Former Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer, Former Ohio State Assistant Coach Nick Saban On 2025 CFB Hall Of Fame Ballot

Former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer and former Ohio State assistant coach Nick Saban have been placed on the 2025 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Also appearing on the ballot is former Ohio State three-time All-American linebacker James Laurinaitis.

Urban Meyer was the head coach at Ohio State from 2012-2018 where he went 83-9 with three Big Ten titles (2014, 2017, 2018) and one College Football Playoff National Title (2014). The Buckeyes were 7-0 against Michigan during his tenure. Meyer was also the head coach at Bowling Green (2001-2002), Utah (2003-2004), and Florida (2005-2010).

All told, Meyer finished his collegiate career with a 187-32 record overall, winning three national championships.

Nick Saban was the defensive backs coach for Ohio State in 1980 and 1981. He was fired after the 1981 season following a Liberty Bowl win over Navy that saw the Buckeyes allow over 200 yards passing to the run-heavy Midshipmen.

Saban then went on to land a job at Navy, among others.

James Laurinaitis was a Consensus All-American in 2006 and 2007, and a Unanimous All-American in 2008. He led the Buckeyes in tackles all three years, winning the Nagurski Award in 2006 as the nation’s top defensive player, and the Butkus Award in 2007 as the nation’s best linebacker. He was a two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and is now the OSU linebackers coach.

Here is the full release from the National Football Foundation, including every name on next year’s ballot.

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IRVING, Texas (June 3, 2024) – The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced today the names on the 2025 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, including 77 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 101 players and 34 coaches from the divisional ranks.

“It’s an enormous honor to just be on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot considering more than 5.7 million people have played college football and only 1,093 players have been inducted,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “The Hall’s requirement of being a First-Team All-American creates a much smaller pool of about 1,500 individuals who are even eligible. Being in today’s elite group means an individual is truly among the greatest to have ever played the game, and we look forward to announcing the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class early next year.”

The ballot was emailed today to the more than 12,000 NFF members and current Hall of Famers whose votes will be tabulated and submitted to the NFF’s Honors Court, which will deliberate and select the class. (Individuals can cast a vote this year by clicking here to become an NFF member.)

The Honors Court, chaired by NFF Board Member and College Football Hall of Famer Archie Griffin from Ohio State, includes an elite and geographically diverse pool of athletic administrators, Hall of Famers and members of the media. Click here for the official criteria and the voting procedures, which govern election to the Hall.

“Having a ballot and a voice in the selection of the College Football Hall of Fame inductees is one of the most cherished NFF member benefits,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, a 1989 Hall of Fame inductee from Mississippi. “There is no group more knowledgeable or passionate about college football than our membership, and the tradition of the ballot helps us engage them in the lofty responsibility of selecting those who have reached the pinnacle of achievement in our sport.”

The announcement of the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class will be made in early 2025, with specific details to be announced in the future.

The 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted during the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 9, 2025 at the Bellagio Hotel & Resort, and they will also be honored at their respective schools with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the 2025 season.

Of the 5.7 million individuals who have played college football since Princeton first battled Rutgers on Nov. 6, 1869, only 1,093 players have earned induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, or less than two one-hundredths of a percent (.02%) of those who have played the game during the past 154 seasons. From the coaching ranks, 233 individuals have achieved Hall of Fame distinction.

There are 11 NFF National Scholar-Athletes on the 2025 Ballot, including FBS players Jeff Bregel (USC), Gregg Carr (Auburn), Brad Culpepper (1991 Campbell Trophy® recipient from Florida), Greg Eslinger (Minnesota), Graham Harrell (Texas Tech), Alex Mack (2008 Campbell Trophy® recipient from California), Darrin Smith (Miami, FL) and Manti Te’o (Notre Dame). The divisional NFF National Scholar-Athlete nominees on the 2025 ballot include Keith Elias (Princeton), Gerald Quinlivan (Buffalo), and Thomas Stenglein (Colgate).

The NFF has recognized 922 NFF National Scholar-Athletes since 1959, and only 44 have earned the distinction as both a Hall of Famer and an NFF National Scholar-Athlete, creating arguably one of the most unique and elite groups in all of sports. And of those 44 dual honorees, only Peyton Manning (Tennessee), Matt Stinchcomb (Georgia), Tim Tebow (Florida) and Danny Wuerffel (Florida) have also claimed The William V. Campbell Trophy®.
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The 2025 voting deadline is July 1. If you would like to become a member and receive this year’s ballot, please contact NFF Director of Membership Ron Dilatush at [email protected].

The online voting system for the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot is powered by TicketManager.

A list of candidates and capsule bios are provided below. You may also click here for a pdf of the candidate names and capsule bios.

Consensus All-American: Listed as a First Team All-American by at least half of the recognized publications.

Unanimous All-American: Listed as a First Team All-American by all recognized publications.

2025 FBS PLAYER CANDIDATE CAPSULE BIOS
Flozell Adams, Michigan State-Offensive Tackle-1997 First Team All-American and Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year…Three-time All-Big Ten performer who helped Spartans to three consecutive bowl appearances…Helped running backs rush for more than 100 yards in 21 games throughout career and allowed only two QB sacks in 1997 season.

Erick Anderson, Michigan-Linebacker-1991 First Team All-American and Butkus Award winner who led Wolverines to four bowl games and top 10 finishes all four seasons of career…1991 Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Year and only player in UM history to lead team in tackles all four seasons.

Montee Ball, Wisconsin-Running Back-Two-time consensus First Team All-American and 2012 Doak Walker Award winner…Tied with Hall of Famer Barry Sanders for most single-season TDs in NCAA annals (39) and boasts NCAA record for single-season points (236 in 2011)…2011 Big Ten Offensive POY and only player in history to rush for 100 yards in three-straight Rose Bowl games.

Kenjon Barner, Oregon-Running Back-2012 consensus First Team All-American and finalist for the Doak Walker Award…First Team All-Pac-12 selection helped Ducks to four BCS berths, including a 2011 BCS National Championship appearance…Ranks third in Oregon history in career AP yards (5,848) and rushing TDs (41).

Aaron Beasley, West Virginia-Defensive Back-1995 consensus First Team All-American led the nation in INTs (10) in 1994…Two-time First Team All-Big East selection who led WVU to an undefeated regular season and a 1993 Big East title…19 career INTs and holds two of the top five single-season PBU performances in Mountaineer history.

Bernard Berrian, Fresno State-Kick Returner/Wide Receiver-2001 First Team All-America kick returner who led the nation in all-purpose yards (2,776)…Bulldogs all-time leader in career all-purpose yards (5,828) and tied school records for career TD receptions (25)…Three-time All-WAC performer who helped team to a share of the 1999 WAC title.

Jeff Bregel, USC-Offensive Guard-Two-time consensus First Team All-American and a 1986 NFF National Scholar-Athlete…Two-time First Team All-Pac-10 selection, leading USC to the 1984 conference title and a Rose Bowl victory…Earned the 1985 Morris Trophy as the league’s most outstanding offensive lineman.

Alex Brown, Florida-Defensive Lineman-Two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors in 2001, and finalist for the Lombardi and Nagurski awards as a senior…2001 SEC Defensive Player of the Year (AP) and three-time First Team All-SEC performer…Holds Gator records for career (33) and single-season (13 in 1999) sacks.

Rocky Calmus, Oklahoma-Linebacker-Two-time consensus First Team All-American and 2001 Butkus Award winner…OU’s all-time leader in TFL (59) helped Sooners to the BCS National Championship at the 2001 Orange Bowl…2000 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and four-time All-Big 12 performer posted 431 career tackles.

Gregg Carr, Auburn-Linebacker-1984 consensus First Team All-American and NFF National Scholar-Athlete…Three-time First Team All-SEC selection and 1984 SEC Lineman of the Year…Twice led Auburn in tackles, helping the Tigers to the 1983 SEC title and three consecutive bowl wins.

Mark Carrier, USC-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-American (1988-89), earning unanimous honors in 1989…1989 Jim Thorpe Award winner as the nation’s top defensive back…Two-time First Team All-Conference selection…Led the Pac-10 in interceptions in 1989 with seven.

Ki-Jana Carter, Penn State-RunningBack-1994 unanimous First Team All-American and Heisman Trophy runner-up…Earned MVP honors at the 1995 Rose Bowl, helping the Lions finish 12-0 with a No. 2 national ranking…Two-time All-Big Ten selection led the league in rushing (1,539) and scoring (138 points) during prolific 1994 season.

