BURNSVILLE, Minn. --
Cole Hentges (offense) and
Trayten Johnson (defense) were chosen as the University of Jamestown's 2026 NSIC Players to Watch as the conference released its preseason poll and players of the year.
Hentges completed 138 of 237 passes and threw for 1575 yards and 13 touchdowns as the Jimmies' primary quarterback in 2025. He also led the team in rushing, carrying 140 times for 641 yards and seven scores.
"Cole is a dynamic playmaker who made great tremendous strides for UJ football during the 2025 campaign," said head coach
Tom Dosch. "These characteristics have continued to grow as Cole has embraced his role as one of our team leaders. Leadership, toughness and unselfish play have become trademarks of Cole, and I am excited to see his hard work and dedication continue to carry over to the field this season."
Johnson, a defensive lineman, saw his 2025 season cut in half due to injury but still recorded 10 tackles and a sack over the final five games of the season.
"Trayten was a physical force in the middle of our defense," Dosch said. "His strength, power and explosiveness make him a disruptive player in the NSIC. Hard work, dedication and an amazing work ethic have propelled Trayten to higher levels this winter, spring and summer; we are eager to see the impact he will have this fall."
The Jimmies finished their first season in the NSIC with a 1-9 record and were picked to finish 13th of 14 teams overall, and seventh of seven teams in the NSIC North Division.
NSIC PRESEASON POLL
"I am excited to see the progress of our team from 2025 to 2026," Dosch said. "We return a strong nucleus of experience, coupled with a large group of young players ready to prove themselves in our program. We need to become a more physical team on both sides of the line of scrimmage, make plays when given the opportunity, and expect to experience success in 2026."
UJ opens the season with a non-conference game at Upper Iowa on August 29 before opening the NSIC and home schedule on September 5 against Sioux Falls.
