Photo by: Columbia University Athletics / Stockton Photo, Inc.
Phil Steele Recognizes Eight From Columbia Football on All-Ivy League Squads
1/5/2026 1:44:00 PM | Football
Justin Townsend’s first-team nod highlights eight Lions honored
NEW YORK — Phil Steele recognized eight members of the Columbia football team on his postseason All-Ivy League squads. Senior defensive end Justin Townsend earned first-team honors to highlight the Lions' selections.
Senior offensive lineman Noah Jordan and sophomore punter Tommy Sleeman were named to the second team. Senior offensive lineman Mark Chapman, junior wide receiver Titus Evans and senior linebacker Jack Smiechowski received third-team recognition. Sophomore kick returner Cobe Crews and defensive lineman Keller Patterson rounded out the honors with fourth-team selections.
Townsend led the Ancient Eight with 14.0 tackles for loss while starting all 10 games. His 8.5 sacks ranked second in the Ivy League and fourth on Columbia's single-season list. The senior captain also became Columbia's career sack leader after recording 2.5 sacks in the season finale against Cornell.
Jordan saw action in all 10 games at right tackle, anchoring the Lions' offensive line. Columbia eclipsed 150 rushing yards in three games, including a season-high 253 yards in the win over Cornell on Nov. 22. Sleeman finished second in the Ivy League and 30th in the FCS with an average of 42.7 yards per punt, a mark that ranks third on Columbia's single-season list.
Chapman started all 10 games at center and was a three-year starter for the Lions, helping the unit steadily improve throughout the season. Evans emerged as Columbia's top receiving target, totaling 46 catches for 584 yards and six touchdowns. Smiechowski led the team with 78 tackles and added three interceptions, a sack and four tackles for loss, placing him among the Ivy League leaders.
Crews ranked fourth in the Ivy League in kickoff return average at 18.8 yards per return, with a long of 41 yards. Patterson started all 10 games and finished the season with 26 tackles.
FOLLOW THE LIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
For the latest on the Columbia football team, follow @CULionsFB on X, Instagram, Facebook and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
Senior offensive lineman Noah Jordan and sophomore punter Tommy Sleeman were named to the second team. Senior offensive lineman Mark Chapman, junior wide receiver Titus Evans and senior linebacker Jack Smiechowski received third-team recognition. Sophomore kick returner Cobe Crews and defensive lineman Keller Patterson rounded out the honors with fourth-team selections.
Townsend led the Ancient Eight with 14.0 tackles for loss while starting all 10 games. His 8.5 sacks ranked second in the Ivy League and fourth on Columbia's single-season list. The senior captain also became Columbia's career sack leader after recording 2.5 sacks in the season finale against Cornell.
Jordan saw action in all 10 games at right tackle, anchoring the Lions' offensive line. Columbia eclipsed 150 rushing yards in three games, including a season-high 253 yards in the win over Cornell on Nov. 22. Sleeman finished second in the Ivy League and 30th in the FCS with an average of 42.7 yards per punt, a mark that ranks third on Columbia's single-season list.
Chapman started all 10 games at center and was a three-year starter for the Lions, helping the unit steadily improve throughout the season. Evans emerged as Columbia's top receiving target, totaling 46 catches for 584 yards and six touchdowns. Smiechowski led the team with 78 tackles and added three interceptions, a sack and four tackles for loss, placing him among the Ivy League leaders.
Crews ranked fourth in the Ivy League in kickoff return average at 18.8 yards per return, with a long of 41 yards. Patterson started all 10 games and finished the season with 26 tackles.
FOLLOW THE LIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
For the latest on the Columbia football team, follow @CULionsFB on X, Instagram, Facebook and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
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