Welcome to the 2023 FCS Jersey Countdown.
Leading up to Week 0 games on Aug. 26, HERO Sports will name the best returning FCS player by jersey number, 99-0. Because team rosters are updated at different times across the country and to keep things consistent, jersey numbers are based on last season’s rosters.
The 99-0 countdown central page can be found here.
Note: Jersey numbers are based on 2022 rosters
79: Noah Atagi, OL (Sr.) — Weber State
Atagi enters his sixth season at Weber State and his fifth season as a starter.
Not many college football players can say they’re a four-time First Team All-Conference selection, but Atagi looks to accomplish this feat in 2023. He started 14 games in 2019 as a redshirt freshman. Atagi has since earned three straight All-Big Sky First Team honors. The left tackle has added 2021 HERO Sports Sophomore All-American and 2022 Stats Perform and Phil Steele All-American accolades.
Atagi’s physicality sets the tone for an offense that wants to run the ball. He’s also viewed as a leader for the program as a three-time captain.
Atagi is a legacy name for Weber State football. His father Miller played for the Wildcats from 1990-93, and his brother Ethan is another member of Weber’s starting offensive line.
Noah is 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds. Ethan is 6-foot-5 and 360 pounds, earning All-Big Sky Third Team honors last year.
Weber will have a strong o-line again in 2023, led by the Atagi brothers. Noah is No. 6 on HERO Sports’ best returning FCS offensive linemen ranking. It will be interesting to see how the Wildcats look on offense with a new starting quarterback and offensive coordinator Mickey Mental being promoted to head coach. Damon Bankston returns at RB after rushing for 709 yards and eight TDs, so a solid running game is expected again.
Weber ranks No. 11 in our FCS Preseason Top 25 after finishing 10-3 last year with a second-round playoff exit.
