D3football.com Release

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - One day after reeling in the first conference award of his career, Illinois Wesleyan University senior linebacker Joey DeMaio (Woodridge, Ill.-Lemont) was recognized as part of D3football.com's National Team of the Week Tuesday, Sept. 15.

He is the 18th selection in program history and the first since Matt Worthington garnered recognition in week seven of the 2025 season. Additionally, he represents IWU's first defensive pick since the 2022 campaign (Frank Roti - week seven). 

DeMaio captained the defensive effort in IWU's 45-35 win over Trine, Sept. 12. The senior linebacker totaled a team-high 11 tackles, eight solo and three assisted. DeMaio finished with a game-high two sacks, good for a 30-yard loss for the Thunder. He added a key fourth quarter interception, the first of his career, with IWU clinging to a 31-29 lead. The pick set the Titan offense up deep in Trine territory and resulted in a touchdown for the home team as IWU held on for the victory. The win pushed Illinois Wesleyan to 2-0 on the year, marking its best start since 2017.

DeMaio and the Titans return to the gridiron Saturday, Sept. 19, for their College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin opener at Augustana College. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.