MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — D3football.com released its Team of the Week for games of Oct. 15-17, 2026, with Paxton Rothmeier representing UW-Eau Claire.

After Saturday's home victory against UW-Oshkosh, Paxton Rothmeier continued to set personal milestones this year with a career high 211 yards on the ground and three rushing touchdowns during the Blugolds 28-7 rout of the Titans. Rothmeier added two catches for 7 yards and 27 return yards for a total of 245 all-purpose yards, while averaging 8.44 yards per carry. Through six games on the season, he currently leads the WIAC in rushing yards and yards per carry in WIAC play. 

Following his teammates Jimmy McGovern's and Brady Puls' awards in Week 1 and 3, it is the first time the program have had three or more D3football.com Team of the Week honors since 2011 when Coltan Ellis, Austin Goestch, David Goodman, and Mitch Olson received the honors. 

The Blugolds (5-1, WIAC 2-1) will be back in action on Saturday, October 24 when they travel to UW-River Falls. Kickoff from Smith Stadium at Ramer Field is set for 1:00 p.m.

Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugolds.com or on our app, Blugold Sports, and on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.