Batavia’s Rising Star: Brennon Zeng’s Journey to NIU

Brennon Zeng stands as the understated player among Batavia’s talented trio of senior receivers. Yet, expectations are high for him this season. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 190 pounds, Zeng became the third senior receiver from his team to secure a Division I scholarship this summer. He committed to Northern Illinois, following in the footsteps of Darin Ashiru and Thomas Prescott, who committed to Western Michigan and Wyoming, respectively.

Batavia’s offensive coordinator, Sean Anderson, expressed his admiration for Zeng. “Brennon has put in impressive work and is the most underrated among the group,” Anderson stated. “It’s time he gets the recognition he deserves. He participates in camps and consistently performs well. Though he’s soft-spoken, his skills are undeniable.”

Zeng, Ashiru, and Prescott are key members of Batavia’s skilled group, ranked second in the Beacon-News/Courier-News preseason poll. They will be primary targets for the senior quarterback Michael Vander Luitgaren. Vander Luitgaren, a three-year starter, led Batavia to the Class 7A state semifinals last year, ending the season with a 10-3 record.

In May, Vander Luitgaren committed to Wyoming, setting off Batavia’s wave of college commitments. “Mike has a knack for delivering the ball effectively,” Anderson noted. Vander Luitgaren threw for 2,708 yards and achieved 31 touchdowns last year. He distributed 61 passes to Brett Berggren, a graduate, and connected with Ashiru, Zeng, and Prescott 55, 28, and 19 times, respectively.

Zeng credits his father, Brian, who played running back and receiver at Glenbard West and had a brief college career at Butler, for inspiring him. Zeng made his varsity debut against his father’s alma mater. “It was a big challenge,” Zeng recalled. “The team was tough, and I was finding my position. This season promises a major leap forward.”

Batavia’s head coach, Dennis Piron, praised Zeng’s growth. “He was once quiet and focused,” Piron said. The coach, who retired from teaching in 2025, believes Zeng’s added muscle, alongside strong camp showings, improved his recruitment visibility.

Zeng highlighted the significance of attending North Central College’s camp, describing how his 4.4-second 40-yard dash gained him attention from Northern Illinois. “After NIU’s camp, they extended an offer,” Zeng shared.

Besides football, Zeng is also an accomplished center fielder in baseball. He values Northern Illinois as familiar territory, having played there and visited during high school events. Despite missing his senior baseball season, Zeng prioritized football for the benefits it offered. With a GPA of 4.91, he plans to graduate early, like his fellow recruits.

Batavia’s ambitions this year are set high. Vander Luitgaren expressed the team’s aim to achieve 40 points per game, aspiring to win another state title under Piron’s final coaching season.

“We aim high with our objectives,” Zeng affirmed. “Winning the title is crucial. My focus is contributing significantly.” Anderson anticipates Zeng becoming more integral. “I’ll rely on Brennon for possession throws. He excels in catching contested passes,” Anderson added. “With his hands, he can secure the ball even in challenging scenarios.”

Batavia’s season aims to conclude with success. The team hopes to deliver a third state championship alongside past victories in 2013 and 2017.

Batavia’s Brennon Zeng (14) scored a touchdown in the first quarter against Glenbard West during a game on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (Mark Black / The Beacon-News)

Quick hits

• Team: Batavia
• 2025 record: 10-3
• Offensive leaders: Michael Vander Luitgaren (QB), Darin Ashiru (WR), Dane Trowbridge (OL), Thomas Prescott (TE), Brennan Zeng (WR)
• Defensive leaders: Jack Brown (LB), Luke Gardner (DB), Gavin McKelvie (LB), Giovanni Colamatteo (DB), Amaree Daniels (LB)
• X-factor: Charlie Rosengren (RB)