Marietta College’s Chance Knight (55) makes a tackle during a game against Capital at Don Drumm Stadium.
(Photo by Jay W. Bennett)

WACO, Texas — Marietta College senior defensive lineman Chance Knight has been named to the 2024 American Football Coaches Association All-America first team. The last Pioneer to earn this recognition was Caleb Riggleman, named to the AFCA first team back in 2018.

“Chance was a very special player for us for several years,” Pioneer head coach Andy Waddle said. “Not only was he outstanding on the field, he represented our program in a first-class manner in the classroom and in the community. He is a perfect example of an All-American football player and a great role model for our younger players. This is a great way to cap an outstanding season and career, being recognized as one of the best players in NCAA DIII.”

Knight, a three-time first team All-OAC honoree, started 41 games in his career including all 11 games this season. He led the Ohio Athletic Conference this season with 20 tackles for loss, which resulted in a loss of 99 yards. Knight also led the conference with 12.5 sacks. Those numbers resulted in him earning the Paul Hoernemann Defensive Lineman of the Year for a second year straight.

In addition to his numerous OAC awards, Knight also earned a spot last year on the D3football.com All-America second team and was tabbed as a pre-season D3football.com All-American twice prior to this season.

Marietta started the season with eight straight wins but dropped a heartbreaker to Mount Union and lost the season finale to John Carroll. After falling to Westminster College in the inaugural Extra Points Bowl at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, the Pioneers finished 8-3 overall and 7-2 in the OAC.