Ten Byron Bears commit to play college football

Ten seniors from Byron High School in Rochester, Minnesota, have signed National Letters of Intent to play college football. Five of these athletes will join Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU), including Brevin Brakke, Gabe Coshenet, Charlie Jones, Jake Jones, and Ben Steele. SMSU is a Division II school competing in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).

Evan Durst will attend Winona State University, while Carson Heimer, a 2025 Minnesota Mr. Football finalist, will join Minnesota State University, Mankato. Carter Meincke has committed to the University of Minnesota Duluth. Mason Helland and Oliver Nicholas will play for Gustavus Adolphus College, a Division III institution in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC).

The concentration of Byron athletes at SMSU is notable, as it allows the group to continue playing together. Head Coach Ben Halder highlighted the camaraderie and competitive spirit among these players, with friendly rival