Mica Mountain stellar linebacker Broden Schmidt, who also excelled in the classroom during his Thunderbolt career, is one of 64 football players nationally selected to the National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Football Hall of Fame 2026 NFF Team of Distinction.
The NFF states the Team of Distinction is “the nation’s top high school scholar-athletes who represent the future leaders of the game and have excelled at the very highest levels in the classroom, on the field and by making an impact in their communities.”
The NFF Southern Arizona Chapter submitted Schmidt’s name to the NFF and College Football Hall of Fame for the honor. Schmidt was one of the 64 players chosen out of a field of 3,500.
“Being acknowledged is an honor, but to actually win this award has proven that all my hard work, prayers, and hours put into a sport that I love has paid off,” Schmidt stated in a text mesage. “I couldn’t have done it without the support of my friends, family, coaches, and most importantly GOD.”
Schmidt has signed with New Mexico, where he will join former Canyon del Oro standout lineman Sa’Kylee Woodard, who is a redshirt sophomore with the Lobos.
He is the second Mica Mountain football player to earn the Team of Distinction honor from the NFF and College Football Hall of Fame. Last year, quarterback Jayden Thoreson was honored.
Thoreson and Schmidt were part of Mica Mountain’s consecutive 4A state championships.
Thoreson is attending Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa.
Schmidt graduated from Mica Mountain last week with a 4.24 GPA and was on the Principal’s Honor Roll. He was the Thunderbolts’ team captain and was chosen All-State First Team, Arizona Defensive Player of the Year, Region Overall Player of the Year, and Region Defensive Player of the Year.
He also served as a referee & peer Mentor for a youth 7-on-7 League and was a membe of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bolts.
“I can’t wait to see what this next chapter holds for me!!” Schmidt mentioned of his college career.
Schmidt finished with 355 career tackles, including 159 with 18 tackles for loss last season.
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