FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (July 30, 2025) – Ahead of the Northern Arizona football team's first practice of fall camp, head football coach
Brian Wright announced
Tausagafou Ho Ching,
Ty Pennington,
Quinlan Popham,
Ethan Kramer and
Seth Smith as the Lumberjacks' 2025 team captains.
Ho Ching, Pennington, Popham, Kramer and Smith were voted captains by their teammates, coaches and staff.
Ho Ching and Pennington recently represented NAU at the Big Sky Football Kickoff Weekend in Spokane, Wash. Ho Ching, a senior defensive lineman from Upland, Calif., and Pennington, a junior quarterback from Sand Springs, Okla., both are entering their second seasons as Lumberjacks following transfers from Houston Christian and Pittsburg State respectively. Pennington, the reigning Big Sky Newcomer of the Year, was named to the Big Sky Preseason All-Conference team.
With the prevalence of the transfer portal, Popham and Smith are not only fifth-year Lumberjacks, but also in-state high school products. Popham, a linebacker out of Phoenix, and Smith, an offensive lineman out of Chandler, have been a part of the NAU football program since entering in 2021.
NAU's fifth captain is Kramer, a redshirt senior offensive lineman out of Colorado Springs, Colo. Kramer is entering his third year at NAU after starting his collegiate career at Northern Colorado.
Additionally, Wright has elevated three of his assistant coaches following their first year on the Lumberjack football staff.
Bryan Larson will assume the role of Offensive Coordinator, while also resuming duties as Offensive Line coach. Last season, his offensive line unit helped pave the way for 2,593 rushing yards. He also oversaw the development of multiple true freshmen who saw game action along the offensive line.
Rodney Brown will coach both the safeties and cornerbacks this season in his new role as Defensive Backfield Coach. As Defensive Backs coach in 2024, Brown's group led the Big Sky in interceptions and stifled conference foes with the league's leading pass defense (176.7 yards per game allowed).
Aaron Cheatwood will serve as NAU's Defensive Run Game Coordinator this season in addition to serving as Linebackers Coach. The Lumberjacks allowed the third-fewest rushing yards per game in the Big Sky (139.8) last season and was second in total defense (316.5) with Cheatwood part of the NAU's defensive staff.
Stay up to date with Northern Arizona football by following the Lumberjacks on
X and
Instagram.
