Adebayo; Herzog, a senior from St. Thomas Academy; and offensive lineman Alec Rasmussen, a senior from Wayzata High School, were named to the Pioneer League’s preseason all-conference team by one national publication.
The Tommies, who have seven home games and, for the first time, 12 regular-season games, open their season on Aug. 29 at home against Division II Sioux Falls. The Tommies’ first three games are at home. In Week 2, St. Thomas plays host to Northern Iowa on Sept. 7.
It will be the second meeting between the Tommies and Northern Iowa, which is receiving votes in the FCS poll. In 2021, St. Thomas’ first season in D-I, Northern Iowa won 44-3 in Cedar Falls.
“That game will be a good litmus test for us,” Caruso said.