From NAIA Star to Griz Safety: Braeden Orlandi’s Ascent
MISSOULA, Mont. — The Montana Grizzlies football program has added a significant piece to its defensive puzzle with the arrival of transfer safety Braeden Orlandi from Carroll College. Orlandi, a recent Frontier Conference West Division Defensive Player of the Year, is looking to replicate the success of another Carroll College transfer, Hunter Peck, within the Griz program.
Following a Proven Path
Orlandi’s decision to join Montana wasn’t made in a vacuum. He specifically cited Hunter Peck’s successful transition as a key factor. “Kind of once he left Carroll I kind of put that on my back and on my shoulders, you grasp, like, I want to do what Hunter did,” Orlandi stated. “He kind of paved the path for me. He gave me something to look at, be like, okay, What we have is how it’s supposed to be done.” Peck’s achievements – a Defensive Player of the Year award and All-American honors – served as a clear benchmark for Orlandi’s ambitions.
A Familiar Atmosphere
The transition to Montana isn’t entirely new for Orlandi. He’s been a frequent attendee at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, already familiar with the electric atmosphere. “I’ve been coming to Washington-Grizzly Stadium ever since I’ve been in Montana,” he said. “So I already knew the atmosphere of this place. It’s electric. It’s one of the best in college football.”
The Value of Transfer Experience
Head coach Bobby Kennedy emphasized the benefits of bringing in experienced players like Orlandi. “I think number one, they have experience from playing at those other places, right?” Kennedy explained. “And so anytime you play football you become a better football player. So those guys that have come in and that even though they’ve played at a lower level, they’re adjusting really well to coming here.”
Dominant Performance at Carroll College
Orlandi arrives at Montana with a decorated resume from his time at Carroll College. In 2025, he led all of NAIA football with an impressive 136 total tackles. He also contributed with two interceptions and five pass breakups, solidifying his status as a premier defensive player in the Frontier Conference. He was previously a first-team All-Frontier selection in 2024, recording 77 tackles and two interceptions.
A Physical Presence on Defense
Standing at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, Orlandi describes his playing style as physical, and aggressive. “I think my physicality I mean I think throughout the nation there’s not too many safeties that like lining up outside the 15 yards and running full speed downhill and meeting someone in the A gap,” he said. “But that’s just my style of football playing true to myself. I love hitting. I love interceptions, but I think I love hitting that much more.”
Choosing the Griz
Orlandi had multiple offers from schools including Wyoming, Central Michigan, South Dakota State, Tennessee Tech, South Dakota, Stony Brook, Idaho State, Eastern Kentucky and Bryant, but ultimately chose Montana.
Pro Tip:
Safeties who excel in run support, like Orlandi, are increasingly valuable in modern football schemes. Their ability to contribute both against the pass and the run makes them versatile defensive assets.
FAQ
Q: Where did Braeden Orlandi play before Montana?
A: He played at Carroll College.
Q: What award did Orlandi win in 2025?
A: He was named the Frontier Conference West Division Defensive Player of the Year.
Q: How many tackles did Orlandi record in 2025?
A: He recorded 136 tackles.
Q: Who paved the way for Orlandi to join the Grizzlies?
A: Hunter Peck, another transfer from Carroll College.
Did you know? Braeden Orlandi was also a standout at Calaveras High School, earning Mother Lode League Offensive Player of the Year honors as a running back and first-team all-conference recognition as a safety.
Explore more about the Montana Grizzlies football team and their roster here.
