CALDWELL, Idaho — The College of Idaho football program had six players named to the 2026 Victory Sports Network NAIA 99, tying for the most selections by any program in the NAIA.[[“value”:”
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CALDWELL, Idaho — The College of Idaho football program had six players named to the 2026 Victory Sports Network NAIA 99, tying for the most selections by any program in the NAIA.
The NAIA 99 recognizes the top returning players in the country entering the 2026 season. The list is compiled through coaching surveys, All-Conference and All-American honors, previous production and extensive preseason research. The NAIA 99 is not a numerical ranking, but instead highlights returning players expected to make a significant impact on their respective teams and conferences throughout the season.
The six Yotes recognized span all three phases of the offense and defense, with Tanner Steele and Travis Marieiro representing the secondary and receiving corps, respectively, while Tucker French and Elton Saole-Su’e anchor the defensive front. Quarterback Caden Young and running back Rylie Byington round out the College of Idaho selections.
2026 College of Idaho NAIA 99 Selections
Tanner Steele, DB
Tucker French, DL
Elton Saole-Su’e, LB
Caden Young, QB
Rylie Byington, RB
Travis Marieiro, WR
The recognition continues a strong preseason outlook for the Yotes, who return a veteran group across the roster heading into the 2026 campaign. College of Idaho’s six selections tied Indiana Wesleyan University for the most players recognized on this year’s NAIA 99.
The NAIA 99 excludes transfers, incoming freshmen, kickers, punters and long snappers, making the list a recognition of established returning talent from across the NAIA.
The Yotes open the 2026 season with expectations high as they pursue another Frontier Conference championship and a return to the NAIA postseason.
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Players Mentioned
#22
Rylie Byington
RB
5′ 10″
Junior
#94
Tucker French
DL
6′ 2″
Senior
#10
Travis Marieiro
WR
6′ 1″
Senior
#11
Elton Saole-Su’e
LB
6′ 1″
Junior
#31
Tanner Steele
DB
6′ 3″
Redshirt Senior
#12
Caden Young
QB
6′ 3″
Redshirt Senior
Players Mentioned
#22
Rylie Byington
5′ 10″
Junior
RB
#94
Tucker French
6′ 2″
Senior
DL
#10
Travis Marieiro
6′ 1″
Senior
WR
#11
Elton Saole-Su’e
6′ 1″
Junior
LB
#31
Tanner Steele
6′ 3″
Redshirt Senior
DB
#12
Caden Young
6′ 3″
Redshirt Senior
QB
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