UND's offensive line regulars announce return for 2026
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Dec. 12—GRAND FORKS — The week started with the UND football program's offense taking a hit at the skill positions.
All-Missouri Valley Football Conference running back Sawyer Seidl and all-conference wide receiver B.J. Fleming both announced an intent to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
On Friday, though, the Fighting Hawks' offense received some good news: the key blockers are coming back for 2026.
The announcement was shared on social media by UND's 1883 collective. The post featured a photo of Trace Thaden, Liam Becher, Ben Buxa, Caleb Olson, Ayden Teeter and Isaac Cariveau. The only offensive line starter not in the photo was graduating senior Seth Anderson, who was recently invited to the FCS NFL Showcase in Nashville on Jan. 4.
Becher, who's 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds, was an all-MVFC second team selection in 2025 after his junior season.
Olson, a team captain from Lisbon, N.D., missed nearly the entire 2025 season after suffering an injury in UND's 38-35 loss at Kansas State in Week 1.
Cariveau, a redshirt freshman thrust into the starting lineup after the injury to Olson, was named to the FCS Football Central Freshman All-America Team. Cariveau, 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, is a walk-on from Detroit Lakes.
On Thursday, UND had two other key offensive members announce a return for 2026. Nathan Hromodka, a true freshman tight end from Maple Grove, announced his return, as did fullback Mason South.
South was all-MVFC honorable mention.
Hromodka had eight catches for 84 yards and three touchdowns in five games in 2025 before injuries derailed his season.
As of Friday night, 10 UND players from the 2025 roster have announced an intent to transfer: Seidl, Fleming, all-MVFC cornerback Antonio Bluiett, defensive tackle Emmanuel Olagbaju, cornerback Idrique Carmichael, offensive lineman Nick Darling, quarterback Etienne Higgins, running back Randle Parker, offensive lineman Kuba Tyszka and wide receiver/tight end Seth Staloch.
The Hawks are also awaiting word from edge Lance Rucker, the program's single-season sacks record holder, who was injured against Tarleton State in the second round of the FCS Playoffs. Rucker, an Omaha native, had three strip sacks in UND's first round playoff win over Tennessee Tech.
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