UNI’s Defensive Signal-Caller: Ben Belken Returns as a Tough, Productive LB
Ben Belken enters 2026 as a proven, high-usage middle linebacker for UNI, coming off a breakout 2024 in which he posted 40 tackles and 7 tackles for loss and earned preseason All-MVFC honorable mention. He stands out for communication, leadership, and toughness—he’s been described as the ‘quarterback’ of UNI’s defense—and he has played through ankle and shoulder issues while pushing to become a better open-field tackler. If you want an instinctive, vocal linebacker who can steady a defense, he’s a strong fit.
