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IRVING, Texas (June 1, 2026) – The National Football Foundation (NFF) announced today the names on the 2027 Ballot under consideration for induction into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame. The 2027 ballot includes 80 players and nine coaches from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and 99 players and 39 coaches from the NCAA divisional and NAIA ranks.
“For more than seven decades, the NFF College Football Hall of Fame has preserved the legacy of the game’s greatest players and coaches, ensuring their stories continue to inspire future generations,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “Being named to this ballot places these remarkable individuals among an exceptionally elite group whose achievements helped shape college football history. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to the selection of the next Hall of Fame class.”
The ballot was emailed today to the more than 12,000 NFF members and current NFF Hall of Famers whose votes will be tabulated and submitted to the NFF 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 NFF Honors Court, chaired by NFF Trustee and NFF College Football Hall of Famer Archie Griffin (Ohio State), includes an elite and geographically diverse pool of athletic administrators, NFF Hall of Famers and members of the media. Click here for the official criteria and the voting procedures, which govern election to the NFF Hall.
“The strength of the NFF College Football Hall of Fame rests in the integrity of its selection process,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, a 1989 NFF College Football Hall of Fame inductee from Ole Miss. “Each year, our members and Hall of Famers carefully evaluate an outstanding group of nominees whose accomplishments have stood the test of time. Their participation helps preserve the Hall’s tradition of excellence while ensuring that the game’s greatest contributors receive the recognition they deserve.”
The announcement of the 2027 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be made in early 2027, with specific details to be announced in the future.
The 2027 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted during the 69th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas, and they will be honored at their respective schools with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the 2027 season.
Of the 5.86 million individuals who have played college football since Princeton first battled Rutgers on Nov. 6, 1869, only 1,129 players have earned induction into the NFF 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 157 seasons. From the coaching ranks, 241 individuals have achieved NFF Hall of Fame distinction.
There are nine NFF National Scholar-Athletes on the 2027 Ballot, including FBS players Jeff Bregel (USC), Barrett Jones (2012 NFF Campbell Trophy® recipient from Alabama), Colt McCoy (Texas), DeMeco Ryans (Alabama), Manti Te’o (Notre Dame) and Jonathan Vilma (Miami, FL). The divisional NFF National Scholar-Athlete nominees on the 2027 Ballot include Keith Elias (Princeton), Gerald Quinlivan (Buffalo), and Thomas Stenglein (Colgate).
The NFF has recognized 954 NFF National Scholar-Athletes since 1959, and only 49 have earned the distinction as both an NFF Hall of Famer and an NFF National Scholar-Athlete, creating arguably one of the most unique and elite fraternities in all of sports. And of those 49 dual honorees, only Alex Mack (California), 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 2027 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 David Flores at [email protected].
The online voting system for the 2027 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Ballot is powered by TicketManager.
– A list of candidates and capsule bios are provided on the following pages. 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.
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2027 Ballot by the Numbers
- 67 FBS Schools Represented
- 33 Consensus All-Americans
- 26 Unanimous All-Americans
- 18 Two-Time First Team All-Americans
- 43 Major College Football Awards Won
- 47 Offensive Players
- 31 Defensive Players
- 2 Special Teams Players
- 5 Decades Represented
2027 FBS PLAYER CANDIDATE CAPSULE BIOS
Kevin Abrams, Syracuse-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-American, earning honors from the FWAA and Sporting News in 1995 and the AFCA in 1996…Two-time First Team All-Big East performer led the league in INTs (6) in 1995 and helped ‘Cuse to a share of the 1996 Big East title…Holds school records for career PBUs (49) and passes defended (55).
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.
Tavon Austin, West Virginia-All-Purpose/Wide Receiver-2012 First Team All-America specialist and Second Team All-America receiver, winning the Hornung Award as the nation’s most versatile player…Two-time Conference Special Teams Player of the Year, earning First Team All-Conference at two positions in both 2011-12…Holds 16 WVU records and is the only player in FBS history with 3,000 receiving yards and 1,000 rushing yards in a career.
Brad Banks, Iowa-Quarterback-2002 First Team All-American and winner of the Davey O’Brien Award…2002 AP College Player of the Year and Heisman runner-up led the Hawkeyes to an 11-2 season, an Orange Bowl appearance and a No. 8 final ranking…2002 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year led Iowa to a share of the Big Ten title.
