The Saint John’s University Johnnies football team has officially concluded an outstanding 2024 season ranked among the nation’s elite. Both the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and D3football.com have placed Saint John’s Johnnies football at No. 7 in their final polls, cementing their status as a top-tier Division III program.
This impressive ranking follows a season where Saint John’s Johnnies football achieved an 11-1 record, including a perfect 8-0 run in conference play. This dominant performance secured their 37th MIAC championship, a record within the conference, and marked their 33rd postseason appearance, with 29 of those in Division III. The 2024 season also marked the 26th time the Johnnies have achieved a 10-win season, underscoring the program’s consistent excellence. Notably, Saint John’s Johnnies football has maintained a position within D3football.com’s top 25 for an incredible 126 consecutive polls, demonstrating sustained national prominence.
Throughout the season, Saint John’s Johnnies football showcased a high-powered offense, leading NCAA Division III in passing offense with an average of 380.3 yards per game. Their offensive efficiency extended beyond passing, ranking third in completion percentage (.738), fifth in total offense (503.5 ypg.), and sixth in passing efficiency (188.37). The Johnnies also demonstrated their ability to sustain drives, ranking eighth nationally in first downs (304) and consistently finding the end zone, placing 12th in scoring offense (43.5 ppg.). Complementing their offensive prowess, the Saint John’s Johnnies football defense proved to be equally formidable, ranking third in fourth-down conversion defense (.212/7-for-32), fourth in sacks (3.75 spg.), and ninth in red zone defense (.594/19-for-32).
Individual accolades further highlight the talent within the Saint John’s Johnnies football program. Senior quarterback Aaron Syverson led Division III in multiple passing categories, including completion percentage (.763), passing touchdowns (51), passing yards (4,382), and passing yards per game (365.2). Junior wide receiver Dylan Wheeler also made a significant impact, ranking second nationally in receiving touchdowns (21). Senior wideout Marselio Mendez concluded the season ranked 14th in Division III in receiving yards (1,183).
The final No. 7 ranking in both the AFCA and D3football.com polls is a fitting conclusion to a remarkable season for Saint John’s Johnnies football, underscoring their position as a perennial powerhouse in Division III football.
