CEDAR CITY, Utah — Southern Utah head football coach DeLane Fitzgerald has announced the five captains who will lead the Thunderbirds during the 2026 season. Joshua Acord, Will Burns, Seni Tuiaki, Lincoln Tuioti-Mariner and Jesse Garza were selected by their teammates to serve as captains for the 2026 campaign.
The group brings a combination of experience, toughness, and leadership to the Thunderbirds as Southern Utah returns to the Big Sky Conference for the 2026 season.
"This group represents what we want our football program to be about," Fitzgerald said. "They care about their teammates, they work extremely hard, and they understand that being a captain is about more than what you do on Saturdays. They have earned the respect of this team, and we're excited to have them lead us."
Joshua Acord
A veteran presence in the Thunderbirds' tight end room, Acord brings experience and consistency to the Southern Utah offense. Acord returns to Cedar City for his fifth season in the program. He has appeared in 24 games for the Thunderbirds, recording 45 receptions for 401 yards and three touchdowns during his Southern Utah career.
"Josh is somebody our team trusts," Fitzgerald said. "He has improved every year of his career, and he understands what it takes to be successful at this level. He leads by example, he works, and he cares deeply about the program. That's what you want in a captain."
Will Burns
Burns enters the 2026 season as one of Southern Utah's most versatile offensive weapons and a key leader at quarterback. In 2025, he appeared in 11 games, rushing for 380 yards and four touchdowns while completing 22-of-31 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown. His 107-yard rushing performance against Idaho State highlighted a season in which he consistently provided the Thunderbirds with a dual-threat presence.
"Will is a competitor," Fitzgerald said. "He is a quiet leader, and his teammates know how much he cares about this football team. He has earned the respect of the locker room through how he works and how he competes. He's somebody we want leading us."
Seni Tuiaki
Tuiaki returns to lead a Thunderbirds defensive front that will be tasked with setting the tone for the Southern Utah defense. The former Utah State player appeared in nine games for SUU in 2025, recording 14 tackles while providing valuable depth and versatility along the defensive line. His experience at Utah State and Southern Utah gives him a strong understanding of the level of competition the Thunderbirds will face in the Big Sky.
"Seni has grown tremendously as a player and as a leader," Fitzgerald said. "He understands what it means to play Thunderbirds football, and he brings a physical presence every single day. More importantly, he cares about the guys around him and holds them accountable. That's what being a captain is about."
Lincoln Tuioti-Mariner
Tuioti-Mariner enters the 2026 season as one of the Thunderbirds' most experienced defensive leaders. After beginning his collegiate career at Air Force, where he recorded 50 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss in 2024, Tuioti-Mariner joined Southern Utah and made an impact at multiple levels during the 2025 season. He finished the year with 17 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, and three pass breakups.
"Linc has been a leader everywhere he's been, and that experience shows," Fitzgerald said. "He understands how to prepare, how to compete, and how to bring guys together. He's a tough, physical football player, but what really stands out is the way he leads the people around him."
Jesse Garza
Garza brings proven leadership to the Thunderbirds after serving as a team captain at Eastern Illinois in 2025. A versatile linebacker and special teams contributor, Garza played in all 12 games last season and finished with 23 tackles, including 3.0 tackles for loss. He joins the Thunderbirds after beginning his collegiate career at Allan Hancock College before transferring to Eastern Illinois.
"Jesse has already been a captain, so he understands the responsibility that comes with this position," Fitzgerald said. "He's a guy who works extremely hard, plays physical and does the little things the right way. He's earned the respect of his teammates, and we're excited to have his leadership."
The five captains will lead Southern Utah into its first season back in the Big Sky Conference. The Thunderbirds open the 2026 campaign Saturday, Aug. 29, at Montana in Missoula.
Thunderbirds Coaches Show
Don't miss your chance to hear directly from Coach Fitzgerald on the Thunderbirds Coaches Show, presented by Café Sabor. The show airs live every Tuesday at noon from Café Sabor. Can't make it in person? Catch the show online the following day at WatchSports.com, YouTube, and KSL Sports.
Tickets
Single-game and season tickets for the upcoming Southern Utah Football campaign are now available, giving fans the chance to lock in their seats for an exciting new era in Cedar City. With the Thunderbirds' return to the Big Sky, now is the time to secure your spot at Eccles Coliseum and be part of the action all season long. For more information and to purchase, visit tbirdtickets.com.
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