Russell Carter, SMU-Defensive Back-1983 unanimous First Team All-American who helped SMU to consecutive top five final rankings in 1981 (No. 5, 10-1-0) and 1982 (No. 2, 11-0-1)…Three-time All-SWC performer led Mustangs to consecutive league titles in 1981-82…SMU’s all-time career leader in interceptions (18).

Matt Cavanaugh, Pittsburgh-Quarterback-1977 First Team All-American who led the Panthers to a 1976 national title…Led Pitt to three consecutive bowl wins, earning MVP honors in the 1977 Sugar and 1977 Gator bowls…Finished Pitt career ranked second all-time (behind only Tony Dorsett) with 3,916 career yards of total offense.

Dallas Clark, Iowa-Tight End-2002 unanimous First Team All-American and winner of the Mackey Award as the nation’s best tight end…Two-time All-Big Ten selection who helped Iowa to a share of the 2002 Big Ten title and its first-ever 11-win season (2002)…Holds record for longest pass reception in school history (95 yards).

Brad Culpepper, Florida-Defensive Tackle-1991 consensus First Team All-American and recipient of the NFF Campbell Trophy® as the nation’s top scholar-athlete…Two-time All-SEC selection who led Gators to first-ever SEC title in 1991…Ranks sixth all-time at Florida with 47.5 career TFL, a school record among defensive linemen.

George Cumby, Oklahoma-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-American, earning unanimous honors in 1979…Two-time Big Eight Defensive Player of the Year and member of four Big Eight championship teams…Finished career ranked second all-time in OU history with 437 tackles, despite playing fullback his first season.

Kenneth Davis, TCU-Running Back-1984 unanimous First Team All-American who finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting and led Frogs to first bowl in 19 seasons…Led the nation in yards per carry (7.6) and ranked second nationally in rushing yards (1,611) in 1984…1984 SWC Offensive Player of the Year who boasted nine 100-yard games in career.

Jarett Dillard, Rice-Wide Receiver-2008 First Team All-American and 2006 Second Team All-American who holds the NCAA record for career TD receptions (60)…Three-time All-C-USA performer set the conference record for  career receiving yards (4,138 )…Holds virtually every career and single-season receiving and scoring stat in Rice history.

Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh-Defensive Tackle-2013 unanimous First Team All-American and winner of the Bednarik, Lombardi, Nagurski and Outland trophies…2013 ACC Defensive Player of the Year and two-time First Team All-Conference who led the nation with 2.2 TFL per game…Pitt’s all-time leader in career (66) and single-season (28.5 in 2013) TFL.

Ken Dorsey, Miami (FL)-Quarterback-2002 First Team All-American who led the Canes to back-to-back BCS Championship games, winning the national title his junior season…Two-time Big East Co-Offensive Player of the Year and 2001 Maxwell Player of the Year…Left Miami as the school record holder in career total offense and passing yards.

D.J. Dozier, Penn State-Running Back– Named 1986 consensus First Team All-American and led PSU to perfect 12-0 season and national championship (1986)…Finished eighth in 1986 Heisman voting…First PSU back to lead the team in rushing for four consecutive seasons.

Vaughn Dunbar, Running Back-Indiana-1991 unanimous First Team All-American who led the nation in rushing (1,805) and finished sixth in Heisman voting…1991 First Team All-Big Ten selection, leading the conference with 150.4 ypg…Team MVP posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and led the Hoosiers to two bowl games.

Greg Eslinger, Minnesota-Center-Two-time First Team All-American, earning unanimous honors in 2005…First-ever Gopher player named First Team All-Big Ten in three-straight seasons (2003-05) en route to winning the Outland Trophy and Rimington Trophy in 2005…2005 NFF National Scholar-Athlete who twice anchored the Big Ten’s top rushing offense.

Alan Faneca, LSU-Offensive Guard-1997 consensus First Team All-American and LSU’s first-ever Outland Trophy finalist…Two-time First Team All-SEC selection and 1997 Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner, helping the Tigers lead the SEC in rushing his final two seasons…Helped LSU to three bowl wins and consecutive top-15 final rankings.

Levar Fisher, North Carolina State-Linebacker-Two-time First Team All-American and finalist for the Nagurski Trophy as a senior…2001 ACC Defensive Player of the Year and two-time First Team All-ACC performer who led the league in tackles (163) in 2000…Four-year starter and the Pack’s all-time career leader in tackles (492).

Willie Gault, Tennessee-Wide Receiver-1982 First Team All-American…Led Vols to three bowl berths…Set six conference and 12 school punt / kickoff return records…Tied NCAA record for most touchdowns by kick return in a single season (3) in 1980.

Gaston Green, UCLA-Running Back-1987 First Team All-American who finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting…Two-time First Team All-Pac-10 selection, finishing his career as UCLA’s all-time leader in rushing yards (3,731)…Two-time UCLA Offensive MVP set 14 school records and posted 20 100-yard games in his career.

Byron Hanspard, Texas Tech-Running Back-1996 unanimous First Team All-American and recipient of the Doak Walker Award…Tech’s all-time leader in rushing (4,219) who tied NCAA record by reaching 1,000-yard mark by fifth game of 1996 season…Three-time All-Big 12 selection, helping Red Raiders to first Cotton Bowl since 1938.

Kevin Hardy, Illinois-Linebacker-1995 consensus First Team All-American and Butkus Award winner…Two-time First Team All-Big Ten selection who helped Illini to two bowl berths…Team captain started 45 games (second all-time among Illini LBs) and ranks fourth all-time at Illinois in sacks (18) and TFL (38).

Graham Harrell, Texas Tech-Quarterback-2008 First Team All-American and AT&T All-America Player of the Year who finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting…2008 NFF National Scholar-Athlete holds seven NCAA records, including career 400-yard games (20)…Three-time All-Big 12 performer ranks second in league history with 15,793 career passing yards.

Marvin Harrison, Syracuse-Kick Returner/Wide Receiver-1995 First Team All-American as a kick returner and 1995 Big East Special Teams Player of the Year…Three-time All-Big East selection who set a conference record with a 94-yard punt return for a TD in 1995…Left Syracuse as the school’s all-time receiving leader (2,718 yards).

Garrison Hearst, Georgia-Running Back-1992 unanimous First Team All-American and winner of the Doak Walker Award…Finished third in 1992 Heisman Trophy voting after leading the nation in scoring (126 points)…1992 SEC Player of the Year finished career trailing only Herschel Walker in career rushing yards (3,232) at Georgia.

John Henderson, Tennessee-Defensive Tackle-Two-time consensus First Team All-American and winner of the 2000 Outland Trophy…2000 SEC Defensive Player of the Year and two-time First Team All-SEC performer…Leader of Vols defensive unit that set a school record for fewest rushing yards allowed (817) in 2000.

Josh Heupel, Oklahoma-Quarterback-2000 consensus First Team All-American and Walter Camp Player of the Year…2000 Heisman Trophy runner-up who led the Sooners to a national title at the 2001 Orange Bowl…2000 Big 12 Player of the Year who left OU with virtually every school passing record despite only playing two seasons.

Craig Heyward, Pittsburgh-Running Back-1987 consensus First Team All-American who led the nation in rushing his final season and finished fifth in Heisman voting…Left Pitt as the second-leading rusher in school history (behind only Tony Dorsett) with 3,086 career rushing yards…Rushed for at least 100 yards in every game of 1987 season.

Chris Hudson, Colorado-Defensive Back-1994 consensus First Team All-American and Thorpe Award recipient… Three-time First Team All-Big Eight selection who helped the Buffs to the 1991 conference title…Finished career with 141 tackles 15 INTs (including two returned for a TD) and 20 PBUs.

Michael Huff, Texas-Defensive Back-2005 unanimous First Team All-American and winner of the Thorpe Award…Named Defensive MVP at the BCS National Championship, helping the Horns to the 2005 national title…Two-time First Team All-Big 12 selection boasts the UT record for career defensive scores (five).

Mark Ingram, Alabama-Running Back-2009 unanimous First Team All-American and the Tide’s first-ever Heisman Trophy winner…Named Offensive MVP of the 2010 BCS National Championship after posting 116 rush yards and two TDs…2009 SEC Offensive Player of the Year led the conference in rushing (1,658) and total TDs (20) in 2009.

