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IRVING, Texas (Jan. 15, 2025) – The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced today the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class during “College Football Live” on ESPN2.
(NOTE: CollegeFootballPoll.com's Dave Congrove is a voter for the College Football Hall of Fame.)
2025 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS
PLAYERS:
- ## Congrove voted for FBS players Willie Gault, Marvin Hampton, Garrison Hearst, Marshawn Lynch, Herman Moore, Kellen Moore, Ken Norton Jr., Jim Pyne, Antwaan Randle El, Simon Rice, Michael Vick, and Peter Warrick.
- ## Congrove voted for Divisional Players Vincent Brown, Blake Elliott, Tony Miles and Joe Skladany.
After stating a year ago that it was "outright moronic that Michael Vick didn't get voted in to the Hall in his first season of eligibility", Vick was added in his second ballton listing.
COACHES
- ## Congrove voted for Larry Blakeney and Nick Saban, and divisional coaches Forrest Perkins and Lou Wacker.
The 18 First Team All-America players and four standout coaches in the 2025 Class were selected from the national ballot of 77 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 101 players and 34 coaches from the divisional ranks.
"We are thrilled to announce the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class," said Archie Manning, NFF Chairman and a 1989 College Football Hall of Famer from Mississippi. "Each of these legends ranks among the absolute best to have ever played or coached the game, and we look forward to adding their incredible accomplishments to those permanently enshrined in the Hall of Fame."
The 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class will officially be inducted during the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 9, 2025, at Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
he inductees will also be recognized at their respective collegiate institutions with NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salutes, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the fall. Their accomplishments will be forever immortalized at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. Each inductee will receive a custom ring created by Jostens, the official and exclusive supplier of NFF rings.
"We want to thank ESPN for the opportunity to announce the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class on College Football Live today on ESPN-2," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "Today's announcement shines a light on the accomplishments of some of college football's greatest legends, and we are grateful to everyone who has played a role in today's announcement."
CLASS NOTES - PLAYERS:
CLASS NOTES - COACHES:
SELECTION CRITERIA
* Players that do not comply with the 50-year rule may still be eligible for consideration by the Football Bowl Subdivision and Divisional Veterans Committees. Veterans Committee candidates must still meet First Team All-America requirement.
QUICK FACTS
MONTEE BALL
University of Wisconsin
Running Back, 2009-12
Montee Ball carved out a place in the NCAA record books as one of the most prolific scorers in college football history with a rare blend of power, vision, and a nose for the end zone. The Wentzville, Missouri, product now becomes the 12th Badger player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A two-time consensus First Team All-America pick (2011, 2012), Ball took home the Doak Walker Award as the nation's best running back in 2012 after finishing as a finalist the previous year. He finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2011 after tying Hall of Famer Barry Sanders' NCAA record of 39 total touchdowns in a season and setting the record for most points scored in a single season with 236. His 33 rushing touchdowns in 2011 rank second in NCAA annals.
During his four seasons in Madison, Ball set the NCAA record for career touchdowns (83, now third) and career rushing touchdowns (77, now second) and career points scored (500, now third). He led the nation in 2011, rushing for 1,923 yards and amassing a total of 2,229 yards from scrimmage. He finished his career with 5,140 career rushing yards, averaging 104.9 yards per game, and 77 rushing touchdowns. He added 598 receiving yards and six touchdown receptions during his career.
Ball was twice named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Big Ten Running Back of the Year and a First Team All-Big Ten pick. He helped the Badgers claim three consecutive Big Ten titles, make three trips to the Rose Bowl and four bowl game appearances overall. The Badgers posted a 40-14 record with final rankings of No. 16 in 2009, No. 7 in 2010 and No. 10 in 2011 with Ball in the backfield
A team captain in 2012, Ball is the only player in history to rush for at least 100 yards in three straight Rose Bowls. His 202 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the 2012 Big Ten title game earned him MVP honors as the Badgers routed Nebraska 70-31. A 2023 inductee into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame, Ball holds multiple Big Ten and school records, including total points scored and total touchdowns in a season. His career rushing total of 5,140 yards ranked second in Wisconsin annals at career's end (now third) behind only Hall of Famer Ron Dayne.
