ITHACA, N.Y. -- The Cornell football team has bestowed the honor of the 2023 captainship to seniors Jake Stebbins and Micah Sahakian. The two bring a combined seven years of collegiate experience to the role.

Entering his second tenure as a captain, Stebbins utilized his fifth-year option to return to the field for one more season in the carnelian and white. He is a three-time All-Ivy honoree including a first-team nod in 2021. In 2022 and 2023, Stebbins ranked in the top-five in the League in tackles, leading the Big Red both years. Last season, he recovered two fumbles, ranking the second-most in the Ivy League, and 13th-best in FCS. In last year's nationally televised match against Harvard, Stebbins matched his career-high in tackles with 13 and a pass breakup.

Sahakian has had a quick climb in the ranks as an offensive lineman. With his freshman season canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he spent his sophomore season splitting time between special teams and offensive line, and he did not earn his first start until Brown on October 23, 2021. His impact was immediately felt after helping the Big Red to 501 yards and 45 points in the contest. Last season, Sahakian started in nine of the ten games, powering Cornell to five wins for the first time since 2011. His offensive line teamed up to allow the second-fewest sacks in school history, while also helping the rest of the offense lead the Ivy League in time of possession by almost two minutes per game, all of which helped him earn an honorable mention All-Ivy nod.

Stebbbins, Sahakian, and the rest of the Big Red open the 2023 campaign at Lehigh on Saturday, September 16. The home stand begins two weeks later with Colgate on Saturday, September 30, when the team celebrates homecoming. For tickets prices and more, follow the link here.