DeSean Jackson, California-Return Specialist/Wide Receiver-Two-time First Team All-American (as a specialist), earning consensus honors in 2006, and Randy Moss Award winner as the nation’s top kick returner…Earned First Team All-Pac-10 honors as a receiver and punt returner in 2006…Cal’s career leader in punt return average (16.7) and punt return TDs (6).

Sebastian Janikowski, Florida State-Placekicker-Two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors in 1998 and unanimous accolades in 1999…Only two-time recipient of the Lou Groza Award (1998, 1999)…Helped FSU to consecutive BCS Championship appearances, winning the national title at the 2000 Sugar Bowl.

Ed King, Auburn-Offensive Guard-Two-time First Team All-American, earning unanimous honors in 1990…Two-time First Team All-SEC performer, helping Auburn to consecutive conference titles in 1988 and 1989…Led the Tigers to their first back-to-back 10-win seasons in school history (1988, 1989).

Olin Kreutz, Washington-Center-1997 consensus First Team All-American and two-time First Team All-Pac-10 selection…Named the 1997 Morris Trophy winner as the conference’s top offensive lineman and 1997 UW Lineman of the Year…Blocked for RB Corey Dillon, who led the Pac-10 in rushing in 1996, and QB Brock Huard who broke 20 Husky records.

James Laurinaitis, Ohio State-Linebacker-Three-time First Team All-American (consensus-2006, 2008; unanimous-2007)…Two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year who led the Buckeyes to two national championship games and four consecutive conference titles…2007 Butkus and 2006 Nagurski recipient, leading OSU in tackles three-straight seasons.

Ryan Leaf, Washington State-Quarterback-1997 First Team All-American who finished third in Heisman Trophy voting…1997 Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year led Cougars to the first league title in school history (1997) and first Rose Bowl berth in 67 years…Two-time All-Pac-10 performer set four WSU career records, including TD passes (59).

John Lee, UCLA-Placekicker-Two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors in 1985…Boasted the NCAA’s highest career field goal percentage among players with at least 55 attempts (.859)…Two-time First Team All-Pac-10 selection who helped UCLA to three league titles and finished his career as the Bruins’ all-time scoring leader (390).

Todd Lyght, Notre Dame-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-American, earning unanimous honors in 1989 and consensus laurels in 1990…Led Irish to 1988 National Championship and perfect 12-0 season as well as national title game appearance in 1991 Orange Bowl…Thorpe Award finalist who posted 11 career interceptions.

Marshawn Lynch, California-Running Back-2006 First Team All-American who led Cal to a share of the 2006 Pac-10 title…2006 Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year led the league in rushing (1,356), all-purpose yards (1,785) and TDs (15) that season…Two-time bowl game MVP (2005 Las Vegas, 2006 Holiday) and Cal’s all-time leader in 100-yard rushing games (17).

Alex Mack, California-Offensive Lineman-2007 First Team All-American and 2008 recipient of the NFF Campbell Trophy®…Finalist for the Rimington Trophy and two-time Morris Trophy winner as the Pac-10’s top lineman…Three-time First Team All-Pac-10 selection helped Cal lead the conference in scoring (32.8 ppg) in 2006.

Wayne Martin, Arkansas-Defensive Tackle-1988 consensus First Team All-American, leading the Razorbacks to four bowl berths and three top-20 final national rankings…1988 First Team All-SWC who helped the Hogs to a 1988 conference title…Finished career as the school’s all-time leader in sacks (25.5).

Terrence Metcalf, Mississippi-Offensive Lineman-2001 consensus First Team All-American and two-time First Team All-SEC performer…Named the SEC’s Most Valuable Lineman by the Birmingham Monday Morning Quarterback Club (2001)…Leader of Ole Miss unit that allowed the fewest sacks in the conference his final two seasons.

Herman Moore, Virginia-Wide Receiver-1990 consensus First Team All-American who finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting…Holds the NCAA record for highest average gain per reception (22.0) with a minimum of 105 catches…1990 First Team All-ACC performer finished career as UVA’s all-time leader in receiving yards (2,504) and TD catches (27).

Kellen Moore, Boise State-Quarterback-2010 First Team All-American finished career as the winningest starting QB (.943) in college football history…Set the NCAA record for lowest career INT percentage (.017) and tied NCAA record with four 3,000-yard passing seasons…Boise State’s all-time leading passer (14,667) earned three conference Player of the Year honors (2-WAC, 1-MWC).

Dan Neil, Texas-Offensive Lineman-Two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors as a senior…Helped Horns offense rank 11th nationally in total offense (451.8 ypg) and 12th in scoring offense (34.4 ppg) in 1996…Two-time All-Conference selection who set the UT record for consecutive starts.

Terence Newman, Kansas State-Defensive Back-2002 unanimous First Team All-American and winner of the Thorpe Award…2002 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, also earning First Team All-Big 12 honors as a specialist after leading the league in kickoff return yards (28.5 avg.)…2002 team captain and MVP was just the second Wildcat in history to score on both a kickoff and punt return in the same season (2002).

Haloti Ngata, Oregon-Defensive Tackle-2005 consensus First Team All-American, the Ducks’ first consensus player since 1962…Two-time All-Pac-10 selection and first player in Oregon history to be named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year (2005)…2005 finalist for the Nagurski and Outland trophies and 2002 Freshman All-American.

Ken Norton Jr., UCLA-Linebacker-1987 First Team All-American, leading Bruins to four consecutive bowl wins… Member of the 1985 conference championship team… Led team in tackles in 1986 (106) and in 1987 (125) and ranks sixth in school history with 339 career tackles.

Michael Oher, Mississippi-Offensive Lineman-2008 unanimous First Team All-American and finalist for the Outland Trophy…Three-time All-SEC performer (First Team—2) and recipient of the 2008 Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the conference’s best blocker…Team captain started 47-straight games and helped RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis post consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

Jim Pyne, Virginia Tech-Center-1993 unanimous First Team All-American, the Hokies first-ever unanimous selection…Finalist for the 1993 Lombardi and Outland trophies and two-time All-Big East selection…Played in 42 career games and only allowed one sack in 2,700 career snaps.

Antwaan Randle El, Indiana-Quarterback-2001 First Team All-American…First player in FBS history to pass for 6,000 yards and rush for 3,000 yards in career…Rushed for more yards than any QB in FBS history upon conclusion of career.

Simeon Rice, Illinois-Linebacker-Two-time First Team All-American and three-time First Team All-Big Ten selection…Holds conference and school record for career sacks (44.5) and Illini record for career tackles for loss (69)…Set school record for single-season sacks (16).

Chris Samuels, Alabama-Offensive Tackle-1999 unanimous First Team All-American and Outland Trophy recipient…Two-time First Team All-SEC selection who led the Tide to a 1999 conference title…SEC Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner who did not allow a sack the entire 1999 season and blocked for 1,000-yard rusher Shawn Alexander.

Larry Seivers, Tennessee-Wide Receiver-Two-time consensus First Team All-American in 1975 and 1976…Two-time First Team All-SEC selection…Currently ranks sixth in Tennessee history in career reception yardage (1,924) and seventh in career receptions (117).

Richard Seymour, Georgia-Defensive Tackle-2000 First Team All-American, helping the Dawgs to four-straight bowl wins and top 20 final national rankings…Two-year team captain and two-time First Team All-SEC selection…1999 UGA Defensive MVP and one of only two DLs in school history to lead the team in single-season tackles (74 in 1999).

Steve Slaton, West Virginia-Running Back-2006 unanimous First Team All-American and Sugar Bowl MVP who placed fourth in Heisman Trophy voting…Doak Walker Award finalist who finished career as the NCAA’s active leader in points per game (9.4)…Three-time All-Big East RB posted three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and finished as WVU’s all-time leader in total TDs (55).

Darrin Smith, Miami (FL)-Linebacker-Two-time First Team All-American who helped the Canes to two national championships (1989, 1991)…1992 NFF National Scholar-Athlete led Miami to two Big East titles, never losing a conference game during his career…1991 Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year and two-time First Team All-Conference performer.

Justin Smith, Missouri-Defensive Lineman-2000 First Team All-American who also earned Freshman All-America honors in 1998…Two-time First Team All-Big 12 selection who is Mizzou’s all-time leader in career (50) and single-season (24 in 2000) TFL…Graduated as the Tigers’ career leader in sacks (22.5), now ranking fourth all-time.

Takeo Spikes, Auburn-Linebacker-1997 First Team All-American and two-time First Team All-SEC selection…Led Auburn to a berth in the 1997 SEC title game, a win at the 1998 Peach Bowl (game MVP) and a No. 11 final ranking that season…Two-year Auburn Defensive MVP, ranking in the school’s all-time top 10 with 331 career tackles.

