’s enduring legacy of combining athletic prowess with academic dedication. As the University continues to uplift and support its student-athletes, they carve pathways not just in sports, but also in their academic pursuits, truly embodying the spirit of both athleticism and scholarship.
For more information, visit the University of Tennessee athletics page here.
