Quincy Ryker, a graduate of Sargent High School, will be wearing the football uniform of the UNK Lopers this upcoming season. Ryker transferred from Chadron State to join the Lopers football program. After redshirting in 2024, Ryker played in ten games at running back for Chadron State in 2025 finishing with 113 carries for 651 yards rushing and five touchdowns. Ryker also caught eleven passes for 63 yards. His breakout game came against New Mexico Highlands where he rushed for 220 yards and three touchdowns. Ryker’s accomplishments last season earned him All-RMAC honorable mention. Ryker was a standout player for Twin Loup in high school where he ran for more than 1,500 yards his senior year. Larry Cotnoir, who helps cover high school sports for KCNI/KBBN and assists with radio coverage of UNK football, visited with Ryker during a recent recruiting social event and asked him about his decision to transfer to UNK.
“Yes, sir. So, my running backs coach, I got a new one at Chadron State and, you know, he had a big role in me playing there and he decided to leave and I kind of decided it was best for me to enter the portal and maybe try to follow him and it just didn’t work out. And my (high school) head coach, Mike Kozeal has a lot to do with Kearney. His son, Tyke Kozeal, has all the records here for linebacker and I decided I’m right up the road at Sargent, Nebraska and this should be my home.”
Ryker said he looks forward to competing in practice being a major part of UNK’s running back group.
“Yes sir, you know the transfer so far is going great. They brought in a lot of guys, they brought in a couple other running backs to my understanding and what the coaches tell me is you gotta bring in guys for competition. Competition brings the best out of everyone and you know the most dominant will come out on top. So, you know for me, I feel like they’re expecting me to be that starting guy and only time will tell but we’ll see.”
UNK is scheduled to start spring practice on March 24th and will kick off the 2026 season August 27th against Wayne State before traveling to face Ryker’s former team, Chadron State, on September 3rd.
To listen to the full interview click below
