University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Northern Colorado Football Announces 2026 Team Captains
8/26/2026 11:58:00 AM | Football
GREELEY, Colo. - Northern Colorado Football has announced Dom Butts, Franky Morales, Mathias Price, KJ Smedley, and Jack Ziebell as its team captains for the 2026 season.
The five captains bring a combination of production, experience, and leadership to the Bears heading into the new season.
Butts emerged as a key piece along the defensive line in 2025, appearing in all 12 games and recording 41 total tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. His disruptive presence up front included a season-high six tackles against Portland State, and he has continued to pair on-field production with academic achievement.
Morales has been a consistent force in the secondary, appearing in every game over the past two seasons. After totaling 73 tackles in 2024, he followed with 50 more in 2025 while continuing to provide steady leadership and physical play at safety and on special teams.
Price put together one of the most productive rushing seasons in program history in 2025, totaling 483 rushing yards and three touchdowns while adding 133 receiving yards and a touchdown through the air. He ranked third in single-season rushing yards in Northern Colorado history and gave the Bears a dynamic playmaker out of the backfield.
Smedley has developed into a dependable contributor at linebacker, appearing in all 12 games last season and finishing with 42 total tackles. After posting 46 tackles as a sophomore in 2024, he enters the season as one of the Bears' most experienced and reliable defenders, with a track record of consistent production and academic recognition.
Ziebell, a three-year starting offensive lineman, earned 2025 Big Sky All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition and helped anchor an offensive front that finished second in the Big Sky and ninth nationally in sacks allowed. A steady veteran presence, he has appeared in 21 games over the past three seasons and has been recognized for both his play and academic success.
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, provide resources for team development, and support 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.
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The five captains bring a combination of production, experience, and leadership to the Bears heading into the new season.
Butts emerged as a key piece along the defensive line in 2025, appearing in all 12 games and recording 41 total tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. His disruptive presence up front included a season-high six tackles against Portland State, and he has continued to pair on-field production with academic achievement.
Morales has been a consistent force in the secondary, appearing in every game over the past two seasons. After totaling 73 tackles in 2024, he followed with 50 more in 2025 while continuing to provide steady leadership and physical play at safety and on special teams.
Price put together one of the most productive rushing seasons in program history in 2025, totaling 483 rushing yards and three touchdowns while adding 133 receiving yards and a touchdown through the air. He ranked third in single-season rushing yards in Northern Colorado history and gave the Bears a dynamic playmaker out of the backfield.
Smedley has developed into a dependable contributor at linebacker, appearing in all 12 games last season and finishing with 42 total tackles. After posting 46 tackles as a sophomore in 2024, he enters the season as one of the Bears' most experienced and reliable defenders, with a track record of consistent production and academic recognition.
Ziebell, a three-year starting offensive lineman, earned 2025 Big Sky All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition and helped anchor an offensive front that finished second in the Big Sky and ninth nationally in sacks allowed. A steady veteran presence, he has appeared in 21 games over the past three seasons and has been recognized for both his play and academic success.
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, provide resources for team development, and support 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.
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Players Mentioned
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