Taylor Stubblefield, Purdue-Wide Receiver-2004 consensus First Team All-American who set the NCAA record for career receptions (316)…Two-time All-Big Ten selection who led conference in receptions for three consecutive seasons from 2002-04…2004 Biletnikoff finalist who set Sun Bowl record with 196 receiving yards in 2001.

Sean Taylor, Miami (FL)-Defensive Back-2003 unanimous First Team All-American and finalist for the Thorpe Award…Helped the Canes to consecutive national championship games, winning at the 2002 Rose Bowl…2003 Big East Defensive Player of the Year and two-time First Team All-Big East performer who led the nation in INTs (10) his final season.

Manti Te’o, Notre Dame-Linebacker-2012 unanimous First Team All-American and first player in history to sweep the Maxwell, Walter Camp, Bednarik, Butkus, Lombardi and Nagurski awards in the same season…First exclusively defensive player to finish in the top two of Heisman voting since 1980…2012 NFF National Scholar-Athlete who led ND to its first national championship appearance since 1988.

Dennis Thurman, USC-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-American who led Trojans to four consecutive postseason wins, including the 1974 National Championship at the Rose Bowl…Two-time all-conference selection who helped USC to two Pac-10 titles.

Michael Vick, Virginia Tech-Quarterback-1999 First Team All-American and Big East Offensive Player of the Year, finishing third in Heisman Trophy voting…Guided the Hokies to their first-ever 11-0 regular season and national championship game appearance (1999)…Two-time All-Big East performer who led the league in total offense (242.0 ypg) in 1999 and only lost one conference game during career.

Peter Warrick, Florida State-Wide Receiver-Two-time First Team All-American (consensus-1998, unanimous-1999) led FSU to a national championship at the 2000 Sugar Bowl, earning MVP honors…Two-time First Team All-ACC receiver finished career as the league’s all-time leader in receiving (3,517)…FSU’s career leader in receiving TDs (32).

Eric Weddle, Utah-Defensive Back-2006 consensus First Team All-American helped Utah to a BCS bowl victory (2005 Fiesta) and its first-ever 12-0 season (2004)…Two-time MWC Defensive Player of the Year led Utes to two league titles…2003 Freshman All-American holds school record for career forced fumbles (9) and ranks second in career INTs (18).

Ryan Yarborough, Wyoming-Wide Receiver-Two-time First Team All-America selection in 1992 and 1993…Broke numerous NCAA receiving records including most career receiving yards and most career 200-plus yard receiving games…Two-time First Team All-WAC who twice led the nation in receiving yards.

Luis Zendejas, Arizona State-Placekicker-1983 consensus First Team All-American who finished his career as the NCAA’s all-time leader in scoring (380)…Four-time All-Pac-10 selection, leading the league in scoring in 1983… Boasts the highest PAT percentage (99.3%) in ASU annals and led the team in scoring his first three seasons.

2025 FBS COACH CANDIDATE CAPSULE BIOS
Larry Blakeney-Troy (1991-2014)-All-time winningest coach in Sun Belt Conference history…Four-time conference Coach of the Year who led the Trojans to eight conference titles (5 – Sun Belt, 3 – Southland) and seven FCS playoff appearances in eight seasons…Led Troy to four bowl games, including wins at the 2006 and 2010 New Orleans Bowl.

Jim Carlen-West Virginia (1966-69), Texas Tech (1970-74), South Carolina (1975-81)-Led teams to eight bowl games and 13 winning seasons in 16 years as head coach…1973 National Coach of the Year…Three-time Southwest Conference Coach of the Year… Coached Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers at South Carolina.

Pete Cawthon Sr.-Austin College [TX] (1923-27), Texas Tech (1930-40)-Led Tech to four Border Conference titles in 11 seasons at the helm…Led 1938 team to 10-0 regular season and the school’s first-ever Cotton Bowl appearance…Boasts highest win percentage (69.3) among Tech coaches with terms of three years or more.

Larry Coker-Miami [FL] (2001-06), Texas-San Antonio (2011-15)-Posted a 60-15 record at Miami, including an astounding 35-3 record in his first three seasons…Led the Canes to consecutive BCS Championship Games, winning at the 2002 Rose Bowl and becoming the first rookie head coach to lead his team to a national title since 1948…Led Miami to three Big East crowns and orchestrated a dominant 2001 offense that set a Big East record with 475 points scored in the regular season.

Ralph Friedgen-Maryland (2001-10)-2001 Consensus National Coach of the Year, earning the recognition from nine organizations…Two-time ACC Coach of the Year and only ACC coach to win the conference title in his inaugural season (2001), also boasting the second-most wins (50) after first six seasons in conference annals (ranking behind only Hall of Famer Danny Ford with 51)…Rebuilt Terps’ program that had only two winning seasons and one bowl victory since 1985, leading Maryland to seven bowl games in 10 seasons at the helm.

Urban Meyer-Bowling Green (2001-02), Utah (2003-04), Florida (2005-10), Ohio State (2012-08)-Finished career with the third-highest winning percentage in FBS history (85.4%), winning two BCS national championships with Florida and the inaugural CFP title with Ohio State…Led Utah to a perfect 12-0 season and a win at the 2005 Fiesta Bowl, the first-ever BCS game to feature a non-automatic qualifier…Won seven conference titles overall and led OSU to an NCAA record 30-consecutive conference victories.

Darryl Rogers-Cal State East Bay (1965), Fresno State (1966-72), San Jose State (1973-75), Michigan State (1976-79), Arizona State (1980-84)-Took Fresno State to two bowl games…Achieved an unprecedented national ranking at San Jose State…Named Big Ten Coach of the Year in 1977 and National Coach of the Year by Sporting News in 1978…Won the Big Ten title in 1978.

Nick Saban-Toledo (1990), Michigan State (1995-99), LSU (2000-04), Alabama (2007-23)-Boasts the most national championships in FBS history, winning four BCS titles and three CFP championships during his career…First coach in history to win a national title with two different FBS schools (LSU, Alabama) since the inception of the AP Poll in 1936 and finished career with the sixth-most wins (292) all-time in FBS history…Led Bama to a top 10 final ranking in 16-consecutive seasons, including 12 top five finishes, and won 11 conference titles and 19 bowl games overall.

Tommy Tuberville-Mississippi (1995-98), Auburn (1999-08), Texas Tech (2010-12), Cincinnati (2013-16)-2004 National Coach of the Year after leading Auburn to an SEC title and a perfect 13-0 season…Led the Tigers to four division crowns, two SEC championship game appearances, and ranks 10^th in conference history with 64 SEC regular season wins…Led Cincinnati to a 9-4 (7-1) record and a share of the AAC title in 2014.

2025 DIVISIONAL PLAYER CANDIDATE CAPSULE BIOS
Vincent Allen, Indiana State-Halfback-1975 First Team All-American, also earning 1974 Second Team honors and 1973 Honorable Mention accolades…As a senior, became just the fourth rusher in history to boast four 1,000-yard seasons…Still holds school records for career rush yards (4,335) and TDs (33).

Ashley Ambrose, Mississippi Valley State-Defensive Back-1991 First Team All-American and First Team All-SWAC selection…Named SWAC Defensive Back and Return Specialist of the Year in 1991…Led nation in punt returns during senior campaign.

Archie Amerson, Northern Arizona-Running Back-Named First Team All-American in 1996…Finished as school’s all-time career rushing leader despite only playing two seasons (3,196 yards)…1996 Walter Payton Award recipient as Division I-AA’s most outstanding offensive player… Led NAU to its first-ever I-AA playoff appearance.

Rick Bealer, Lycoming (PA)-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-American who led Lyco to a berth in the 1990 NCAA Division III National Championship…Ranks second in DIII history with 31 career interceptions and still holds DIII record with 48 punt returns in 1989 season…Four-time All-Middle Atlantic Conference selection, earning first team honors his last three seasons.

Rennie Benn, Lehigh-Wide Receiver-Named First Team All-American in 1985…Currently ranks second in NCAA Division I-AA history in touchdown receptions (44), behind only Jerry Rice…Ranks seventh in Division I-AA history in career receiving yards (3,662).

Bill Borchert, Mount Union (OH)-Quarterback-Two-time First Team All-American who led Mount Union to consecutive national titles in 1996-97…1997 recipient of Gagliardi Trophy and three-time First Team All-OAC selection… Still holds multiple NCAA, conference and school records and boasts 14,482 career passing yards.

