Eric Abojei
Ten Minnesotans to watch in college football this season from Fargo to Florida
This year's list includes a pair from North Dakota State and a wide receiver in the SEC.
September 2, 2022 at 6:55PM
Wyoming offensive lineman
Returns for his sixth season as the starting guard of Wyoming's offensive line. Has started 33 career games for the Cowboys, who have one of the nation's top rushing offenses.
Bryce Benhart
Nebraska offensive lineman
The 6-9 former Lakeville North standout started 10 games at right tackle last season. Ranked as the No. 2 player in Minnesota's 2019 high school class.
Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman
Florida wide receiver
The 6-foot Minneapolis native transferred to the Gators last year after beginning the 2021 season at Independence Community College in Missouri. Played at Armstrong and in prep school.
Noah Gindorff
North Dakota State tight end
The 6-6, 268-pound Crosby, Minn., native had 17 receptions for 193 yards last season, but he passed on the NFL draft process after suffering an injury in the second round of the NCAA playoffs.
Omar Brown
Nebraska defensive back
The Minneapolis North product recorded 140 tackles and eight interceptions in 29 careers games with Northern Iowa before transferring. He suffered a season-ending injury last season.
Craig McDonald
Iowa State defensive back
Recorded 41 tackles and tied for the team lead with two interceptions in 2021 for the Cyclones. Started against Clemson in the Cheez-It Bowl and had six tackles.
Evan Hull
Northwestern running back
The Wildcats named Hull their No. 1 back after he won the competition going into 2021. The Maple Grove native was sixth in the Big Ten with 1,009 yards rushing and seven touchdowns last season.
Alex Jensen
South Dakota offensive lineman
The 6-7, 290-pound Plymouth native was named All-Missouri Valley second team last season. He enters 2022 as a preseason All-America selection for the Coyotes.
Riley Mahlman
Wisconsin offensive lineman
The 6-8, 315-pound former Lakeville South standout has earned the starting right tackle spot for the Badgers for the season opener Saturday against Illinois State. He was the state's No. 1 senior in the 2021 class and redshirted last year.
Eli Mostaert
North Dakota State defensive lineman
Former Lakeville North standout recorded 7½ sacks last year, tied for fourth in the league. Plays on defensive line with twin brother, Will, who had 3½ sacks in 2021.
Two offensive linemen from Lakeville, Bryce Benhart and Riley Mahlman, are standouts for Big Ten rivals of Minnesota.
