Ferrelli Named ACC Defensive Rookie Of The Year

California freshman linebacker Luke Ferrelli has been selected as the 2025 Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Ferrelli led the way in balloting among a select panel of media members and the league’s head coaches. 

Ferrelli, who was named All-ACC Honorable Mention yesterday, has started all 12 games for the Golden Bears and leads all ACC freshmen in tackles (87) and solo tackles (36) this season. Overall, he is tied for eighth in the ACC in total tackles and tied for ninth in tackles per game (7.3). Additionally, he is second among all ACC freshmen in tackles-for-loss (5.0).

His signature play of the 2025 season came at Boston College where he intercepted a pass in the end zone in the final moments to seal a victory over the Eagles.

His 87 tackles is second-most on the team and he has recorded three double-digit tackle games, including a career-high-tying 11 in back-to-back contests versus Texas Southern and Minnesota, as well as 10 at Stanford.