CANTON, Ga. - Trinity University senior Caleb Bayer has been named the Southern Athletic Association Man of the Year, becoming the first Tiger student-athlete to receive the conference's highest individual honor since Trinity joined the SAA as a full member in 2025-26.
Bayer's selection recognizes a collegiate career defined by excellence in the classroom, on the football field, and throughout the San Antonio community. A neuroscience major with a 3.87 cumulative grade-point average, Bayer has distinguished himself as one of Division III's premier scholar-athletes.
Academically, Bayer earned 2025 CSC Academic All-America First Team honors, becoming one of the nation's top student-athletes across all divisions of college football. He was also a three-time CSC Academic All-District selection and a four-time member of the SAA Academic Honor Roll, demonstrating sustained academic achievement throughout his career.
Bayer's commitment to service has been equally impactful. Through more than 100 hours of volunteer work with Corazon Ministries Clinic, he has provided care and assistance to homeless and addicted populations throughout San Antonio. Working alongside medical professionals, Bayer helped conduct health evaluations, take patient vitals, distribute prescription medications, and provide wound care to individuals in need. He also participated in outreach efforts that delivered food, clothing, and clean needles to homeless encampments.
In addition, Bayer volunteered with SNIPSA, assisting with pet adoption events and helping connect rescued dogs and cats with prospective families. On campus, he played an active role in the Bengal Lancer Fraternity, organizing philanthropy initiatives that raised funds for the Pat Tillman Foundation and strengthened community engagement among Trinity students.
A team captain for the Tigers, Bayer established himself as one of the finest offensive linemen in Division III football. Following the 2025 season, he garnered First Team All-America honors from D3football.com, the American Football Coaches Association, and the Associated Press, while also earning First Team Non-FBS All-Texas recognition.
Bayer was a three-time D3football.com All-Region selection and a four-time All-Conference honoree, collecting First Team All-Conference accolades in 2023, 2024, and 2025 after earning honorable mention recognition as a freshman in 2022. His accomplishments extended beyond on-field performance, as he was nominated for the AFCA Good Works Team and the National Football Foundation's Campbell Trophy, honors recognizing exemplary community service, leadership, and academic success.
In 2025, Bayer was also recognized as the recipient of the Rimington Trophy as Division III's top center, cementing his status as one of the nation's elite players at his position.
Whether studying the complexities of the human brain, serving vulnerable members of his community, or anchoring Trinity's offensive line, Bayer has exemplified the values of Division III athletics. His selection as the 2025-2026 Southern Athletic Association Man of the Year celebrates a legacy of scholarship, servant leadership, and athletic excellence that has made a lasting impact on Trinity University and the Southern Athletic Association.
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YEAR
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MAN OF THE YEAR
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2026
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Caleb Bayer (TU) - Football
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2025
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Eli Pilcher (RHO) - Soccer
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2024
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Michael O’Sullivan (OU) - Golf
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2023
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Trey Hines (BSC) - Soccer
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2022
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Seth Stanley (HEN) - Basketball
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2021
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Toler Freyaldenhoven (RHO) - Cross Country & Track
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2020
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Cal Lewellyn (CEN) - Football
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2019
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Jack Gray (SEW) - Tennis
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2018
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Noah Martin (CEN) - Swim
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2017
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Gray Stanton (HEN) - Football & Mason Paas (CEN) - Lacrosse
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2016
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Eric Roddy (SEW) - Tennis
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2015
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Anthony Maccaglia (OU) - Golf
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2014
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Collin Radack (HEN) - Baseball
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2013
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Phillip Link (SEW) - Swim
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For more information on all things SAA, visit the websites of any of the participating schools, or go to the SAA's home on the internet at
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