Four football players are set to lead the Lions in the 2025 season. Quarterback Ari Patu, running back Jayvian Allen, defensive lineman Jyheam Ingram and linebacker Seth Hampton were voted captains by their teammates.
For this newly appointed leadership crew, being a captain is an honor. The four agreed the role holds them to a standard they are looking forward to raising even higher.
Jyheam Ingram
“When things [are] going bad, [our teammates are] gonna look at us,” said Ingram. “So we gotta hold our heads up higher and be that reassurance they need.”
This season marks Ingram’s second year as a captain. He began the 2024 season with a new leadership role and the honor of wearing the number 44, canonized by former UNA and NFL linebacker Ronald McKinnon. The jersey number is reserved for a defensive line leader chosen by the coaching staff, and announced to the team by McKinnon himself.
Ingram said he is ready to continue to “lead by example” and “bring [his] energy” to the field. Last season, he totaled 28 tackles, including 13 solo.
As a Muscle Shoals native, Ingram is emotional to say goodbye to Braly Stadium since he has played there throughout his K-12 career. Next season, the Lions will take action in the newest Bank Independent Stadium.
“It’s gonna mean a lot walking out there for the last first coin toss at Braly,” said Ingram. “I’m gonna get that picture framed. It’ll be on my wall forever.”
Jayvian Allen
“They trust us the most out here,” added Allen. “And you [have] got to be able to take criticism as much as you give it.”
The running back proved consistency by leading UNA in rushing yards per game, roughly 50. He finished the season as the Lions’ second-highest scorer with six touchdowns and a one-point conversion.
As a redshirt senior, Allen kicked off football summer camp with his nomination to the Phil Steele Preseason All-Conference team, being the only Lion named for the first team. He was also one of two Lions named for the 2025 UAC football preseason all-conference.
Ari Patu
For Patu, being named captain is the “greatest honor [he] had ever had in [his] life.”
The quarterback arrived at UNA in 2024 as a graduate student after playing three seasons at Tennessee Tech. Patu fell to a rough start due to a season-ending injury, seeing action in only three games as a starter.
As Lion fans may remember, his injury brought the coaching staff to contemplate a few different starters for the position until settling for TJ Smith, who remained a starter until finishing the season and graduating. Now, Patu is back to fight for his previous spot, and he said his recovery has been a blessing.
While head coach Brent Dearmon had said in May of 2025 no players had yet earned the starting quarterback position, the decision seemed narrowed when offensive coordinator Morgan Cruce said Patu and redshirt sophomore Destin Wade are the two main nominees for the role.
Seth Hampton
Hampton said being a captain means becoming the “spokesperson” of and for the team.
“Being chosen shows what our peers think of us,” Hampton said. “As far as how we handle ourselves and how we go above and beyond for them. They see the work we put in and what we do.”
The linebacker is a true junior who played in 11 games and started two in the 2024 season. He recorded 25 tackles, including 11 solo and eight happening against UNA’s rival Austin Peay.
Hampton showed out with his first career sack in the historic homecoming game against then-ranked No. 10 Abilene Christian. He forced a punt that led to a two-touchdown lead.
