UND names football captains

GRAND FORKS — In a college football era marked by top FCS players frequently transferring to major FBS programs, Bo Belquist bucked the trend.

The UND wide receiver opted to come back to play a fifth season for the Fighting Hawks.

His teammates have now voted him captain for a second-straight season.

Belquist is one of five UND players who will captain the team in 2024.

The others are linebacker Malachi McNeal, linebacker Josh Navratil, linebacker Wyatt Pedigo and tight end-fullback Jaden Norby.

UND opens the season at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Iowa State. The game is televised by FS1.

UND’s home opener is Sept. 7 against Montana.

Belquist has been UND’s star player for the last couple of seasons.

The fifth-year senior enters the season near the top of the record book in most receiving categories. He ranks third in career receptions (206) and fourth in career receiving yards (2,373).

Belquist is 11 catches away from setting UND’s Division-I receptions record, which is currently held by Greg Hardin (216), who played from 2010-13.

The New Rockford, N.D., product has been named to the Senior Bowl watchlist, nabbing preseason second-team All-American honors from FCS Stats Perform and third-team honors from Phil Steele.

McNeal, a junior from Waukegon, Ill., started every game last season for UND, finishing second in tackles (68), solo stops (43) and tackles for loss (7). He led the team with 10 quarterback hurries.

Navratil, a fifth-year senior from Pine Island, Minn., started every game last season for the Fighting Hawks, finishing fourth in sacks (2.5) and fifth in tackles for loss (4). He made 33 tackles.

Pedigo, a senior from Hoisington, Kan., started every game last season for UND, leading the nation with four fumble recoveries. He led the team in tackles (72), solo stops (47) and tackles for loss (7.5). He was second on the team in quarterback hurries with eight.

Norby, a senior from Ashby, Minn., played in all 12 games last season, starting seven of them. He made five catches for 56 yards and a touchdown, while primarily serving as a blocker for the Fighting Hawks offense.

Who: UND at Iowa State.
When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Ames, Iowa.
TV: FS1 (GF Ch. 67/632 HD).
Radio: The Fox (96.1 FM).

Schlossman has covered college hockey for the Grand Forks Herald since 2005. He has been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors as the top beat writer for the Herald’s circulation division four times and the North Dakota sportswriter of the year once. He resides in Grand Forks. Reach him at bschlossman@gfherald.com.