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UND transfer Matt Lawson pushing returners for role as lead back
TL;DR
Matt Lawson, an Illinois State transfer, is competing for the lead running back position at UND as spring ball concludes. The Fighting Hawks have had a different leading rusher for five consecutive years.
Key points
- Matt Lawson is a transfer from Illinois State.
- UND football is looking for a new lead running back.
- The Fighting Hawks have had a different leading rusher for five years.
- Charles Langama and Colton Brunell are also in the running back competition.
Mentioned in this story
Illinois State
UND Fighting HawksMatt LawsonCharles LangamaColton Brunell
Apr. 17—GRAND FORKS — As the 2026 spring ball schedule nears an end for the UND football program, the Fighting Hawks are sorting out running back depth in search of a new lead ball carrier.
That's nothing new for UND in recent history, as the Hawks have had a different leading rusher five years in a row — Sawyer Seidl (2025), Isaiah Smith (2024), Gaven Ziebarth (2023), Tyler Hoosman (2022) and Otis Weah (2021).
UND seems to have a knack for developing new blood at the position.
The Hawks aren't naming a starter yet for the fall, but there's a new emerging candidate in Grand Forks.
Illinois State transfer Matt Lawson, a 5-foot-10, 197-pound sophomore, will be pushing redshirt freshman Charles Langama and sophomore Colton Brunell in fall camp.
"He's a humble kid, hard-worker and comes to work with a right mindset each and every day," UND running backs coach D.J. Davis said.
Lawson played as a true freshman in 2024 at Illinois State, racking up more than 400 rushing yards. He redshirted in 2025.
Lawson played in 12 games in 2024. He was third on the team with 447 rushing yards for 4.3 yards per carry. He rushed for a career-high 84 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown at Northern Iowa.
It could play out as a similar situation to Hoosman, who left Northern Iowa in search of a better depth chart situation.
"He's one of one," Davis said. "He brings his own talent, having the skill set to do it in the run game but also unique being able to catch it out of the backfield."
Lawson played 7-on-7 football in high school with UND starting quarterback Jerry Kaminski. Lawson played some slot receiver in high school, as well.
"Looking at an every-down back with Matt Lawson," Davis said. "He has the juice and elusiveness to be able to do a lot of things in space, whether the ball is in his hands right now in the run game, or whether he's running routes and things of that sort."
Lawson said he's enjoyed his time in Grand Forks so far.
"These boys love football, and the community loves football," he said. "That's the biggest thing I noticed. It was a really warm welcome. You wake up, it's football. I love it. It's been a good transition."
Q&A
Who is Matt Lawson and what is his role at UND football?
Matt Lawson is a 5-foot-10, 197-pound sophomore transfer from Illinois State, competing for the lead running back position at UND.
What is the history of leading rushers at UND football?
UND has had a different leading rusher for five consecutive years, with players like Sawyer Seidl and Isaiah Smith filling the role in recent seasons.
Who are the other running backs competing for the lead role at UND?
In addition to Matt Lawson, redshirt freshman Charles Langama and sophomore Colton Brunell are also competing for the lead running back position.
When does fall camp start for UND football?
The specific start date for fall camp has not been mentioned, but it typically follows the conclusion of spring ball.
