Ichabods vote on jersey numbers 0-9 in new team tradition

TOPEKA (KSNT) — A new era of Washburn football is coming with new traditions.

First-year head coach Zach Watkins announced Tuesday which players will wear jersey numbers 0–9 this season—an honor voted on by their teammates.

The selection is part of a new tradition Watkins introduced, which recognizes players who best exemplify leadership, work ethic, and commitment to the program’s values and “Be the Standard.”

Watkins said the numbers aren’t just about what happens on the field, but also how players carry themselves off it. The votes were cast by the team, giving players the chance to recognize and reward their peers for setting the tone in the locker room and beyond.

“I wanted to instill that when fans see numbers 0 through 9, that it means that those players are the standard of our program,” Watkins told 27 Sports. “It doesn’t mean they’re the best players, oldest, or most talented. It means the guys who hold the standard up academically, on the football field, and in the community.”

Washburn opens its 2025 season at home on Aug. 30 against Truman State University.

Numbers 0-9 (*Players who play a position that cannot wear 0 to 9 will wear a decal on their helmet)

Ty Weber, TE-0

Jordan Finnesy, S-1

Justin Lewis, QB-2

Julius Jackson, DB-3

Trey Harmison, WR-4

L.J. Minner Jr., LB-5

Braylon Alexander, DB-6

Kamble Havercamp, DB-7

Ky Thomas, RB-8

J.C. Heim, LB-9

*Jakobe Harmon, OL-63

*Nick Hogan, OL-70