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).
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.
Luther Bradley, Notre Dame-Defensive Back-1977 consensus First Team All-American and member of the Irish’s 1977 National Championship team…Named the nation’s best defensive back in 1978 by the Touchdown Club of Columbus…Holds Notre Dame records for career INTs (17) and INT yards in a game (103 vs. Purdue, 1975).
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.
Cornell Brown, Virginia Tech-Defensive Lineman-Two-time First Team All-American (consensus—1995) and 1995 Football News National Defensive Player of the Year…1995 Big East Defensive Player of the Year and three-time All-Big East selection led the Hokies to two conference titles…Ranks second in Va Tech history with 36 career sacks, only trailing Hall of Famer Bruce Smith.
Antonio Bryant, Pittsburgh-Wide Receiver-2000 consensus First Team All-American and just the second sophomore ever to win the Biletnikoff Award (2000)…2000 Big East Offensive Player of the Year and two-time First Team All-Big East performer who broke numerous league records…Broke Pitt career records for receiving yards (3,061) and TD receptions (30).
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.
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.
Cris Carter, Ohio State-Wide Receiver-1986 consensus First Team All-American who set a Rose Bowl record with nine receptions for 172 yards (1985)…Two-time First Team All-Big Ten performer led the league in receiving in 1986 and helped the Buckeyes to two conference titles…First-ever OSU receiver to earn First Team All-America honors and held nine program records by career’s end.
Kevin Carter, Florida-Defensive End-1994 consensus First Team All-American who led the Gators to four-straight bowl games…Three-time All-SEC performer who helped Florida to SEC titles in 1991, 1993 and 1994… Ranks in the top 10 all-time at Florida with 21.8 sacks and 42.5 TFL in career.
Matt Cavanaugh, Pitt-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).
Adrian Clayborn, Iowa-Defensive End-2010 consensus First Team All-American and Orange Bowl MVP (9 tackles, 2 sacks—2010)…Finalist for the 2010 Lombardi and Ted Hendricks awards and a two-time First Team All-Big Ten selection…Two-year captain led the team in sacks (11.5) and TFL (20) in 2009.
Randall Cobb, Kentucky-Wide Receiver-2010 First Team All-American as an all-purpose player and finalist for the Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most versatile player…Only FBS player to rank first or second on a team in rushing, passing and receiving during 2010 season…Two-time First Team All-SEC performer holds the conference record for single-season AP yards (2,396 in 2010) and set the UK mark for career TDs (37—now ranks 2nd all-time).
Chase Coffman, Missouri-Tight End-2008 consensus First Team All-American and winner of the Mackey Award as the nation’s best tight end…Three-time All-Big 12 performer (First Team—2006 and 2008, Second Team—2007) set the NCAA record for career receptions (247) by a tight end…First Tiger in history to win a national position award and finished career as Mizzou’s all-time leader in receptions and TD receptions (30).
David DeCastro, Stanford-Offensive Lineman-2011 unanimous First Team All-American and finalist for the Outland Trophy…Three-time All-Conference selection, twice earning First Team honors (2010-11)…Anchor of offensive line that helped Hall of Famers Andrew Luck and Toby Gerhart break numerous program and conference records.
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.
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.
Elvis Dumervil, Louisville-Defensive End-2005 unanimous First Team All-American and winner of the Nagurski Trophy after leading the nation in sacks (20) and ranking fourth in TFL (22)…2005 Big East Defensive Player of the Year set the NCAA mark for sacks in a game (6 vs. Kentucky, 2005)…2005 Ted Hendricks Award winner and Bill Willis Trophy recipient led the 2004 Cards to a conference title, 11-1 record and a No. 6 final ranking.
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.
Troy Edwards, Louisiana Tech-Wide Receiver-1998 consensus First Team All-American and winner of the Biletnikoff Award who set the NCAA record for career TD receptions (50—now ranking 3rd all-time)…Boasts NCAA marks for single-season TD receptions (27 in 1998) and single-game receiving yards (405 vs. Nebraska, 1998)…La Tech’s all-time career leader in receiving yards (4,352), 100-yard games (21), all-purpose yards (6,048) among others.
