Helder returns at QB to lead Blugold offense

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Ayden Helder was a first year starter who was one of the bright spots during a rocky 2025 football season for UW-Eau Claire.

Helder’s first year as the team’s No. 1 quarterback was a productive one. He passed for 2,109 yards and 12 touchdowns during his sophomore season.

He led the Blugolds to a 3-0 start before the team struggled while going winless during WIAC play.

Now the 6-foot-2 Helder is looking to build on last season and lead UW-Eau Claire to a bounce back season.

“That year of experience definitely helps a lot,” he said. “I have stepped up a little more and taken on a bigger leadership role. This is my third year here and I look at that as my responsibility to help these younger players. It’s an honor and a privilege to be someone the guys kind of look up to.”

Helder spent his freshman season in 2024 learning from four-year starter and record-setting UWEC quarterback Harry Roubidoux.

Helder then took the reins last year, turning in a superb debut by passing for 216 yards and two touchdowns in a season opening win over Carroll.

He later passed for a season-best 332 yards against UW-Stevens Point. He also passed for three touchdowns in games against Kenyon and UW-River Falls.

“It’s good to have Ayden back with a year of starting experience now,” UWEC coach Rob Erickson said. “Ayden is doing a great job and we are thrilled with what he can do. He brings strong leadership and the guys believe in him.”

Helder possesses a strong right arm and also is an accurate thrower. And he brings mobility and athleticism to the QB position.

With a year of starting experience, Helder is looking to make an even bigger impact during his junior season.

Helder is in his third year in the UW-Eau Claire program, but he is transitioning to changes the team has made offensively.

Phil Ockinga has been brought in as the team’s new offensive coordinator.

“With football, you can’t really reinvent the wheel,” Helder said. “So he’s done a lot of the same things that we have done. It has been kind of a verbage change. There is not a huge difference honestly. And everything has been going well.”

Helder brings a team-first mentality on a tight-knit Blugold squad that has excellent chemistry and camaraderie.

“Camp has been going really well,” Helder said before Wednesday afternoon’s workout at the Sonnentag Fieldhouse. “We have a lot of new guys and new faces. And we also have some older and more experienced games who are leading the way.”

Helder is looking to reverse the fortunes of a team with plenty of optimism despite a rough season in 2025.

“We return a lot of good players and everyone has been looking great during practice,” he said. “We have some older guys who are ready to step up and contribute.”

UW-Eau Claire is picked to finish last in the conference after going 0-7 in league play in 2025.

The Blugolds are in a loaded conference with several nationally ranked teams, including defending national champion UW-River Falls.

“We just have to keep working hard and get better every single day,” Helder said. “We have to believe in what we are doing and play together as a team.”

Even though the Blugolds struggled last year, Helder isn’t backing away from setting lofty goals.

“Obviously, the goal is to win every game,” he said. “We want to win the WIAC and eventually win a national championship.”

Helder and the Blugods are scheduled to open their season against Alma College on Sept. 5 at Carson Park.

“We are really excited to get this season started. It’s going to be awesome,” Helder said. “We can’t wait to get out there on the field again.”

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