Jereme Ombogo

Collegiate Career

Advice for HS athletes: Stay disciplined and consistent. Talent will open doors, but it’s your daily habits: nutrition, recovery, academics, and humility that keep them open. Trust the process, lean on God’s guidance, and surround yourself with coaches and teammates who push you to be your best.

How I ended up at North Park: I truly believe God directed me to North Park University. He brought me here and kept my heart here, and since then, I’ve poured everything into it, not just into the programs I’ve been a part of, but into the university as a whole.

Most important thing learned from coaching staff: Preparation is everything, and you always do things the right way. The way you practice, study film, and approach training directly translates into how you perform on game day.

Biggest accomplishment so far: Becoming a 9-time school record holder in track while excelling in football (All-American, All-Region, and All-Conference). Balancing both sports and academics while leading my teams has been a defining part of my career.

Major & post-athletic career: I earned my bachelor’s degree in Marketing & Economics and am pursuing my MBA in Leadership. My career goal is to transition into leadership within the energy industry, ideally in marketing or operations, while still staying connected to sports, if football does not take me to the next level. Football is my passion, and if the opportunity is there, I want to continue playing the game I love.

Performance & Training

Typical training day:

• In-season: Morning recovery/stretching, film study, team practice, and weightlifting sessions focusing on maintaining speed and strength.
• Off-season: Speed and agility training, weightlifting emphasizing strength gains, skill-specific drills, and track work to keep explosiveness sharp.

Mental prep for high-stakes games: Visualization, prayer, and routine. I picture myself executing plays and remind myself of the work I’ve already put in. Confidence comes from preparation.

Biggest challenge faced: Balancing two sports and academics at a high level. I overcame it by building discipline with time management and trusting the structure I created for myself.

Staying motivated when struggling: I remind myself of my long-term goals and lean on my faith in God, what He has done for me and what He will do for me. He promises plans to prosper me and not to fail me, and that gives me confidence to keep going!

Team Dynamics & Leadership

Impact of being part of a team: It has shaped my accountability and sacrifice. I’ve learned that individual success is tied directly to the collective effort of the team.

Stepping up as a leader: As a captain and leadership council member, I’ve led by keeping teammates motivated during tough seasons, holding everyone accountable, and reminding the team of our shared goals.

Qualities of a great teammate: Reliability, humility, strong communication, and the willingness to put the team above personal stats.

Collegiate Transition

Biggest adjustment: The speed and physicality of the game, along with balancing academics and athletics.

Balancing academics & athletics: Strict scheduling and discipline. I treat academics like training, which is why I’ve been on the Dean’s List eight straight semesters.

Important early lesson: Small details matter: footwork, film study, recovery, and consistent habits are what separate good from great.

Off-the-Field Life & Mindset

Handling pressure: I focus on controlling what I can. Fans and media see results, but I know the grind behind the scenes. Blocking out the noise and staying rooted in preparation keeps me grounded.

Role of mental health: Mental health is huge. Staying grounded in faith, keeping perspective, and leaning on family and mentors keeps me balanced and focused.

Misunderstanding about competing at this level: Many assume Division III football isn’t difficult, but that’s far from the truth. These are grown men who’ve been in their programs four or five years, at strong academic universities, developing their bodies, mastering playbooks, and dedicating themselves fully. People are paying to play, which shows how much it means to them. Wherever you go, competition is real, and you must respect every opponent.

Positive impact on society: I currently work with groups that uplift underrepresented communities. Through the Houston Housing Authority, I’ve been able to serve families directly. This summer, I also worked with a football development group called The Lab, which provides training, exposure, and recruitment opportunities for young athletes. Volunteering with them gave me the chance to help kids chase their dreams, gain exposure, and use athletics as a tool to earn valuable education at a university.

Work ethic: Relentless, disciplined, and consistent. I am committed to doing the work that isn’t always seen but always pays off.

My Future

What I hope to show scouts: That I bring speed, versatility, and leadership. I want them to see not only my athletic ability, but also the discipline, character, and faith that I carry into everything I do.

Where I see myself in 5 years post-career: If I’m not still playing professional football, I see myself working in leadership within the energy industry, specifically in oil and gas, while giving back to the next generation through coaching or mentorship in my free time.

Legacy in sport: I want to be remembered as someone who maximized his talent, uplifted his teammates, and showed that faith in God the Father, discipline, work ethic, and doing things the right way can take you far. For me, “the right way” has been more than a slogan, it’s been a way of life. It means respecting the game, respecting opponents, and carrying myself with integrity on and off the field. Choosing to do things the right way doesn’t always come easy, but it brings lasting blessings. That’s the standard I’ve lived by, and that’s the legacy I want to leave behind.