The Santa Ana College football team was well represented on the 2012 All-Academic All-State Football Team with five Dons being named to the list, led by SAC's Male Scholar Athlete of the Year, Tyler Cordell with a 4.0 GPA. Cordell was one of only three players on the list to achieve a 4.0 GPA.

Following him was Nate Cox who was named to the list on the defensive line with a 3.89 GPA. Woody Quinn was named to the list as a tight end with his 3.79 GPA followed by Reece Buckles at offensive line with a 3.66 GPA. Rounding out the list for the Dons was defensive back Ian Miller who had a 3.64 GPA.

Four of the five Dons have received a scholarship to continue their academic and athletic careers at a four-year university while Miller will be returning to the Dons for the 2013 season. Cordell will be transferring to Cornell University while Cox is transferring to Youngstown State University. Quinn is joining the University of Tennessee while Buckles has signed with South Dakota State University.

Overall, 26 players  were recognized by the California Community College Football Coaches Association and the Dons were tied with Citrus College for most selections at five.