Iowa Tight End Bennett Stecker Chooses UND for College Football

GRAND FORKS — Bennett Stecker, a tight end from Spirit Lake, Iowa, has decided to join the University of North Dakota (UND) football program. The 6-foot-5, 205-pound athlete, who has two older brothers playing college football at rival FBS schools in Iowa, made his commitment official on Tuesday, becoming the 11th member of UND's 2027 recruiting class.

Despite receiving offers from several notable programs, including Wake Forest, Air Force, and Western Michigan, Stecker opted for UND due to the strong connection he felt with the coaching staff. "For me, it was the coaches and that they bought into me from Day 1," he explained. "From the first time I visited, they were all about me and never let up. They built the relationship and that was important to me. In the end, it was the best fit."

Stecker also appreciated the significant investments UND has made in its football facilities. "Over recent years, they've been buying into the football program," he noted, highlighting the nutrition program aimed at helping him reach his target weight of 230-240 pounds. Additionally, he was impressed by the enthusiastic support from the Fighting Hawks' fan base. "After posting my commitment offer, there was so much love from the fans up there," he said. "It was amazing."

Coming from a sports-oriented family, Bennett's mother, Mieka Woudstra Stecker, is celebrated for her illustrious basketball career at Sterling College, where she became the first player to surpass 2,000 career points. Stecker himself has also engaged in basketball and track and field during high school, emphasizing the value of multi-sport participation. "Sports in general were a big thing at our house," he remarked.

Following his commitment, Stecker received outreach from UND's 2027 quarterback recruit, Caden Gutzmer. "After that conversation and talking to a couple of current players on my visit ... they have said everything the coaches have said," he shared. "They all tell you the truth. The 2027 class can be really special." With his decision made, Stecker is now focused on his senior year and is eager to demonstrate his abilities on the field. "It was a big weight off the shoulders," he said. "I can't wait to show them what I can do."