A second round NFL Draft pick (No. 58 overall) by Denver, Ball played two seasons with the Broncos. He currently works in real estate. He also serves as a clinical outreach ambassador and recovery coach with Sandstone Care, a treatment facility, publicly speaking about his own battles with alcoholism, anxiety and depression.
GREGG CARR
Auburn University
Linebacker, 1981-84
The heart of the Auburn defense in the early 1980s, Gregg Carr established himself as a hard-hitting and instinctive linebacker with game-changing playmaking abilities. The Birmingham, Alabama, native now becomes the ninth Auburn player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A consensus First Team All-American in 1984, Carr was Auburn's leading tackler as a sophomore (125 tackles), junior (136) and the second leading tackler as a senior (139). A two-time First Team All-SEC selection and 1984 SEC Lineman of the Year, Carr amassed 453 career tackles, currently ranking him second in school history. His career totals include 289 solo tackles, which also rank second in the school record books, and nine sacks. His 139 total tackles as a senior rank eighth in school annals for a single season.
Playing for College Football Hall of Fame coach Pat Dye, Carr helped the Tigers to a 34-14 record, a SEC title and victories in the 1982 Tangerine Bowl, the 1984 Sugar Bowl and the 1984 Liberty Bowl. His sophomore season, the Tigers beat archrival Alabama for the first time in ten years, handing Hall of Fame Coach Bear Bryant the final loss of his career. His junior season, the Tigers claimed the 1983 SEC title, the school's first conference crown since 1957. Auburn finished ranked No. 14 in 1982, No. 3 in 1983 and No. 14 in 1984 during Carr's run with the Tigers.
Carr, the 1984 team captain, also excelled in the classroom, boasting a 3.22 GPA in civil engineering. His combined academic and athletic accomplishments earned an NFF National Scholar-Athlete Award and recognition as an Academic All-American and as one the NCAA's Top Five Student-Athletes.
Drafted in the sixth round (160th overall) of the 1985 NFL Draft by Pittsburgh, Carr played four seasons with the Steelers. He graduated from the University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Medicine in 1994, and he is currently an orthopedic surgeon in Birmingham.
Carr was inducted into the State of Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. In 2010, he was selected as a recipient of the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award as well as being honored as an SEC Legend.
BLAKE ELLIOTT
Saint John's University (MN)
Wide Receiver, 2000-03
A dynamic wide receiver, Blake Elliott's sure hands and clutch performances made him the ultimate playmaker for Saint John's while cementing his place as one of the greatest players in Division III history. The Melrose, Minnesota, product now becomes the first Saint John's player to ever enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A two-time First Team All-American, Elliott claimed the 2003 Gagliardi Trophy as the best player in Division III while leading Saint John's to the national title and claiming the MVP honors in the Stagg Bowl. A finalist for the 2002 Gagliardi Trophy and a two-time MIAC Player of the Year, Elliott helped the Johnnies earn playoff berths all four years of his college career, including the national title in 2003, back-to-back semifinal appearances in 2001 and 2002 and as the national runner-up in 2000. The Johnnies would go 50-7 during Elliott's time in Collegeville, including a historic win in 2003 that gave Hall of Fame Coach John Gagliardi his NCAA record 409th victory, making him the winningest coach in the history of college football.
A three-time First Team All-MIAC selection who led the Johnnies to three MIAC titles (2001-03), Elliott holds the NCAA record for all divisions with a record of 47 consecutive games with a reception. He ended his career ranked second in DIII history for both receptions (327) and touchdown receptions (56) with the marks respectively ranking second and third across all divisions at the time. His career receiving yards (4,200) and all-purpose yards (7,605), rank fourth and fifth, respectively, in DIII history. He holds the NCAA playoff record for receptions in a tournament with 41 and the longest punt return at 89 yards.
Elliott holds 26 school records, including career receiving yards (4,829), touchdowns receptions (63), 100-yard receiving games (22), career punt returns yards (1,459), punt touchdown returns (6) and all-purpose yards (8,635).
Inspired by the challenges faced by his younger brother who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident, Elliott founded Everyday Living, a foster care system for adults with special needs. He serves on the board of the NFF Minnesota Chapter, SJU Athletic Booster Club and the SJU Alumni Association Board, and he volunteers for Feed My Starving Children.
