Travis Arena brings Big Sky punch to the middle of NAU’s defense
In the 2025 season, Travis Arena emerged as a tough, disruptive linebacker for Northern Arizona, finishing with 60 tackles and 5.0 sacks despite missing three games with injury, and he was named First Team All-Big Sky on defense. He fits the “tone-setter” mold: at 6-2, 230, he pairs run-stopping volume with real backfield pressure, and his production suggests impact beyond the box score. The caveat is availability, but when healthy, he looks like a high-motor, high-upside fit for a defense that wants physicality and edge in the front seven.