Bobby Engram, Wide Receiver-Penn State-1994 First Team All-American and recipient of the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver…Three-time First Team All-Big Ten selection who led Lions to the 1994 conference title and four bowl wins…First-ever PSU player to record a 1,000-yard receiving season and left PSU with 12 school records.
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.
D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Virginia-Offensive Tackle-2005 First Team All-American who helped the Cavaliers to four bowl games and two top 25 final national rankings…Two-time First Team All-ACC selection and four-time ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week, helped RB Alvin Pearman to a conference-leading 1,037 rushing yards in 2004…Boasts most career starts (49) by an o-lineman in UVA history.
Levar Fisher, NC 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).
Joe Garten, Colorado-Offensive Guard-Two-time First Team All-America, garnering consensus honors in ’89 and unanimous laurels in ’90… Led Buffs to 1990 National Championship and three-straight bowl berths… Member of two Big Eight championship teams.
Willie Gault, Tennessee-Wide Receiver/Kick Returner-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.
Tony Gonzalez, California-Tight End-1996 First Team All-American and First Team All-Pac-10 selection…Holds Cal record for receptions in a bowl game (9 in 1996 Aloha Bowl)…Posted 89 receptions for 1,302 yards and eight touchdowns during career.
Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin-Running Back-2014 unanimous First Team All-American, Doak Walker Award winner, and Heisman Trophy runner-up after leading the nation in rushing (2,587)…2014 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and Big Ten Running Back of the Year, holding league records for single-season all-purpose yards (2,740) and single-game rush yards (408 vs. Nebraska) in 2014…UW record for single-season 100-yard rushing games (12 in 2014).
Deon Grant, Tennessee-Safety-1999 consensus First Team All-American and finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award…Helped the Vols to the 1998 National Championship, two SEC titles and three top 10 final national rankings…1999 Associated Press SEC Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-SEC selection after leading the conference with nine INTs.
Robert Griffin III, Baylor-Quarterback-2011 consensus First Team All-American and winner of the Heisman Trophy, Davey O’Brien and Manning awards…2011 AP Player of the Year led the nation in points responsibility (22.15 ppg) and ranked second in total offense (384.0 ypg)…2011 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and two-time All-Big 12 performer broke or tied 54 Baylor records and led the Bears to their first bowl victory (2011 Alamo) in 19 years.
Casey Hampton, Texas-Defensive Tackle-Two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors in 2000…Anchor of a UT defense that ranked sixth nationally in total defense (286.6 ypg) in 1999 and seventh (278.3 ypg) in 2000…2000 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and three-time All-Big 12 performer who finished his career ranked second all-time at Texas with 54 career TFL (now fifth).
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).
Leotis Harris, Arkansas-Offensive Guard-1977 consensus First Team All-America who led Razorbacks to wins in the 1976 Cotton Bowl and ’78 Orange Bowl…First-ever African-American All-America player at Arkansas…Led the Hogs to a share of the 1975 Southwest Conference title.
Marcus Harris, Wyoming-Wide Receiver-Two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors as a senior…1996 Biletnikoff Award winner who finished ninth in Heisman Trophy voting and twice led the nation in receiving yards per game…1996 WAC Offensive Co-Player of the Year who set NCAA record with 4,518 career receiving yards.
Percy Harvin, Florida-Wide Receiver/All-Purpose-Two-time First Team All-American, earning honors at wide receiver (2007) and as an all-purpose player (2008)…Helped Florida to two national championships and two SEC titles while leading the nation in rushing yards per attempt (9.2) in 2007…Three-time First Team All-SEC player is the first Gator in history to have 100 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving in the same game (vs. Vanderbilt, 2007).
A.J. Hawk, Ohio State-Linebacker-Two-time First Team All-American (2004-consensus, 2005-unanimous) and winner of the 2005 Lombardi Award…2005 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and three-time First Team All-Big Ten performer led the Buckeyes to two Big Ten titles…Led OSU in tackles three straight seasons and finished career as the fifth-leading tackler (394) in program history.
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, Pitt-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.
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.