John Bothe, Augustana (IL)-Center-Named First Team All-American in 1988…One of three finalists for the 1988 NCAA Division III Player of the Year Award…Three-time First Team All-Conference selection (1986-88)…Helped Augustana to a 45-3-1 record.

Carl Boyd, Northern Iowa-Running Back-Named First Team All-American in 1987…Selected First Team All-Conference and Offensive Player of the Year in 1987…In 1987, he was Conference Player of the Week four times…Two-time team captain…Totaled 2,735 career rushing yards and 1,987 receiving yards.

Eric Breitenstein, Wofford-Fullback-Two-time First Team All-American who is Wofford’s all-time leading rusher (5,730)…Walter Payton Award finalist set the NCAA record for 100-yard rushing games in a season (12 in 2012)…Two-time SoCon Offensive Player of the Year and three-time First Team All-SoCon selection.

Vincent Brown, Mississippi Valley State-Linebacker-1987 First Team All-American, leading the NCAA in tackles in 1986 and 1987…Set NCAA All-Divisions record with 570 career tackles…Two-time All-SWAC selection who led MVSU in tackles his last three seasons.

Joe Campbell, Middle Tennessee State-Running Back-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1990-91)…A three-time First Team All-Conference pick, he was named OVC Player of the Year in 1990…Led the team in rushing all four years.

William Campbell, Western Colorado-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1978-79)…Set school record for interceptions in a season with seven in 1979…Led the team in tackles his senior year with 84.

Vin Carioscia, Franklin & Marshall (PA)-Offensive Tackle-Two-time First Team All-American and First Team All-Conference selection (1981-82)…Named First Team All-ECAC in 1982…Four-year letterman and a three-year starter.

Peter Catan, Eastern Illinois-Defensive End-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1979-80)…Member of the 1978 Division II National Championship team…Holds school record for quarterback sacks in a game (six), season (21) and career (47).

Steve Cockerham, Akron-Linebacker-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1976-77)…Concluded career as the school’s all-time leader in tackles with 715…Led Akron to 1976 Division II Championship Game.

Bruce Collie, Texas-Arlington-Offensive Tackle-Named First Team All-American in 1984…Led UTA to 1981 Southland Conference title…Three-time All-SLC selection…Played six seasons in the NFL with San Francisco and Philadelphia.

Tom Collins, Indianapolis (IN)-Defensive Back-Named First Team All-American in 1985…All-time college football leader in career interceptions (37), representing all levels of the NCAA. 

Ray Condren, Gettysburg (PA)-Running Back-Two-time First Team All-American, All-ECAC and All-Conference selection (1983-84)…Finished second in rushing in Division III in 1984…Named ECAC Division III Player of the Year in 1984.

Case deBruijn, Idaho State-Punter-Named First Team All-American in 1981…Twice led the nation in punting (1980-81) and was twice the runner up (1978-79)…Season average of 45.9 in 1981 is third all-time in I-AA.

Parnell Dickinson, Mississippi Valley State-Quarterback-1975 First Team All-American and Pittsburgh Courier National Player of the Year…Four-time All-SWAC selection and conference Player of the Year as a senior…Finished career as SWAC’s all-time leader in total offense (7,442 yards).

William Dillon, Virginia Union-Free Safety-Three-time First Team All-America selection (1980-82)…Tallied 16 interceptions in 1983…1983 Black College Player of the Year…Two-time First Team All-Conference selection and Player of the Year (1981-82).

John Dorsey, Connecticut-Linebacker-Named First Team All-American in 1983…Led the team in tackles from 1981-83…Two-time Yankee Conference Defensive Player of the Year (1982-83).

Chuck Downey, Stony Brook-Safety-1987 First Team All-America selection…Recorded 239 tackles and 13 interceptions on defense…First player in Division III history to achieve 1,000 yards on both punt and kickoff returns in a career…Currently holds 12 NCAA Division III records and 23 school records.

Matt Dunigan, Louisiana Tech-Quarterback-1982 First Team All-American and Southland Conference Player of the Year…Set Tech career records for completions (550), passing yards (7,042) and TD passes (40)…Led the SLC in total offense three-straight seasons (1980-82) and finished career with a conference title in 1982.

Tom Ehrhardt, Rhode Island-Quarterback-1985 First Team All-American who led the nation in passing during his final year at URI…Holds nearly every passing record in Rams history and led URI to consecutive 10-3 seasons and national top 10 finishes in 1984-85…1985 Yankee Conference Player of the Year.

Keith Elias, Princeton-Running Back-Two-time First Team All-American (1992-93) and 1993 Ivy League Player of the Year…Princeton’s all-time leader in rushing yards (4,208) and rushing touchdowns (49)…Three-time All-Ivy performer who helped the Tigers to the 1992 conference title.

Curtis Eller, Villanova-Linebacker-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1991-92) and was named National Defensive Player of the Year by The Sporting News in 1992…A three-time First Team All-Conference selection, he twice earned Yankee Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Blake Elliott, Saint John’s (MN)-Wide Receiver-Two-time First Team All-American and winner of the 2003 Gagliardi Trophy…Two-time MIAC Player of the Year who holds NCAA All-Divisions record of 47 consecutive games with a reception…Led SJU to 2003 DIII national title and owns 29 school records.

Richard Erenberg, Colgate-Running Back-Named First Team All-American in 1983…Broke 12 Division I-AA records…Selected as ECAC Player of the Year in 1983…All-time leading rusher in Colgate history…Two-time recipient of the Andy Kerr Award signifying Colgate’s MVP (1982-83).

Jahri Evans, Bloomsburg (PA)-Offensive Lineman-2005 First Team All-American who also earned Second Team All-America honors as a junior…Two-time Division II Player of the Year finalist and three-time First Team All-PSAC East selection…Helped Huskies to the 2005 PSAC East title and an NCAA playoff berth.

John Fitzgerald, Central Oklahoma-Offensive Guard-First Team All-American who blocked for two 1,000-yard rushers in 1998…Led UCO to 1998 undefeated season and No. 1 final ranking…Only three-time All-American since UCO joined NCAA.

Timothy Flanders, Sam Houston State-Running Back-Three time All-American (1st Team-2011, 2nd Team-2013, 3rd Team-2012)…Two-time Southland Player of the Year and only back ever to lead the league in rushing four consecutive seasons…All-time career leader in rushing and scoring in Southland and SHSU annals.

Bernard Ford, Central Florida-Wide Receiver-Named First Team All-American and 1987 Harlon Hill Trophy Finalist…Ranks in Top 10 of 14 UCF records, ranking first in receiving yards in a season (1,403), all-purpose yards per game (188) and average yards per catch in career (21.8).

Duane Fritz, Chadron State (NE)-Punter-Named First Team NAIA All-American in 1975…Led NAIA II and the conference in punting in 1975…Averaged 42.3 yards on 65 punts in 1975.

Rick Fry, Occidental (CA)-End-Two-time First Team All-American and All-Conference selection (1976-77)…Was the NCAA annual champion for receiving in 1976-77 and set four NCAA receiving records…Member of the Occidental Football Hall of Fame.

Chris George, Glenville State (WV)-Wide Receiver- Two-time First Team All-America selection and four-time WVIAC pick…Led GSC to Division II National Playoffs in 1993 and ’94…Member of two conference championship teams and held nine national records by career’s end.

Don Greco, Western Illinois-Offensive Guard-Named First Team All-American in 1980…Two-time First Team All-Conference selection – winning the conference’s Lineman of the Year award in 1980…A 1980 team captain, he was twice named Western Illinois’ MVP.

Reggie Greene, Siena-Running Back-Two-time First Team All-American (1995—all-purpose, 1997—running back)…Graduated as the I-AA career leader in rushing (5,415) and posted three-straight I-AA rushing titles (1995-97)…Three-time MAAC Player of the Year and Siena’s career leader in rushing, TDs, and all-purpose yards.

Don Griffin, Middle Tennessee State-Safety-1985 First Team All-American and Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year…Three-time First Team All-Conference selection…Recorded 210 tackles, 13 career interceptions, and held school record for interceptions in a game (3).

Carl Hairston, Maryland Eastern Shore-Defensive End-1975 First Team All-American by the Pittsburgh Courier…Two-year captain and three-time First Team All-MEAC performer…Known as “Mr. Defense,” he averaged more than 20 tackles a game during his senior season.

