Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5324

D3football.com Team of the Week

Sept. 8, 2026 - Claiming another Team of the Week honor, North Central College football player Sean Ryniec was the only kicker named to the first D3football.com Team of the Week for his 14-point performance in the Cardinals' 44-21 victory over No. 2 Bethel University on Saturday.

Ryniec was perfect on the day, finishing 3-for-3 on field goals and 5-for-5 on extra points. He converted a 56-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, tying the second-longest made field goal in school history. That kick was the longest made kick in Division III this week, and the second-longest amongst all divisions. He also drilled a 21- and 27-yard field goal.

In 2024, Ryniec set a new NCAA Division III record with 106 points scored from kicking. His .991 extra point percentage ranks third in school history for the 2024 season. He joins Aidan Ellison, Nick Dace, Tyler Rasche, and Shaun Wild as Cardinal special teamers to earn a national weekly honor.

The Cardinals take on No. 9 Wartburg College, completing the tough nonconference slate. Kickoff at Walston-Hoover Stadium is set for 1 p.m.