GREG ESLINGER
University of Minnesota
Center, 2002-05
Dominating the line, Greg Eslinger exhibited exceptional intelligence and agility as he became one of the most decorated offensive linemen in college football history. The Bismarck, North Dakota, native now becomes the 20th player from Minnesota to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A two-time First Team All-American, including unanimous selection in 2005, Eslinger claimed the Outland Trophy as the most outstanding interior lineman in the country and the Rimington Trophy as the nation's best center during his senior season. Minnesota went 32-18, posting winning records in all four years of his college career. He led the Gophers to four consecutive bowl games for the first time in school history, notching a 3-1 record in postseason play and ranking No. 17 in the final Coaches Poll after the 2003 season with a victory over Oregon in the Sun Bowl.
Eslinger is just one of two Minnesota players in history to be named a First Team All-Big Ten selection in three consecutive seasons, and he started all 50 games of his college career. A two-year team captain, Eslinger anchored an offensive unit that twice led the Big Ten in rushing with 256.8 yards per game in 2004 and 273.1 ypg in 2005. He opened the lanes for four consecutive 1,000-yard Gopher running backs, including Laurence Maroney who shared team Co-MVP honors with Eslinger in 2005 and led the Big Ten with 1,464 yards. He was also named the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2005, the first Gopher to ever claim the honor.
During his tenure, the Gophers set multiple single-season offensive records, including rushing attempts (683), rushing yards (3,759), rushing yards per game (289.2), rushing touchdowns (46), total season yards (6,430), total yards per game (494.8), total season points (503), average points per game (38.7), season touchdowns (66) and first downs (326).
A two-time Second Team CSC Academic All-American and a three-time Academic All-Big Ten pick, Eslinger earned an NFF National Scholar-Athlete Award as a 2005 NFF William V. Campbell Trophy® Finalist, and he received the 2006 Big Ten Medal of Honor for his combined efforts on the field and in the classroom.
Drafted in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft, Eslinger played for the Broncos, Browns and Texans from 2006-08. After playing in the NFL, he entered the business world as an orthopedic sales consultant with DePuy Synthes Companies in Minnesota. He has coached youth football and hockey, and he has also volunteered with the Special Olympics and as a motivational speaker to elementary and junior high school students.
TERRY HANRATTY
University of Notre Dame
Quarterback (1966-68)
Terry Hanratty set the standard as a precision quarterback in the 1960s, helping usher in an era of high-powered passing under Hall of Fame Coach Ara Parseghian and cementing his legacy as one of Notre Dame's all-time greats. The Butler, Pennsylvania, native now becomes the 50th Fighting Irish player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A consensus First Team All-American in 1968, Hanratty led Notre Dame to a 24-4-2 record during his three years under center in South Bend, including a share of the national title in 1966. The Irish finished the 1966 season 9-0-1, tying Michigan State in the "Game of the Century" with Hanratty sidelined with an injury.
The Irish won 83.3 percent of their games with Hanratty as the starting signal caller, and the Irish boasted a final ranking of No. 5 or better during all three years of his tenure. Hanratty finished third in the Heisman voting in 1968, ninth in 1967, and sixth in 1966.
Paired with wide receiver Jim Seymour as part of the duo dubbed "Fling and Cling," Hanratty set Notre Dame career records for pass completions (304), passing yards (4,152), and touchdown passes (27) during his time in South Bend. He added 16 touchdowns and 586 yards on the ground. His 63 pass attempts against Purdue in 1967 still rank second in school annals, and his 159.7 passing yards per game land him at No. 9 in the school record books. His pass attempts per game in a season (28.1) and pass completions per game (16.6) stood as school records for more than 25 years.
In addition to Coach Parseghian, Hanratty will now join teammates Jim Lynch, Alan Page and Joe Theismann as members of the College Football Hall of Fame.
Drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft by Pittsburgh, Hanratty played seven years with the Steelers, including winning two Super Bowls, before finishing his pro career after one year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1976.
Following his football career, Hanratty transitioned to Wall Street as a stock trader. He worked at several firms before a 24-year stint at Sanford C. Bernstein in New York City and then shifting to the hedge fund business at Cross Shore Capital Management LLC. Hanratty's son, Conor, played offensive line for the Irish from 2012-14.
Active in the community, Hanratty served as the Allegheny County chairman of the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, and he has participated in the Jerry Lewis Telethon to support Muscular Dystrophy as well as NFL events to raise funds for children with cancer and the blind.
