LEXINGTON, Va. - Senior Offensive Lineman
Wesley Howenstein of the Washington and Lee University Football team was named a
D3football.com Second Team Preseason All-American prior to the start of the 2026 season, the organization announced on Wednesday afternoon.
Howenstein, a Centreville, Va., native, is 10th General in program history to earn preseason All-America honors from the organization since 2000 and the first since Josh Breece '22 was named a First Team Preseason All-American in 2018. He joins Michael LaSala '17, Connor Hollenbeck '14, John Fitzgibbons '12 and Offensive Coordinator Mat Rapoza '03 as the only offensive linemen in program history to receive the honor.
Howenstein started all 11 games for the Blue and White last season, anchoring an offensive line that ranked among the top units in NCAA Division III. The Generals rushed for more than 3,600 yards and averaged 316.9 rushing yards per game, ranking second in Division III and fourth across all NCAA divisions. Washington and Lee also ranked third nationally by allowing just four sacks all season and finished second in Division III in tackles for loss allowed at 2.50 per game. Howenstein earned Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Lineman of the Year honors and was named to the All-ODAC First Team and D3football.com All-Region First Team following the 2025 season.
The Blue and White open the 2026 season at Wilson Field on Sept. 5, hosting Wittenberg University at 1 p.m.
Washington and Lee's D3football.com Preseason All-America Honorees
| Year |
Name |
Team (Position) |
| 2018 |
Josh Breece |
1st Team (RB) |
| 2016 |
Michael LaSala |
1st Team (OL) |
| 2013 |
Connor Hollenbeck |
1st Team (OL) |
| 2012 |
Jake Pelton |
1st Team (DB) |
| 2011 |
John Fitzgibbons |
1st Team (OL) |
| 2007 |
Jack Martin |
2nd Team (WR) |
| 2006 |
Jack Martin |
1st Team (WR) |
|
Stuart Sitterson |
1st Team (Specialist) |
| 2002 |
Mat Rapoza |
1st Team (OL) |
| 2001 |
Mat Rapoza |
1st Team (OL) |
|
Marc Watson |
2nd Team (RB) |
Nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the United States and a top-ranked liberal arts university. With over 500 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports, the Generals have celebrated over 265 conference championships. Learn more about the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com or on social media at @WLUGenerals
