The Dayton Flyers are already building leadership for the 2026 season, making a historic announcement at their annual spring game. For the first time in program history, the team has selected five captains, signaling a deep and experienced core ready to lead.
This marks a significant shift under head coach Trevor Andrews. After naming four, two, and three captains in his first three seasons, respectively, this group of five breaks the traditional mold and underscores the strong leadership emerging in the locker room.
Leading the charge is offensive lineman Ben Huefner, a redshirt senior from Olentangy Liberty. A co-captain last season, Huefner becomes the program's first two-time captain since Jake Chisholm, bringing invaluable experience and resilience after battling through injuries.
On the defensive line, redshirt junior Mirko Jaksic brings proven performance. The Fenwick High School product and First Team All-PFL defensive tackle from Norridge, Illinois, is coming off a standout season with 33 tackles and 6.5 for a loss, establishing himself as a force up front.
The Flyers' aerial attack will be guided by senior wide receiver Gavin Lochow. The Proctorville, Ohio, native is already one of UD's all-time greats, ranking second in career receptions. Coming off a First Team All-PFL season where he caught 61 passes for 731 yards and eight touchdowns, his leadership will be crucial for the offense.
Linebacker Sam Schmiesing, a redshirt junior from Piqua High School, brings a hard-hitting mentality and family legacy. After finishing second on the team with 80 tackles last season, he follows in the footsteps of his brother Ben, a 2022 team captain.
Rounding out the historic quintet is quarterback Bryce Schondelmyer. The redshirt junior from Springfield High School in Brookville seized the starting job in his first season at Dayton, throwing 16 touchdown passes in just seven games before an injury cut his campaign short. His poised leadership will be key to directing the Flyers' offense.
With this seasoned leadership group in place, the Flyers are poised for an exciting 2026 campaign. Coming off a 7-4 season, they will kick things off at Welcome Stadium on August 29th against Fairmont State.