BEREA, Ohio — Baldwin Wallace University senior linebacker Nolan Hartsel has enjoyed a standout career with the Yellow Jackets, earning recognition as one of the top defensive players in NCAA Division III football while also excelling in the classroom as an accounting and finance double major.

Hartsel was named a D3football.com Second Team All-American and a D3football.com All-Region 4 First Team honoree following the 2025 season. He also earned the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Gene Slaughter Most Outstanding Linebacker Award and was named First Team All-OAC. In the classroom, Hartsel was selected as a College Sports Communicators (CSC) First Team Academic All-American and is a two-time CSC Academic All-District selection and two-time Academic All-OAC honoree.

For Hartsel, the recognition reflects the work he has put into both areas throughout his career.

"It's kind of just showing that the hard work does pay off," Hartsel said. "I really put a lot into my studies, and to see the GPA reflect that, it really means a lot to me."

Hartsel's path to Baldwin Wallace began during the recruiting process, when he considered several Ohio Athletic Conference schools. After meeting with the coaching staff and members of the academic community, he felt BW offered the right fit for him to continue developing as both a student and an athlete.

"It really felt like here was the spot for me. To feel like the coaches believed in me, and believed that I could be a contributor and grow as a player here," Hartsel said.

Entering his freshman season, Hartsel knew he would have to work to earn his place on the field. He initially focused on contributing on special teams and taking advantage of opportunities when they came his way.

Hartsel earned playing time early in his career and continued to develop into one of the OAC's top linebackers. His development led to a standout 2025 season, earning recognition at the conference, regional and national levels.

"Nolan Hartsel exemplifies what we want in a student-athlete," said head football coach Jim Hilvert. "His work ethic, leadership, toughness, and ability to handle hard have been keys for his success on and off the field. He is not only a good football player but a better person.

Balancing the demands of college football with his academic workload has also been an important part of Hartsel's experience at Baldwin Wallace. He said he has always prioritized his studies, making his academic accomplishments especially meaningful.

"Through high school, I've always been a hard worker in the classroom. I always put that first, so to see the academic side shine through is great for me," Hartsel said.

Hartsel is set to graduate in December with degrees in accounting and finance. He recently accepted a position with Meaden & Moore, where he will begin working as a staff accountant in January, focusing on audit tax.

Before beginning his professional career, Hartsel remains focused on helping Baldwin Wallace reach its goals on the football field. Entering the season, he and the Yellow Jackets set their sights on competing for an OAC championship and making a strong postseason run.

"I think we've got a great group of seniors, great, great leadership, coaches that believe in us, and I think we're well on our way to doing that, and then making a good playoff run," Hartsel said.

As he prepares to graduate, Hartsel will look to carry the work ethic that has defined his time at Baldwin Wallace into his professional career.