Graham Harrell
Texas Tech University
Quarterback, 2005-08
Graham Harrell's pinpoint accuracy and quick decision-making abilities allowed him to redefine the Texas Tech high-flying passing attack, etching his name in the NCAA record books and cementing his place among college football's all-time great signal callers. The Ennis, Texas, product now becomes the seventh Red Raider player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A 2008 First Team All-American, Harrell won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and was named Sporting News Co-Player of the Year that season. He finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting and was a finalist for the Davey O'Brien Award, capping off a career in which he set seven NCAA records, including most pass completions in a season (512 in 2007), passes per game in a season (39.4 in 2007) and most 400-yard passing games in a career (21, tied). He remains in the top five of seven FBS statistical categories, including career yards with 15,739 and career touchdown passes with 134.
A master of Mike Leach's Air Raid offense, Harrell paired with Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Crabtree to help redefine the college passing game, leading the Red Raiders to a 37-14 record during his tenure. He guided the team to four bowl games, earning MVP honors at 2006 Insight Bowl and the 2008 Gator Bowl. Texas Tech posted final national rankings in 2005 (No. 18), 2007 (No. 22), and 2008 (No. 12). The team's 11-2 record in 2008 matched the school record for single season wins.
A three-time All-Big 12 selection (Second Team-2007 and Honorable Mention-2006, 2008) Harrell led Texas Tech to a share of the 2008 Big 12 South title, and he still holds the conference's all-time records for career completions (1,403) and touchdown passes (134). He ranks second in Big 12 history in career passing yards (15,793), career attempts (2,011), and career completion percentage (69.8). He remains the only player in conference history to lead the league in passing yards three times. He still owns 14 Texas Tech records, including career passing yards and touchdowns.
A model student-athlete, Harrell was a 2008 NFF National Scholar-Athlete and NFF William V. Campbell Trophy® Finalist. A three-time Academic All-Big 12 honoree, he graduated with a degree in history in 2007.
Harrell signed with Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL in 2009. He later signed with the Green Bay Packers, playing with the team from 2010-12 and earning a Super Bowl XLV ring.
Following his playing career, he entered the coaching profession with stints at North Texas, Southern California, West Virginia, and Purdue.
John Henderson
University of Tennessee
Defensive Tackle, 1999-2001
A dominant force in the trenches as a defensive tackle at Tennessee, John Henderson possessed a rare combination of size, power, and agility that made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. The Nashville, Tennessee, native now becomes the 23rd Vol player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A two-time consensus First Team All-American (2000, 2001), Henderson claimed the 2000 Outland Trophy as the best interior lineman in the nation while finishing as a finalist for the Nagurski Trophy as the nation's best defensive player the same year. A two-time First Team All-SEC pick (2000-01), Henderson was also named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2000. He was a finalist for the Outland Trophy again in 2001.
Playing for Hall of Fame coach Phillip Fulmer, Henderson guided Tennessee to the 2001 SEC East title and an overall record of 28-9 during his career. The Vols made three consecutive bowls with appearances in the 2000 Fiesta and 2001 Cotton and a win in the 2002 Citrus Bowl, where he earned Outstanding Defensive Player honors. His impact was instrumental in Tennessee finishing inside the Top 10 in 1999 and reaching No. 4 in the final polls in 2001.
Henderson played a pivotal role in 2000 on a defense that set a school record for the fewest rushing yards allowed (817). His 12 sacks in 2000 rank fourth all-time for a single season in program history, while his 21 tackles for loss that year rank third. Over his career, he amassed 162 tackles, 38.5 TFL, 20.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and seven pass breakups, ranking among the program's all-time greats.
Selected in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft by Jacksonville, Henderson played for the Jaguars from 2002-09 and the Raiders from 2010-11, earning two Pro Bowl selections and Second Team All-Pro honors in 2006.
