Princeton Football Recognized with 10 All-Ivy Honors Despite Challenging Season
Princeton Football concluded its underwhelming 2024 season on a positive note by defeating Penn 20–17 during their Senior Day on Nov. 23. Following the season finale, the Ivy League revealed its All-Ivy honorees, with 10 Tigers earning recognition — four as Second Team All-Ivy and six as honorable mentions.
For the first time during head coach Bob Surace’s tenure, which began in 2010, no Princeton player earned a First Team All-Ivy nod. The last occurrence of this was in 2009 under former coach Roger Hughes, when the team finished with a 4–6 record.
“It’s always great to see our players recognized by the Ivy League and our head coaches, particularly in a season marked by parity,” Surace said in a statement. “Each player honored truly earned it through their dedication, preparation, and on-field performance this fall.” Princeton ended the season with a 2–5 conference record.
Notable Second Team Honorees
- Senior guard Tommy Matheson was the only Princeton player recognized offensively on the Second Team. A consistent presence over the past three years, Matheson started every game this season and was a preseason First Team All-Ivy selection.
- Defensive lineman Jack DelGarbino (senior), linebacker Marco Scarano (junior), and safety Nasir Hill (junior) received Second Team All-Ivy honors on defense.
- DelGarbino, previously an honorable mention, recorded 50 tackles this season and ranks ninth among Ivy League leaders in career tackles per game.
- Scarano led the team in tackles for loss (11.5), placing second in the Ivy League overall, and ranked eleventh in total tackles with 68.
- Hill, a key player since his first year, earned Second Team honors for the second consecutive season, recording 59 tackles and an interception against Brown.
Honorable Mentions and Special Recognitions
- Offense: Senior guard Nick Hilliard and senior running back John Volker were recognized. Hilliard partnered with Matheson in starting every game for the third straight year, while Volker ranked fifth in the league for rushing yards per game (57.1) and scored six touchdowns.
- Defense: Sophomore linebacker Chase Christopher, who led the team in total tackles (72) and ranked seventh in the Ivy League for tackles per game (7.2), earned an honorable mention.
- Special Teams: Senior kicker Jeffrey Sexton (7-for-7 on field goals, including a 51-yarder) and sophomore punter Brady Clark (second in the league with 42.55 yards per punt) showcased their talents. Senior wide receiver and punt returner AJ Barber also stood out, highlighted by a 46-yard punt return and 437 receiving yards.
Other Contributions
Despite his impressive 562 receiving yards and five touchdowns (ranking sixth in the Ivy League), senior wide receiver Luke Colella was notably excluded from the All-Ivy selections. Additional standout performances came from junior safety Tahj Owens (65 tackles, three fumble recoveries), first-year linebacker AJ Pigford, and sophomore running back Ethan Clark.
While the season fell short of expectations, Princeton players’ contributions were acknowledged through these accolades, underscoring the bright moments in a challenging campaign.
