University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Broughton, Ekuban, And Ziebell Named Preseason All-Big Sky
7/26/2026 12:00:00 PM | Football
FARNIGTON, Utah – Northern Colorado's Maddox Broughton, Ezra Ekuban, and Jack Ziebell were named to the Big Sky Preseason All-Conference Team, the conference announced Sunday, as voted on by the league's media.
Broughton, beginning his third season at UNC also was named a Second-Team Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America, started all 12 games a season ago, earning All-Big Sky Honorable Mention and Stats Perform FCS Freshman All-American honors.
He anchored a Bears special teams' unit that ranked top three in the Big Sky in net punting and featured a top six conference placekicker and punter by average. Broughton successfully snapped on all 59 punts and 21 field goals and extra points without a recorded miscue.
Ekuban, in his fifth season in Greeley is coming off a season in which he appeared in nine games along the defensive line and emerged as a disruptive presence up front. He finished the season with 37 total tackles, including 8.0 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
He posted a season-high nine tackles with 2.0 tackles for loss and a sack at Colorado State, earning Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week honors. Ekuban added another strong performance at Houston Christian, recording eight tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack.
Ziebell a three-year starting offensive lineman and veteran leader up front earned Big Sky All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition a season ago. He started all season and anchored an offensive line that ranked among the conference's best in pass protection and negative-play prevention. Ziebell helped Northern Colorado finish second in the Big Sky and ninth nationally in sacks allowed, surrendering just 0.92 sacks per game.
Following last season he was named to the 2025 PFSN FCS Second Team All-American and to the 2025 All-NFFCC Second Team – Offense.
Tickets can be purchased through the UNC ticket office online at UNCBears.com/Tickets, by calling 970-351-4849, or in person at the UNC ticket office during normal business hours.
Quarterback Club
The Quarterback Club plays a vital role in supporting the UNC Football program. By giving to the Quarterback Club, you help enhance the student-athlete experience, providing resources for team development, and ensuring the success of the Bears on and off the field. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in the future of the program.
FOLLOW THE BEARS: For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the football team on Instagram, X and Facebook.
Broughton, beginning his third season at UNC also was named a Second-Team Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America, started all 12 games a season ago, earning All-Big Sky Honorable Mention and Stats Perform FCS Freshman All-American honors.
He anchored a Bears special teams' unit that ranked top three in the Big Sky in net punting and featured a top six conference placekicker and punter by average. Broughton successfully snapped on all 59 punts and 21 field goals and extra points without a recorded miscue.
Ekuban, in his fifth season in Greeley is coming off a season in which he appeared in nine games along the defensive line and emerged as a disruptive presence up front. He finished the season with 37 total tackles, including 8.0 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
He posted a season-high nine tackles with 2.0 tackles for loss and a sack at Colorado State, earning Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week honors. Ekuban added another strong performance at Houston Christian, recording eight tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack.
Ziebell a three-year starting offensive lineman and veteran leader up front earned Big Sky All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition a season ago. He started all season and anchored an offensive line that ranked among the conference's best in pass protection and negative-play prevention. Ziebell helped Northern Colorado finish second in the Big Sky and ninth nationally in sacks allowed, surrendering just 0.92 sacks per game.
Following last season he was named to the 2025 PFSN FCS Second Team All-American and to the 2025 All-NFFCC Second Team – Offense.
Tickets can be purchased through the UNC ticket office online at UNCBears.com/Tickets, by calling 970-351-4849, or in person at the UNC ticket office during normal business hours.
Quarterback Club
The Quarterback Club plays a vital role in supporting the UNC Football program. By giving to the Quarterback Club, you help enhance the student-athlete experience, providing resources for team development, and ensuring the success of the Bears on and off the field. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in the future of the program.
FOLLOW THE BEARS: For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the football team on Instagram, X and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
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