Henderson was inducted into the State of Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2023 and the University of Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024. An entrepreneur and philanthropist, Henderson founded the Luvthekidz Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to improving the quality of life for disabled children, in honor of his late daughter, Talia, who passed away after battling cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
MICHAEL HUFF
University of Texas
Defensive Back, 2002-05
A defensive back with exceptional speed and impeccable instincts, Michael Huff consistently thwarted opposing offenses while making clutch plays and helping Texas claim the 2005 national title. The Irving, Texas, native now becomes the 22nd Longhorn player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A unanimous First Team All-American in 2005, Huff capped his career by winning the Thorpe Award, given to the nation's best defensive back, becoming the first Longhorn ever to receive the prestigious honor. Playing for Hall of Fame coach Mack Brown during his four years in Austin, Huff helped the Longhorns to a 45-6 overall record, four consecutive bowl appearances, the program's first national championship in 35 years, a perfect 13-0 season and a Big 12 title.
Huff earned Defensive MVP honors in Texas' legendary 2005 BCS National Championship victory over USC in the Rose Bowl after making a crucial fourth-down tackle late in the game to give the Longhorns possession for their iconic game-winning drive. He also helped the Horns defeat Michigan the previous season in the Rose Bowl and LSU in the Cotton Bowl following the 2002 season. Texas never finished lower than No. 12 nationally during his four years in Austin.
A two-time First Team All-Big 12 pick (2004, 2005), Huff led the Longhorns' defense as the unit topped the conference in total defense (302.9), scoring defense (16.4) and passing defense (172.0). Huff set multiple records at Texas, including the most career defensive touchdowns (five) and the most interceptions returned for a touchdown in a career (four). His 23.1-yard average on interception returns remains a UT record. His 162 career interception return yards rank sixth in UT annals, and his 44 career pass breakups also place him sixth all-time in program history. Starting 50-of-51 career games, Huff posted 318 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, seven interceptions, six forced fumbles, and three blocked kicks, proving his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
In addition to his football excellence, Huff showcased his elite speed as an All-Big 12 sprinter for the Texas track team. He also excelled in the classroom, earning Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll recognition before graduating with a degree in youth and community studies in 2005.
A first-round pick (seventh overall) of the Raiders in the 2006 NFL Draft, Huff played seven seasons in Oakland before a final season in 2013 when he helped the Denver Broncos reach Super Bowl XLVIII.
Following his playing career, Huff returned to Texas as the Assistant Director of Player Development, mentoring the next generation of Longhorns. Off the field, he has remained deeply committed to philanthropy, supporting initiatives such as Foster Village, the North Texas Food Bank, and the Neighborhood Longhorns Program, while also providing funding for student loan relief, summer school scholarships, and STEM education. He was inducted into the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor (2015) and the Irving ISD Hall of Fame (2013), and he now joins Texas teammates Vince Young and Derrick Johnson in the College Football Hall of Fame.
JIM KLEINSASSER
University of North Dakota
Tight End, 1995-98
Overpowering defenders as both a blocker and a pass-catcher, Jim Kleinsasser carved out a place in the history books as one of the best tight ends in Division II history. The Carrington, North Dakota, native now becomes just the second player in Fighting Hawk history to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A two-time First Team All-American (1997, 98), Kleinsasser helped North Dakota to an overall record of 32-10, earning two NCAA Division II Playoff appearances during his four seasons in Grand Forks. He was also an Honorable Mention All-American in 1996 and secured First Team All-North Central Conference (NCC) honors three times (1996, 1997 and 1998). He helped the team claim the NCC title in 1995 with a 9-2 record and an overall NCC record of 28-8 during his four years. The Fighting Hawks posted final AP rankings of No. 7 in 1995, No. 19 in 1996 and No. 7 in 1998.
Playing at 6-foot-2 and 273 pounds, Kleinsasser caught 88 passes for 1,309 yards and averaged 14.8 yards per catch during his career. He finished with 10 receiving touchdowns, and he also rushed eight times for 91 yards and a touchdown. A team captain in 1998, Kleinsasser started all 42 games of his college career, playing for head coach Roger Thomas. In recognition of his outstanding collegiate performance, Kleinsasser was selected to start in the 1999 Senior Bowl.
Selected in the second round (44th overall) in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Vikings, he played from 1999 to 2011 before retiring at the end of the 2011 season. He remains the highest NFL Draft pick in UND history. He was inducted into the University of North Dakota Hall of Fame in 2012.