Barrett Jones, Alabama-Offensive Lineman-Two-time First Team All-American (2011-unanimous, 2012-consensus) and winner of the 2012 NFF Campbell, 2012 Rimington, 2011 Outland and 2011 Wuerffel trophies…Led Bama to three national titles and two SEC crowns…Three-time First Team All-SEC selection is arguably the most decorated o-lineman in school history, winning national honors at three different positions (center, tackle, guard).
Robert Jones, East Carolina-Linebacker-1991 unanimous First Team All-American and finalist for the Butkus Award…Three-time All-South Independent selection, earning First Team honors in 1990-91…ECU’s first-ever unanimous First Team All-American led the program in tackles three-straight seasons and finished career with 478 stops.
Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue-Defensive End-2010 unanimous First Team All-American after leading the nation in TFL (26) and tying the NCAA record for career forced fumbles (14)…2010 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year twice led the league in sacks (13—2009, 12.5—2010)…Two-time Purdue MVP ranks second in school history with 33.5 career sacks and fifth in career TFL (57).
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).
Rick Leach, Michigan-Quarterback-1978 First Team All-American who placed third in 1978 Heisman Trophy voting…1978 Big Ten MVP who led Wolverines to a share of three consecutive league titles and three consecutive Rose bowl berths…Set Michigan record for wins by a QB (38) and held 18 school statistical records by career’s end.
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).
Andy Levitre, Oregon State-Offensive Lineman-2008 First Team All-American and three-time All-Pac-12 selection…Anchor of a Beavs’ offensive unit that produced a 1,000-yard rusher and receiver in both 2006 and 2008…Helped Oregon State to three bowl appearances and three top 25 final national rankings during his career.
Greg Lewis, Washington-Running Back-1990 First Team All-American and Doak Walker award winner… Named Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year in 1990, leading Huskies to 1990 conference title… Finished seventh in 1990 Heisman voting and recorded 15, 100-yard games.
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).
Tyler Matakevich, Temple-Linebacker-2015 consensus First Team All-American and winner of the Bednarik Award and Nagurski Trophy…2015 AAC Defensive Player of the Year and three-time First Team All-AAC performer led the Owls to a berth in the inaugural American Athletic Conference Championship (2015)…Most decorated player in Temple history is just the seventh player in FBS annals to register four seasons with 100 tackles.
Bruce Matthews, USC-Offensive Guard-1982 consensus First Team All-American who helped the Trojans to a 1979 Rose Bowl victory…Two-time First Team All-Pac-10 selection and part of 1979 Pac-10 Champions…Three-year starter for USC who won the Morris Trophy as the Pac-10’s best lineman in 1982.
Colt McCoy, Texas-Quarterback-Two-time First Team All-American (2008-consensus, 2009-unanimous) and two-time Heisman Trophy finalist (2008 runner-up)…Two-time Walter Camp Player of the Year also won the Maxwell, Davey O’Brien, Manning and Unitas awards en route to a berth in the 2010 BCS Championship…NFF National Scholar-Athlete and two-time Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year held 47 Texas records by career’s end.
Carlton McDonald, Air Force-Cornerback-1992 unanimous First Team All-American and runner-up for the Thorpe Award…Two-time WAC Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-WAC selection who twice led the conference in INTs (8—1992, 6—1991)…1993 Air Force Male Athlete of the Year set a program record for blocked kicks in a game (3 vs. Colorado State, 1990).
Ray Mickens, Texas A&M-Cornerback-1995 First Team All-American by Walter Camp…Three-time First Team All-SWC selection helped the Aggies to consecutive league titles in 1992 and 1993…Part of 1994 A&M team the posted the first undefeated season (10-0-1) since 1956 and led the Aggies to a 23-1 record at Kyle Field during his career.
Heath Miller, Virginia-Tight End-2004 unanimous First Team All-American and winner of the Mackey Award as the nation’s best tight end…Named a Third Team All-American in 2003 and Freshman All-American in 2002…Three-time All-ACC performer still holds UVA tight end records for career receptions (144), yards (1,703) and TDs (20).
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).
Cam Newton, Auburn-Quarterback-2010 consensus First Team All-American and Heisman Trophy winner who led the Tigers to a BCS National Championship…Collected Davey O’Brien, Manning, Maxwell and Walter Camp awards in 2010 after becoming just the third player in FBS annals to post at least 20 passing and 20 rushing TDs in a single season…2010 SEC Offensive Player of the Year posted six TDs in the 2010 SEC Championship, earning Offensive MVP honors en route to the conference title.