Ron Hausauer, Jamestown (ND)-Offensive Guard-Two-time First Team NAIA All-American and First Team All-Conference (1980-81)…Four-year letterman…Member of the Jamestown College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Pat Hauser, Cal State Northridge-Offensive Tackle-Two-time First Team All-American and All-Conference selection (1982-83)… Four-year starter and letterman.  

Bobby Hedrick, Elon-Running Back-Named First Team All-American in 1980…Ranked second in NCAA history in career rushing yards (5,604), among all divisions, at career’s end (behind only Tony Dorsett).

Chris Hegg, Truman State (MO)-Quarterback-Named First Team All-American and AFCA Division II Player of the Year in 1985…Two-time conference Offensive Player of the Year (1984-85)…Still holds eight conference records. 

Billy Hess, West Chester (PA)-Wide Receiver-1988 First Team All-American and Harlon Hill Trophy finalist…1988 PSAC East Player of the Year and four-time All-PSAC receiver, who also earned all-conference honors as a defensive back in 1988…Led West Chester to PSAC title game appearances in 1986 and 1987.

Lynn Hieber, Indiana (PA)-Quarterback-Two-time First Team NAIA All-America selection (1974-75)…Won the Division II Total Offense crown in 1975…Selected as ECAC Division II Player of the Year, First Team All-East and First Team All-ECAC in 1975.

Rene Ingoglia, Massachusetts-Running Back-Finished career ranked second all-time in FCS history in TDs (54) and as school’s all-time leader in rushing (4,624) and carries (905) among others…First UMass player to average more than 100 ypg rushing in career.

Fred Jackson, Coe (IA)-Running Back/Kick Returner-2002 First Team All-American who led Coe to its first-ever IIAC title in 2002…Two-time IIAC MVP and three-time All-IIAC performer…Boasts school records for single-game punt return (113) and kick return (164) yardage and ranks third all-time with 4,054 career rush yards.

Louis Jackson, Cal Poly-Running Back-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1978-80)…Member of the 1980 Division II National Championship team…Holds school records for yards rushing in a career (3,444), season (1,463) and game (267). 

John Jurkovic, Eastern Illinois-Defensive End-Two-time First Team All-America selection in 1988 and 1989…Two-time Gateway Defensive Player of the Year who led team to 1986 conference title…Set Gateway record with six sacks in a game and finished career as the conference’s all-time sacks leader (27).

Ed Kelley, Hampden-Sydney (VA)-Defensive End-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1974-75)…Three-time First Team All-Conference pick (1973-75)…Led the defensive unit that gave up only 10.8 points per game in 1975. 

Jim Kleinsasser, North Dakota-Tight End-Two-time First Team All-American (1997, 1998) who also earned Honorable Mention All-America honors in 1996…Three-time First Team All-Conference selection led UND to the 1995 NCC title…Highest NFL draft pick in school history helped UND to two NCAA Playoff berths and a 32-10 overall record.

Garry Kuhlman, Delaware-Offensive Tackle-Two-time First Team All-American and All-ECAC selection (1980-81)…His 1979 team led all Division I-AA teams in scoring with 35.5 points and 405.5 yards total offense per game.

Sean Landeta, Towson-Punter-1982 First Team All-American and first punter ever named to the AP’s College Division All-America Team; Three-time First Team All-ECAC who owns Towson career punting records for punts (225) and yards (9,452)…Also team’s placekicker, leading all of Division II in punting average (43.4 ypp) and field goals (14) during 1980 season.

Jeff Loots, Southwest Minnesota State-Quarterback-1992 First Team All-American who also earned All-America honors in 1991 (Second Team) and 1990 (Honorable Mention)…Led the nation in passing and total offense his last two seasons, setting NAIA records for career TD passes (102) and career passing ypg (361.2)…1992 Northern Sun Player of the Year who set multiple conference and school records.

Al Lucas, Troy-Defensive Lineman-Two-time First Team All-American (1998-99) and winner of the 1999 Buck Buchanan Award as the nation’s top defensive player…Two-time First Team All-Southland who led Trojans to two conference titles…Three NCAA playoff appearances, including the 1996 Semifinals and the 1999 Quarterfinals.

Claude Mathis, Texas State-Running Back-1997 First Team All-American who also earned Second Team All-America honors in 1996 and Honorable Mention laurels in 1995…Two-time Southland Conference Player of the Year and Texas State’s all-time career rushing leader (4,691)…Career AP yards (7,423) is a Southland Conference record and ranks eighth in FCS history.

Vince Mazza, Ashland (OH)-Punter-1986 First Team All-American and Ashland’s first-ever Harlon Hill candidate…Four-time First Team All-Heartland Conference performer…Boasts three of top 10 punting-average seasons in Ashland history.

Steve McAdoo, Middle Tennessee State-Offensive Lineman-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1991-92)…Earned Third Team All-America honors by the Associated Press in 1990…Three-time First Team All-Conference pick.

Gary McCauley, Clarion (PA)-Tight End-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1980-81)…Member of two conference title teams…Holds school career records for receptions (135) and receiving yards (1,736)…Four-year starter.  

Fran McDermott, St. Mary’s (CA)-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1979-80)…Played in the 1981 Japan Bowl…Four-year starter and letterman…Holds school records for most interceptions in a career (21), season (8) and game (4).

Bill McGovern, Holy Cross-Defensive Back-Named First Team All-American in 1984…Led the nation in interceptions (11) in 1984…Set Division I-AA career interception record with 24…Two-time All-ECAC performer (1983-84)…Named 1984 team captain.

Tony Miles, Northwest Missouri State-All-Purpose/Wide Receiver-Two-time First Team All-American who led Bearcats to back-to-back Division II National Championships (1998-99) and four-consecutive MIAA titles…Set conference and school records for career receiving yards (3,890), receptions (235) and TDs (37).

Carl Morris, Harvard-Wide Receiver-2002 First Team All-American who holds virtually every Harvard receiving record, including career receptions (245) and TD receptions (28)…Ranks third all-time in Ivy history with 3,508 career receiving yards…Holds Ivy record for career 100-yard games (15) and 200-yard games (3).

Kenneth Murawski, Carnegie Mellon (PA)-Linebacker-Named First Team All-American in 1981…Named First Team All-Conference in 1981 and Second Team in 1980…Two-time team defensive captain…Totaled 243 career tackles and nine interceptions.

Patrick Murray, Fordham-Placekicker-2012 First Team All-American (placekicker) and 2011 Second Team All-American (punter)…2012 Fred Mitchell Award winner, 2012 CFPA Placekicker of the Year and 2011 CFPA Punter of the Year…Led the FCS in field goals/game (2.27) and set Fordham and Patriot League records with 25 field goals in 2012.

Timmy Newsome, Winston-Salem State (NC)-Running Back-1978 First Team All-American who finished his career as the all-time leading rusher (3,843 yards) in school and conference annals…Three-time All-CIAA selection who twice led the conference in rushing and scoring…Led the Rams to consecutive undefeated regular seasons and CIAA titles in 1977 and 1978.

Ed O’Brien, Central Florida-Placekicker-Named 1987 First Team All-American…UCF record holder for career field goals made (50), field goals attempted (77) and longest field goal made (55 yards)…Helped UCF to 1987 Division II Semifinals.

Randy Page, Central Oklahoma-Quarterback-Named First Team NAIA All-American in 1983 and earned Second Team NAIA All-America honors in 1982…Led UCO to an NAIA National Championship in 1982…Broke 14 school records.

Chris Parker, Marshall-Running Back-1995 First Team All-America pick…Member of 1992 national championship team, leading MU back to national title game in 1993 and ’95 (national runner-up)…Recorded 31 games with at least 100 yards rushing en route to finishing career with 5,924 rushing yards and 68 touchdowns.

Alonzo Patterson, Wagner-Running Back-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1981-82)…Finished fourth on the NCAA leading rusher list for all divisions in 1981, leading Division III with 1,487 yards…Three-time ECAC Player of the Year (1980-82).

Ted Petersen, Eastern Illinois-Center-1976 First Team All-America selection… Team captain who blocked for Nate Anderson, EIU’s first-ever 1,000-yard rusher…Became school’s highest-ever NFL Draft pick when he was selected 93^rd overall (fourth round) in 1977.

Martin Peterson, Pennsylvania-Offensive Tackle-Named First Team All-America, First Team All-Conference and First Team All-ECAC in 1986…His teams won three conference titles.

