Joe Alt
Stars from the North: Ten Minnesotans to watch in college football this season
From Florida to Wyoming, from Buffalo to Lakeville, here are 10 familiar names to keep an eye out for as the college football season begins.
August 25, 2023 at 9:32PM
Notre Dame offensive line
The 6-8, 322-pound former Totino-Grace star had a breakout sophomore season earning Associated Press All-America first team honors after starting at left tackle in 2022. Has 21 consecutive starts for the Irish.
Bryce Benhart
Nebraska offensive lineman
The 6-9, 315-pound Lakeville North product has started 28 of the last 30 games at right tackle for the Cornhuskers, including 11 in 2022. Ranked as No. 2 player in Minnesota's 2019 prep class.
Aidan Bouman
South Dakota quarterback
The Iowa State transfer from Buffalo, Minn., took over to lead comeback win vs. Southern Illinois and started final five games. Threw for 892 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception while completing 61% of his passes.
Thai Chiaokhiao-Bowman
Florida wide receiver
Played in 12 games on special teams and as a backup wideout. Had season-high 53 yards receiving in Las Vegas Bowl vs. Oregon State. Played at Armstrong before prep school and junior college.
DeVonne Harris
Wyoming defensive lineman
The Big Lake native was an all-state tight end in high school, but he switched to defensive end in college. Last season, Harris led Wyoming in sacks (eight) and was second in tackles for loss (13).
Jaxon Howard
Louisiana State defensive lineman
The 6-4, 240-pound Cooper standout was the No. 1 player in the 2023 class in Minnesota. He stood out in the spring game and could be in line for a spot in the LSU rotation as a true freshman.
Riley Mahlman
Wisconsin offensive lineman
Former No. 1 player in Minnesota's 2021 class out of Lakeville South. The 6-8 redshirt sophomore had six starts and played in seven games after missing six games with an injury.
Eli Mostaert
North Dakota State defensive lineman
Former Lakeville North star recorded 7½ sacks, tied for fourth in the league in 2021. But he was sidelined with a broken leg after two games last season. Returned to play in the FCS title game.
Will Mostaert
North Dakota State defensive lineman
Eli's twin brother started 13 games while moving to defensive tackle. Honorable mention All-Missouri Valley selection after recording 33 tackles, including 1½ sacks.
Spencer Rolland
North Carolina offensive lineman
Former All-Ivy League first teamer at Harvard transferred to North Carolina last season. Started 13 games at right tackle for a Tar Heels passing attack ranked second in the ACC in 2022.
Two offensive linemen from Lakeville, Bryce Benhart and Riley Mahlman, are standouts for Big Ten rivals of Minnesota.