ALEX MACK
University of California
Offensive Line, 2005-08
A powerful, tough and cerebral leader, Alex Mack achieved a level of excellence that has made him one of the most successful linemen in college football history. The Santa Barbara, California, product now becomes the 17th Golden Bear player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
Named a First Team All-American by The Sporting News and a finalist for the Rimington Trophy in 2007, Mack was also selected as a Second Team All-American by Walter Camp in 2008. He helped propel the Golden Bears to four consecutive bowl victories while anchoring an offense that consistently ranked among the nation's best. He played a pivotal role in Cal's 2006 Pac-10 co-championship, the program's first conference title since 1975, and an overall record of 34-17 and final rankings of No. 25 in 2005 and No. 14 in 2006.
A three-time Pac-10 First Team selection, Mack's dominance was punctuated by his unique achievement as a two-time winner of the Morris Trophy (2007-08), awarded to the Pac-10's top offensive lineman. He was the first player to win the award twice since Hall of Famer Lincoln Kennedy (Washington) accomplished the feat in 1991-92.
With Mack as the anchor, Cal's offensive line was the best in the Pac-10 in pass protection, allowing the fewest sacks in both the 2005 and 2006 seasons. The Golden Bears also led the conference in scoring in 2006, averaging 32.8 points per game. His ability to open lanes in the run game was equally impressive, helping running back Marshawn Lynch rush for 1,246 yards in 2005 and 1,356 yards in 2006 while leading the conference in rushing yards (104.3 ypg), all-purpose yards (137.3 ypg), and touchdowns (15) in 2006. During his tenure, the Cal offense averaged 427.9 ypg in 2005, 415.6 ypg in 2006, 407.5 ypg in 2007 and 376.0 ypg in 2008.
A team captain in 2008, Mack also set an example off the field, graduating magna cum laude and winning the NFF William V. Campbell Trophy® as the best football scholar-athlete in the nation. A four-time Academic All-Pac-10 selection and a three-time Academic All-District honoree, Mack was named the Pac-10 Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2008.
A first-round pick (21st overall) in the 2009 NFL Draft by Cleveland, Mack played 13 seasons in the NFL with the Browns, Falcons and 49ers, making seven Pro Bowls and earning Second Team All-Pro honors three times.
Mack has been deeply involved in charitable and civic initiatives, including American Football Without Barriers (A.F.W.B.), which spreads football to new parts of the world through service and leadership. He has also been active in CTE research and awareness and served as treasurer of the NFL Players Association for two years.
TERRENCE METCALF
University of Mississippi
Offensive Lineman, 1997, 1999-2001
Playing at 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Terrence Metcalf used a unique blend of size, technique, and agility to become one of the most formidable linemen in Ole Miss history. The Clarksdale, Mississippi, native now becomes the 10th Rebel player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A consensus First Team All-American in 2001 and a Sporting News Second Team selection in 1999, Metcalf helped lead Ole Miss to three bowl appearances (1997 Motor City, 1999 Independence, 2000 Music City Bowl) and two final national rankings (No. 22 in 1997 and No. 22 in 1999).
Lettering in 1997 and 1999-2001, Metcalf started the first three games in 1998, but he was redshirted after an ankle injury for the remainder of that season. Ole Miss would go 37-22 over the five-year period with Metcalf helping his teammates set new school highwater marks. He blocked during the first two seasons of NFF National Scholar-Athlete Eli Manning's record setting career, who would pass for 10,119 yards to claim multiple school records at the time. He also cleared a path for Deuce McAllister who still holds the school rushing record with 3,060 yards and all-purpose record with 4,889 yards.
A two-time First Team All-SEC selection (2000, 2001), Metcalf was named the SEC's Most Valuable Lineman in 2001 by the Birmingham Monday Morning Quarterback Club. Metcalf's impact was particularly felt in pass protection, where he anchored an offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the SEC in both 2000 (7 sacks) and 2001 (10 sacks).
A team captain, his leadership and athletic prowess also earned him multiple team awards, including the Co-Offensive Player of the Year by the Rebel Club of Jackson in 1997; the Clower-Walters Scholarship Award in 2001; the J. Richard Price Courage and Compassion Award in 2001; and the Birmingham Alumni Club's Leadership Award. He participated in the 2002 Senior Bowl as one of the top NFL prospects.
Drafted in the third round by Chicago, Metcalf played for the Bears for seven seasons, including the 2006 season with an appearance in Super Bowl XLI. After retiring from the NFL, Metcalf dedicated himself to coaching in Mississippi, with stints at Oxford High School, Pearl River Community College and as the head coach at Coahoma Community College in his hometown of Clarksdale.