Charlie Pierce, Central Florida-Punter / Placekicker-Named First Team All-America…Career record holder at UCF for punts (173), punt yardage (7,111) and points scored (297)… Helped UCF to FCS playoffs in 1993.

Dave Pomante, Whitworth (WA)-Defensive Lineman-Named First Team NAIA All-American in 1981…Two-time All-District selection…Set school records with 20 sacks in a season and 35 in a career…Led team with 117 tackles as a senior.

Tyrone Poole, Fort Valley State (GA)-Defensive Back-First Team All-America selection in 1994…Two-time Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Defensive Player of the Year (1993-94) who led FVSU to two conference titles…Recorded 44 pass breakups and 17 interceptions, returning four for TDs.

Franklyn Quiteh, Bloomsburg (PA)-Running Back-Three-time First Team All-American and 2013 Harlon Hill Award winner…Second all-time in Division II history with 7,523 rushing yards and only player in D-II annals to top 2,000 rush yards three times…PSAC East Offensive Player of the Year owns nearly all conference and school rushing records.

Gerry Quinlivan, Buffalo-Linebacker-Named First Team All-American in 1984…Two-time First Team ECAC Upstate New York selection and team captain (1983-84)…Four-year starter and letterman…Two-time Most Outstanding Linebacker (1983-84) and named an NFF National Scholar-Athlete as a senior.

Michael Renna, Delaware-Defensive End-Two-time First Team All-American, All-Conference and All-ECAC selection (1988-89)…Delaware’s Outstanding Senior Male Athlete in 1990…Finished career as the 10^th leading tackler in school history with 205.

David Rhodes, Central Florida-Wide Receiver-1993 First Team All-American…Holds UCF records for receptions (213), receiving yards (3,618) and receiving TD (29) in career…Only Knight to record three seasons with at least 1,000-yards receiving and helped team to 1993 FCS Playoffs.

Neil Ringers, Ohio Wesleyan-Defensive End-1990 First Team All-American boasts school records for career sacks (54) and career TFL (92)…Two-time NCAC Defensive Player of the Year and first player in conference history voted first-team all-league in four-straight seasons…Leader of OWU unit that led nation in rush defense (18.9 ypg) in 1990.

Kirk Roach, Western Carolina-Placekicker-Three-time First Team All-America selection (1984-86)…Four-time First Team All-Conference pick…Holds five Division I-AA kicking records, 10 conference records and 18 school records…Missed only one extra point in four years.

Bobby Saiz, Adams State (CO)-Quarterback-Named First Team NAIA All-American in 1989…Passed for 10,169 career yards and 87 touchdowns…Averaged 251 yards per game in total offense…Led team to No. 1 NAIA national ranking in 1989.

Jeff Schebler, Wisconsin-Whitewater-Placekicker-Two-time First Team All-American (2007, 2009) who helped Whitewater to two national championships…Four-time First Team All-WIAC selection, ranking second all-time in scoring in the league…2009 Fred Mitchell Award recipient as the nation’s best non-FBS kicker.

Joe Skladany, Lafayette-Linebacker-Named First Team All-American in 1981…Four-year starter who never missed a game…Boasts school records for career tackles (532) and blocked kicks in a season (3)…Team captain and two-time Team MVP who led nation’s second-ranked defense in 1981.

Ed Smith, Bethel (KS)-Wide Receiver-Named First Team NAIA All-American in 1985…Three-time First Team All-Conference selection (1984-86)…Holds 13 school records…His 47 career touchdown receptions were two short of the national record.

Paul Smith, Gettysburg (PA)-Return Specialist-Two-time First Team All-American as a kick- and punt-returner…Set three NCAA records, including still-standing record of 527 all-purpose yards in a game (1999)…1999 Centennial Conference Co-Player of the Year and four-time All-CC First Team selection.

Tony Stefanoni, Widener (PA)-Defensive Lineman-1982 First Team All-American led Widener to national title as a senior…1982 ECAC Player of the Year and three-time All-MAC performer who helped team to four conference crowns…Posted 24.5 career sacks and only lost one game during entire collegiate career.

Tom Stenglein, Colgate-Wide Receiver-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1984-85)…Two-time First Team All-ECAC pick (1984-85)…Colgate’s all-time leader in receptions in a game (12), season (67) and career (144).

Michael Strahan, Texas Southern-Defensive Lineman-1992 First Team All-American and Division I-AA Defensive Player of the Year…1992 Black College Defensive Player of the Year and two-time SWAC Defensive Player of the Year…Texas Southern’s all-time leader in career (41.5) and single-season (19 in 1992) sacks.

Alex Tanney, Monmouth (IL)-Quarterback-2011 First Team All-American ended his career as the NCAA all-divisions leader in career TD passes (157)…2009 Melberger Award winner and two-time Gagliardi finalist set the Division III record for career passing yards (14,249)…Three-time Midwest Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

Jimmy Terwilliger, East Stroudsburg (PA)-Quarterback-2005 First Team All-American and three-time Harlon Hill finalist, winning the trophy in 2005…Three-time PSAC East Offensive Player of the Year who set 18 Division II and two all-divisions records by career’s end…Only quarterback in history to be named a First Team All-PSAC East selection in each of his four seasons.

Freddie Thomas, Troy-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1986-87) and helped lead Troy to the NCAA Division II National Championship in 1987…A two-time First Team All-Conference pick, he was named team captain in 1987.

Markus Thomas, Eastern Kentucky-Tailback-Finished career ranked third all-time in FCS history in rushing (5,149)…Two-time Ohio Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year who led team to two conference titles…52 career rushing TDs.

Brad Tokar, Westminster (PA)-Running Back-Named First Team Little All-American in 1990…Two-time First Team NAIA All-America selection (1988, 1990)…Led Westminster to two NAIA Division II National Championships…Westminster’s all-time leading rusher with 5,269 career yards.

Jay Wessler, Illinois College-Running Back-Named First Team NAIA All-American in 1979…Three-time member of the NAIA District All-Star Team…Three-time team MVP (1978-80) and Illinois Athlete of the Year (1979-81). 

Tim Whelan, Tufts (MA)-Running Back-1976 First Team All-American who set school single-season rushing records in consecutive seasons…1976 ECAC Division III Player of the Year and George H. “Bulger” Lowe Award as New England’s best player for all divisions…234 rushing attempts in 1976 is school record.

Mike Wiggins, Iowa Wesleyan-Punter-Named First Team Little All-American in 1987 and an NAIA All-American in 1986 and 1987…Named National Punting Champion for the NAIA in 1987. 

Jerry Woods, Northern Michigan-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-America selection and All-Conference pick (1987-88)… Returned 89 punts for 1,129 yards, a 12.6 yard average…Returned kickoffs for 1,475 yards, a 24.9 yard average and current school record.

Andre Young, Bowling Green-Defensive Lineman-1982 First Team All-American, the first-ever nose tackle to earn All-America honors at BGSU…1982 First Team All-Conference who led team to a 7-2 MAC record and conference title…1982 Team MVP who boasted 26 TFL and 13 sacks during his All-America season.

John Zanieski, Yale-Middle Guard-Named First Team All-American and First Team All-Ivy League in 1984…Selected as the team’s MVP in 1984…Finished second on school’s quarterback sack list with 21. 

2025 DIVISIONAL COACH CANDIDATE CAPSULE BIOS
Dick Biddle-Colgate (1996-13)-All-time winningest coach in Colgate and Patriot League history…2003 AFCA National Coach of the Year who led Raiders to an appearance in the 2003 FCS National Championship Game…Won seven conference titles and led teams to six NCAA playoff appearances.

Rod Broadway-North Carolina Central (2003-06), Grambling State (2007-10), North Carolina A&T (2011-17)-Only coach in history to win a black college football national championship at three different schools, winning five overall…Took over a losing NCCU program in 2003, leading them to back-to-back conference titles and playoff appearances by 2005-06…Led teams to six conference crowns, two Celebration Bowl wins, and retired following a perfect 12-0 season.

Paul Durham-Linfield (OR) (1948-67)-His team won seven conference championships…Named 1962 NAIA Coach of the Year…Was the athletics director at Linfield while coaching…Member of the Oregon Sports, Helms Athletic and NAIA Football Coaches Halls of Fame.

Jim Feix-Western Kentucky (1968-83)-Named Kodak College Coach of the Year for Division II in 1973 and 1975…Won or shared six conference titles…Three-time conference Coach of the Year (1973, 1978, 1980)…The winningest coach in school history…Charter member of the school Athletic Hall of Fame.

