GRAND FORKS — Malachi McNeal has been named to a key leadership role for the UND football team for the second year in a row.

The Fighting Hawks announced their captains on Monday ahead of the 2025 season, selecting two players on offense and two on defense.

McNeal, a senior linebacker who was a captain in 2024, is joined by junior edge Lance Rucker, junior wide receiver Sam Strandell and junior offensive lineman Caleb Olson as UND’s four captains.

“I think it’s one of the most meaningful honors that you can have on a football team, to be voted the leader by your peers,” head coach Eric Schmidt said.

McNeal has appeared in 35 games for the Hawks, tallying 146 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss and five sacks.

"Your leaders need to be guys too that are selfless, guys that are humble," S

See Full Page