University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Three Named to MVFC All-Newcomer Team
12/4/2019 9:54:00 AM | Football
St. LOUIS – Three UNI freshmen student-athletes were named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Newcomer team released Tuesday by the MVFC.
Cornerback Omar Brown, Kicker Mathew Cook and quarterback Will McElvain all received recognition to go along with their All-Conference recognition that they received Monday.
Brown was named to the MVFC First Team after leading the league in interceptions. He stepped into the starting lineup for UNI for game one and never looked back. He has six interceptions so far this season, including two against Illinois State when he earned FCS STATS Freshman of the Week honors for his performance. He is fourth on the team in tackles and has four tackles for loss this year.
Another freshman that stepped into the lineup early, Cook hit his first nine collegiate kicks, including a 50-yard attempt in front of 61,500 fans at Jack Trice Stadium in his first kick ever. He went on to lead the MVFC in field goals made and was among the leaders in field goal percentage. He has made four kicks over 45 yards so far this season. He also earned First-Team All0MVFC honors.
McElvain broke the freshman Valley Freshman passing record in the win over San Diego in the first round of the FCS playoffs. He has thrown for 2540 yards and 20 touchdowns so far this season. He has 374 yards rushing and was twice named the MVFC Newcomer of the Week.
The Panthers continue their playoff run Saturday at South Dakota State. The game will kick off at 1 p.m. in Brookings, S.D.
Cornerback Omar Brown, Kicker Mathew Cook and quarterback Will McElvain all received recognition to go along with their All-Conference recognition that they received Monday.
Brown was named to the MVFC First Team after leading the league in interceptions. He stepped into the starting lineup for UNI for game one and never looked back. He has six interceptions so far this season, including two against Illinois State when he earned FCS STATS Freshman of the Week honors for his performance. He is fourth on the team in tackles and has four tackles for loss this year.
Another freshman that stepped into the lineup early, Cook hit his first nine collegiate kicks, including a 50-yard attempt in front of 61,500 fans at Jack Trice Stadium in his first kick ever. He went on to lead the MVFC in field goals made and was among the leaders in field goal percentage. He has made four kicks over 45 yards so far this season. He also earned First-Team All0MVFC honors.
McElvain broke the freshman Valley Freshman passing record in the win over San Diego in the first round of the FCS playoffs. He has thrown for 2540 yards and 20 touchdowns so far this season. He has 374 yards rushing and was twice named the MVFC Newcomer of the Week.
The Panthers continue their playoff run Saturday at South Dakota State. The game will kick off at 1 p.m. in Brookings, S.D.
Players Mentioned
PST: 1975 Football Team - 2025 UNI Athletics Hall of Fame
Friday, December 12
Owen Chandler Press Conference - Dec. 8, 2025.
Wednesday, December 10
PST: 2025 MVFC All-Conference Honors
Friday, December 05
PST: Matt Pedersen - 2025 UNI Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee
Friday, December 05