Howard Fletcher-Northern Illinois (1956-68)-Coached unbeaten NCAA College Division and NAIA National Championship team in 1963…Led NIU to three conference titles (1963-65)…Inducted into the NIU Athletic Hall of Fame…Was the runner-up as Kodak College Division Coach of the Year in 1963…Made three appearances in the Mineral Water Bowl.

Ross Fortier-Minnesota Moorhead (1970-92)-School’s all-time winningest coach…Led his team to seven postseason playoffs and nine conference championships…Led 1981 team to unbeaten regular season and number one ranking in the final regular season poll…Member of the NAIA Hall of Fame.

Morley Fraser-Albion (MI) (1954-68)-Led Albion to five conference championship and was named the Small College Coach of the Year in 1964…Coached one All-American, five conference Players of the Year and 65 first team All-Conference selections…Was a Commander in the U.S. Navy during WWII…Received the Distinguished American Award from the Michigan Chapter of the NFF.

Rick Giancola-Montclair State (NJ) (1983-2022)-Retired as Division III’s active leader in career wins (260) and as the eighth-winningest coach in Division III annals…Led teams to 12 NJAC titles and nine playoff appearances…11-time NJAC Coach of the Year and one of only two coaches in New Jersey collegiate football history to win 200 career games.

Walt Hameline-Wagner (1981-2014)-Led Wagner to the 1987 Division III National Championship…Boasts the most wins in school history (223), leading the Seahawks 24 winning seasons and four NCAA playoff appearances…2012 NEC Coach of the Year retired with the fifth-most wins among active FCS coaches.

Bill Hayes-Winston-Salem State (NC) (1976-87), North Carolina A&T (1988-2002)-All-time winningest coach at both Winston-Salem State and North Carolina A&T…Led teams to two black college national championships, four playoff appearances, and six conference titles…Two-time MEAC Coach of the Year finished career with the most victories (195) among college football head coaches in State of North Carolina history.

Eddie Hurt-Virginia Lynchburg (1925-28), Morgan State (1930-59)-Led Morgan State to six Black College National Championship and 14 CIAA titles…Posted 11 undefeated seasons, including the 1943 team that did not allow a score from a single opponent…From 1932-39, led Bears to 54-game streak without a loss.

Art Keller-Carthage (WI) (1952-82)-Named FWAA College Division Distinguished Coach in 1982 and four-time NAIA District Coach of the Year…Member of the NAIA District 14 Hall of Fame…Won eight conference titles and compiled three 14-game winning streaks…Member of the Carthage Hall of Fame and received the President’s Medal of Honor.

Glenn Killinger-Dickinson (PA) (1922), Rensselaer (NY) (1927-32), Moravian (PA) (1933), West Chester (PA) (1934-41, 45-59)-Winningest coach in West Chester history…Member of the College Football Hall of Fame as a player and the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame…Had only one losing season in 37 years as a head coach.

Larry Korver-Northwestern College (IA) (1967-94)-Led Northwestern to two National Championships, 14 playoff appearances and 212 victories in 28 seasons on the sidelines…Twice named NAIA National Coach of the Year, he has coached 32 players to All-America status.

Maxie Lambright-Louisiana Tech (1967-78)-Led Tech to three consecutive Division II national titles from 1972-74…Boasted seven conference titles and named 1970s Southland Conference Coach of the Decade…Led program to Division I in 1975, earning two Independence Bowl berths, and coached 11 First Team All-Americans throughout career.

Dick Lowry-Wayne State (MI) (1974-79), Hillsdale (MI) (1980-96)-Won seven conference championships at both schools and earned five births in the NAIA national playoffs winning the National Championship in 1985…He was voted NAIA Coach of the Year in 1982 and was conference Coach of the Year six times.

James Malosky-Minnesota Duluth (1958-97)-Winningest coach in Division II history at time of retirement…Led teams to nine  conference championships…Named NSIC, MIAC and/or NAIA Coach of the Year 13 times…Produced 33 winning seasons in 40 years at UMD.

Jim Margraff-Johns Hopkins (MD) (1990-18)-2018 National Coach of the Year and winningest football coach in Johns Hopkins history (221 wins)…Guided the Blue Jays to 10 NCAA Playoff appearances, including the school’s first-ever trip to the Semifinals (2018)…Led Hopkins to a Centennial-record 14 conference titles.

George Mihalik-Slippery Rock (PA) (1988-2015)-Most wins in SRU history, boasting 22 winning seasons in 28 years…Six-time PSAC Coach of the Year who won or shared eight PSAC Western Division championships and made six trips to the NCAA playoffs…Perfect 17-0 home record in his final three seasons.

Don Miller-Trinity (CT) (1967-98)-Recorded 28 winning seasons out of 32…Retired as the all-time winningest Division III football coach in New England history (now second)…Four-time NESCAC Coach of the Year and 1993 New England Division II/III Coach of the Year…Team recorded best record in NESCAC seven times.

Steve Mohr-Trinity (TX) (1990-2013)-Led Trinity to a 2002 Stagg Bowl appearance and 12 playoff berths…All-time winningest coach in school history and five-time AFCA Regional Coach of the Year…Boasts 16 conference titles and holds SCAC record for overall wins (186) and SCAC victories (96).

Charles Murphy-Middle Tennessee State (1947-68)-Captured seven Volunteer State Athletic Conference Championships…Won seven Ohio Valley Conference Championships…Named Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year in 1965. 

Jim Ostendarp-Amherst (MA) (1959-91)-Named UPI Small College Coach of the Year in 1964…Selected as the New York Football Writers Division II/III Coach of the Year in 1984…Captured 13 Little Three titles…Named AFCA/Kodak New England Coach of the Year in 1961 and 1964. 

Forrest Perkins-Wisconsin-Whitewater (1956-84)-At the time of his retirement, he ranked second on the active wins list on the Division III level…Named NAIA Coach of the Year in 1966…The all-time winningest coach in conference and school history…captured 11 conference titles.

Bill Ramseyer-Wilmington (OH) (1972-90), Virginia’s College at Wise (1991-2001)-Three-time District Coach of the Year…Seven Hall of Fame inductions, including NAIA Hall of Fame (1997)…Coached his teams to a winning season in 24-of-30 seasons…Coached Wilmington to an NAIA National Runner-Up in 1980…Coached 70 All-Americans.

Dwight Reed-Lincoln (MO) (1949-71)-Teams won three conference titles…Coached 93 All-Americans in four sports…The football stadium at Lincoln University was named for him.

Pete Schmidt-Albion (MI) (1983-96)-Teams won nine MIAA championships (seven outright), five NCAA Division III playoff appearances and the 1994 NCAA Division III National Championship… 1994 AFCA National Coach of the Year.

Gideon Smith-Hampton (1921-40)-Led Pirates to 1922 Black College National Championship… Recorded four CIAA titles and two unbeaten seasons in career…Longest tenured coach in Hampton history, boasting the second-most wins all-time at the school.

Clyde “Buck” Starbeck-Northern Iowa (1936-42, 1945-57)-Captured seven conference championships in 10 years…Went 31 consecutive conference games without a defeat…Member of the University of Northern Iowa Hall of Fame. 

Clarence Stasavich-Lenoir-Rhyne (NC) (1946-61), East Carolina (1962-69)-Lenoir-Rhyne’s all-time winningest coach who led team to 1960 NAIA National Championship…1959 NAIA National Coach of the Year, boasting three undefeated seasons at LR… Led ECU to most successful three-year campaign in school history (27-3 from 1963-65).

Lou Wacker-Emory & Henry (VA) (1982-2004)-Most wins in Emory & Henry history, leading the Wasps to five NCAA playoff appearances…11 ODAC titles, including six-of-seven from 1994-00…Boasted a 37-game home winning streak from 1991-98.

John Whitehead-Lehigh (1976-86)-Named Division II Coach of the Year in 1977 and Division I-AA Coach of the Year in 1979…Captured the 1977 Division II National Championship…Runner-up in the 1979 Division I-AA National Championship.

Alex Yunevich-Alfred (NY) (1937-41, 1946-76)-Had six undefeated teams…His team was 1971 Lambert Bowl Division III champions of the East…Named Small College Coach of the Year in 1956 by the Washington Touchdown Club and same in 1971 by the NY Football Writers.

Allen Zikmund-Nebraska-Kearney (1955-71)-His teams won 11 conference titles…Nine of his players were named NAIA All-Americas and 67 made All-Conference…Member of the NAIA Hall of Fame. 

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