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, Ole Miss-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.
Russell Okung, Oklahoma State-Offensive Lineman-2009 unanimous First Team All-American and finalist for the Outland Trophy who earned the Jim Parker 2009 Jim Parker Trophy (Touchdown Club of Columbus) as the nation’s top offensive lineman…2009 Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year and two-time First Team All-Big 12 selection… Started 47 consecutive games for the Pokes and paved the way for a 1,000-yard rusher in each of his four seasons.
Patrick Peterson, LSU-Cornerback-2010 unanimous First Team All-American and first LSU player to win both the Bednarik and Jim Thorpe awards…First player in SEC history to win both SEC Defensive Player of the Year and SEC Special Teams Player of the Year after leading the league in punt and kickoff return yards…Scored TDs three different ways (INT, punt return, blocked field goal) and still holds numerous kick return records.
Dennis Pitta, BYU-Tight End-2009 consensus First Team All-American and finalist for the Mackey Award who still owns the NCAA record for yards gained by a tight end (2,901)…Three-time First Team All-Mountain West selection led BYU to the 2007 MWC title…Holds all-time BYU tight end marks for receptions (221) and yards (2,901), ranking second and fourth respectively among all Cougar receivers.
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).
Ron Rivera, California-Linebacker-1983 consensus First Team All-American…Lombardi Award finalist in 1983 and named East-West Shrine Game Most Valuable Player…Selected as Pac-10 Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 1983…Led team in tackles from 1981-83.
DeMeco Ryans, Alabama-Linebacker-2005 unanimous First Team All-American and winner of the Lott IMPACT Trophy…2005 NFF National Scholar-Athlete and finalist for the Butkus and Nagurski awards…2005 SEC Defensive Player of the Year holds the Alabama single-game record for tackles (25 vs. Arkansas, 2003) and ranks fifth in Tide history with 309 career tackles.
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).
Terrell Suggs, Arizona State-Defensive End-2002 unanimous First Team All-American, winning the Nagurski and Lombardi awards after leading the nation in sacks (24) and TFL (31.5)…2002 Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year and Morris Trophy winner as the conference’s top lineman…ASU’s career leader in sacks (44) and TFL (65.5).
Aqib Talib, Kansas-Cornerback-2007 unanimous First Team All-American and finalist for the Nagurski Award, earning 2008 Orange Bowl MVP honors (60-yard pick six)…Two-time First Team All-Big 12 performer led the league in INTs (6) in 2006…Defensive MVP on 2007 KU squad that set a school record for wins (12) won the program’s first and only BCS bowl.
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.
Jonathan Vilma, Miami (FL)-Linebacker-2003 First Team All-American and finalist for the Butkus Award, led the Canes to back-to-back BCS National Championship games (winning at the 2002 Rose)…Part of Miami teams that won at least a share of four Big East titles and finished with top five national rankings each season…Three-time First Team All-Big East selection and 2003 NFF National Scholar-Athlete who led the Canes in tackles from 2001-03.
Sammy Watkins, Clemson-Wide Receiver/All-Purpose-Two-time First Team All-American (2011—all-purpose, 2013—receiver) who set an Orange Bowl record with 16 receptions for 227 yards (2014 game MVP)…Three-time All-ACC selection, leading the conference in receiving (112.6 ypg) in 2013 and all-purpose yards (176.0 ypg) in 2011…Clemson’s leader in career (3,391), season (1,464 in 2013) and game (227 vs. Ohio State, 2014) receiving yards.
Tripp Welborne, Michigan-Defensive Back-Two-time unanimous First Team All-American and finalist for the 1989 Thorpe Award…Two-time First Team All-Big Ten selection who helped the Wolverines to three Big Ten titles and two Rose Bowls…1990 Michigan MVP set a school record for punt return yards in a season (455 in 1990).
Donnell Woolford, Clemson-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors as a senior in 1988…Two-time First Team All-ACC selection who led the Tigers to three league titles…Holds Clemson records for career PBU (44) and punt returns for a TD in a career (2).
2027 FBS COACH CANDIDATE CAPSULE BIOS
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), UTSA (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.
