As the 2026 Big Sky Conference Football Media Day approaches, Jeter Purdy and Shoes Brinkley have made the Preseason All-Conference Team, recognized for their standout prior performances. Purdy, a redshirt sophomore tight end, had a stellar 2025 season with 415 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Brinkley, a redshirt senior safety joining from McNeese, recorded 81 tackles and three interceptions last season. Their inclusion highlights their potential impact as the Lumberjacks gear up for an exciting season.

By the Numbers
  • Jeter Purdy averaged 14.3 yards per reception on 29 catches, totaling 415 yards.
  • Shoes Brinkley led his previous team with 81 tackles, including 48 solo tackles and 4.5 tackles-for-loss.
State of Play
  • The Big Sky Conference Football Media Day is set for July 27, 2026, in Spokane, Washington.
  • NAU's head coach, along with Purdy and Brinkley, will represent the team at the media event.
What's Next

The Lumberjacks are preparing for their season opener against Eastern Washington on August 29, 2026. The team looks to build on last year's performance and leverage the talents of both Purdy and Brinkley in the upcoming matches.

Bottom Line

Purdy and Brinkley's selections to the Preseason All-Conference Team underscore their critical roles for NAU this season, hinting at significant contributions that could shape the Lumberjacks' success in the 2026 season.