Dennis Franchione-Southwestern [KS] (1981-82), Pittsburg State (1985-89), Texas State (1990-91), New Mexico (1992-97), TCU (1998-2000), Alabama (2001-02), Texas A&M (2003-07), Texas State (2011-15)-Two-time NAIA National Coach of the Year before moving into Division I, twice coaching at Texas State and eventually leading the Bobcats’ transition to the FBS…Known for revitalizing struggling programs, led New Mexico to its first bowl in 36 years and TCU to its first postseason win since 1957…Took over a 3-8 Alabama team and led the Tide to a 10-win season in just two years, later guiding Texas A&M to consecutive victories over archrival Texas (2006-07) and a berth in the 2005 Cotton Bowl.
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.
Mike Leach-Texas Tech (2000-09), Washington State (2012-19), Mississippi State (2020-22)-Revolutionized football as the mastermind of the air raid offense, producing multiple record-breaking passing attacks throughout his coaching tenure…Boasts the most wins (84) in Tech history, leading the Red Raiders to a program record 10-straight bowl games and an historic 11-2 season in 2008…2018 AFCA Coach of the Year posted the second-highest winning percentage (53.9) in WSU history (among coaches with at least 35 games) and closed his Cougars career with a school record five-straight bowl games…Guided Mississippi State to a winning record and three bowl games.
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.
Jackie Sherrill-Washington State (1976), Pittsburgh (1977-81), Texas A&M (1982-88), Mississippi State (1991-2003)-1981 Walter Camp National Coach of the Year and first Pitt coach to lead the Panthers to five-straight bowl games…Led Texas A&M to three-straight SWC titles (1985-87), the Aggies’ first Cotton Bowl appearance in nearly 20 years, and created the famed 12th Man Kickoff Team…Most wins (75) in Mississippi State history, guiding the Bulldogs to the most bowl appearances (6) by any coach in program history.
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 10th 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.
2027 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.
Buster Ashley, Western Kentucky-Offensive Lineman-Two-time First Team All-American (2003-04), who also earned Second Team honors in 2002…Four-time All-GFC performer, garnering First Team accolades his final three seasons…Team captain led WKU to a 2002 I-AA national title and to playoff appearances from 2001-04.
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).
Dusty Bonner, Valdosta State (GA)-Quarterback-Two-time First Team All-American (2000-01) who twice won the Harlon Hill Trophy as the nation’s top Division II player…Two-time GSC Offensive Player of the Year guided VSU to two conference titles and a 22-3 record as a starter…After starting his career at Kentucky, set the DII and Valdosta State record books ablaze, still holding the NCAA DII record for career passing efficiency (190.8).
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.
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.
Erik Dandy, Western Kentucky-Linebacker-Two-time First Team All-American (2001, 2003) who helped WKU to a 2002 national championship…Three-time All-Conference performer (two-time First Team selection), leading the Hilltoppers to two conference titles and three playoff appearances…Twice led WKU in tackles and ranks third in program history with 422 career tackles.
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.
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.
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).
Tim Ford, Western Kentucky-Defensive End-1980 First Team All-American who helped WKU to a No. 5 final national ranking in 1980…Led WKU with 111 tackles in 1980, earning First Team All-OVC honors and leading the Hilltoppers to the conference title…WKU Football All-Century Team member finished career with 248 tackles.
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.
Paul Gray, Western Kentucky-Linebacker-Two-time First Team All-American (1982-83) ranks second all-time at WKU in career tackles (488)…1981 First Team All-OVC helped WKU to a conference title in 1980…Team captain who led the Hilltoppers in tackles every season from 1981-83.
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).
Dino Hackett, Appalachian State-Linebacker-1985 First Team All-American who still holds nine school records, including single-game (27) and single-season (200 in 1985) tackles…Two-time All-SoCon selection and six-time SoCon Defensive Player of the Week during career…One of only five players all-time to have his number retired at App State.
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.
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 S.L.O.-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).
Nate Kmic, Mount Union (OH)-Running Back-Three-time First Team All-American and two-time National Offensive Player of the Year…Became college football’s all-time leader (among all divisions) in rushing yards (8,074), all-purpose yards (9,651) and scoring (130 TDs)…Led Mount Union to three national titles and four conference championships, still holding dozens of DIII, OAC and school records.
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)…1990 and 1992 Northern Sun Player of the Year who set multiple national, conference, and school records.
Erik Lora, Eastern Illinois-Wide Receiver-Two-time First Team All-American (2012-13) and finalist for the Walter Payton Award (4th—2012, 7th—2013)…2012 OVC Player of the Year and two-time First Team All-OVC led EIU to three conference titles…2013 FCS ADA Wide Receiver of the Year rewrote EIU and OVC receiving records and still holds the FCS single-season mark for receptions (136 in 2012).
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).
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 10th 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.
Reggie Rivers, Texas State-Running Back-1990 First Team All-American who ranked nationally in all-purpose (3rd—160.8 ypg) and rushing (4th—114.5 ypg) yards during senior campaign…Two-time All-Southland Conference performer led the league in rushing (1,145) and AP yards (1,222) in 1990…1990 Texas State Offensive Player of the Year still ranks third in school annals with 4,015 career all-purpose yards.
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 54.5 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).
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).
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.
2027 DIVISIONAL COACH CANDIDATE CAPSULE BIOS
Al Bagnoli-Union (NY) (1982-91), Penn (1992-2014), Columbia (2015-22)-Left Union (NY) as the program’s all-time leader in wins (86)…Penn’s all-time winningest coach (148), leading the Quakers to three undefeated seasons, nine Ivy titles and six unbeaten Ivy campaigns…2017 Ivy League Coach of the Year after leading Columbia to its best record (8-2) since 1996, retiring in 2022 with the second-most wins (183) in Ivy League history.
Dick Biddle-Colgate (1996-2013)-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.
Gregg Brandon-Bowling Green (2003-08), Colorado School of Mines (2015-21)-First-ever Mines coach to lead the Orediggers to the Division II Semifinals, finishing the 2021 season with a 12-2 record and a No. 3 national ranking…Boasts four RMAC championships, four playoff appearances, four top 20 final national rankings and an 80% winning percentage at Mines…Led BGSU to three bowl games and at least a share of three MAC division titles.
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.
Kevin Donley-Anderson (IN) (1978-81), Georgetown (KY) (1982-92), California (PA) (1993-96), Saint Francis (IN) (1998-2024)-Winningest coach in NAIA history and ranks fifth all-time in wins (356) across all divisions…Boasts three national titles, six national championship game appearances, 26 playoff appearances and 20 conference titles in 46 years as a head coach…Four-time NAIA National Coach of the Year founded the Saint Francis (IN) football program and retired as the winningest active coach in college football.
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.
Joe Fincham-Wittenberg (OH) (1996-2021)-Winningest coach in Wittenberg history (81.5%) and the only coach in program history to eclipse 200 victories…Won 15 NCAC championships and led the Tigers to a conference-best 158-22 league record during career…Nine-time NCAC Coach of the Year made 13 appearances in the Division III Playoffs.
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.
Joe Glenn-Doane (NE) (1976-79), Northern Colorado (1989-99), Montana (2000-02), Wyoming (2003-08), South Dakota (2012-15)-Highest winning percentage (73.7) in Northern Colorado history, leading the Bears to 11-straight winning seasons and back-to-back Division II national titles (1996-97)…Led Montana to a 39-6 record and the 2001 Division I-AA National Championship and guided Wyoming to the program’s first bowl victory since 1966…Three-time AFCA National Coach of the Year led teams to six conference titles.
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.
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.
Sean McDonnell-New Hampshire (1999-2018, 2020-21)-Retired as the CAA’s active leader in conference victories (100), which ranked third all-time in league history…Led UNH to 14-straight playoff appearances from 2004-17, including back-to-back national semifinal game appearances (2013-14)…Two-time Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year posted three conference titles and six victories over FBS opponents.
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.
Bill Zwaan Sr.-Widener (PA) (1997-2002), West Chester (PA) (2003-23)-Most wins (163) in West Chester history, retiring as Division II’s active career leader in victories…Led the Golden Rams to six PSAC Eastern Division titles, a 2018 outright PSAC Championship, and a school-record 10 playoff appearances…Owns the highest winning percentage (79.4) in Widener history, guiding The Pride to three conference titles.
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