He has also remained active in civic initiatives, participating in charity fundraisers, Habitat for Humanity, and military and church outreach programs. As part of the Rebel Reconnect program, Metcalf returned to Oxford to complete his degree in management, graduating in 2016. His son DK Metcalf played at Ole Miss and is currently an All-Pro wide receiver with the Seattle Seahawks.
Metcalf has been inducted into the Ole Miss Sports Hall of Fame, Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 and honored as an SEC Legend.
HALOTI NGATA
University of Oregon
Defensive Tackle 2002, 2004-05
At 6-foot-5 and 338 pounds, Haloti Ngata used his size, strength and athleticism to dominate the line of scrimmage during his three seasons in Eugene. The Salt Lake City, Utah, product now becomes the seventh player from Oregon to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A consensus First Team All-American in 2005, Ngata became the first player in Oregon history to be named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year. That year, he also finished as a finalist for the Outland Trophy as one of the top interior linemen in the nation, and as a finalist for the Nagurski Trophy as one of the best defenders in the nation.
After missing the 2003 season due to injury, he returned stronger than ever, earning Second Team All-Pac-10 honors in 2004 before solidifying his place among college football's elite with a First Team All-Pac-10 selection and team MVP honors in 2005, the first defensive lineman to claim the accolade in 18 seasons.
During his tenure in Eugene and playing for Hall of Fame coach Mike Bellotti, the Ducks tallied a 25-19 record. His efforts contributed to an appearance in the 2002 Seattle Bowl, and in 2005, the Ducks posted a 10-2 record with an appearance in the Holiday Bowl with a final No. 12 ranking.
He led the conference's interior linemen in tackles (61) his final year, claiming the 2005 Morris Trophy as the league's top interior lineman. In three seasons, he totaled 151 career tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an astounding seven blocked kicks, showcasing his rare ability to impact every phase of the game.
Selected 12th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, he played 13 years in the NFL with the Ravens (winning Super Bowl XLVII), Lions and Eagles. He earned five Pro Bowl selections, First Team All-Pro honors twice and Second Team All-Pro honors three times.
Ngata was selected to the Pac-10's "All-Century Team" and was inducted into Oregon's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. His name also appears in the Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor. Beyond football, Ngata has made a significant impact with his wife Christinia through the Haloti Ngata Foundation, which focuses on supporting at-risk youth, gang prevention, and providing college-preparation resources.
STEVE SLATON
West Virginia University
Running Back, 2005-07
An elusive running back who torched defenses with his explosive speed, Steve Slaton led West Virginia during one of the most successful periods in school history. The Levittown, Pennsylvania, native now becomes the seventh Mountaineer player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A unanimous First Team All-American in 2006, Slaton finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting and as a finalist for the Doak Walker Award that year, setting the WVU single-season rushing record with 1,744 yards while accumulating 2,104 all-purpose yards.
Making an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2005, Slaton set a then-Big East record with 1,128 rushing yards, including a memorable six-touchdown performance in a triple-overtime victory against Louisville. His MVP performance in the Sugar Bowl against Georgia included a bowl-record 204 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He was named Big East Rookie of the Year while being named a First Team Freshman All-American. He rushed for 1,051 yards in 2007, adding a third consecutive season of more than 1,000 yards.
During his three seasons in Morgantown, WVU went 33-5, winning three consecutive bowls (2006 Sugar, 2007 Gator and the 2008 Fiesta upset of Oklahoma) and boasting final national rankings of No. 5 in 2005, No. 10 in 2006 and No. 6 in 2007. The run included two Big East titles (2005, 2007), the winningest three-year period in WVU history and the second-best record in the nation over the three years.
A three-time All-Big East performer (First Team in 2006, Second Team in 2005, 2007), Slaton finished his college career as WVU's all-time leader in total touchdowns (55), rushing touchdowns (50), and points scored by a non-kicker (330). He and quarterback Pat White formed one of the most prolific rushing duos in NCAA history, each surpassing 1,000 rushing yards in consecutive seasons as just the third pair to ever do so. He rushed for 3,923 yards during his career, adding another 805 receiving and totaling 4,775 all-purpose yards. He finished his career as the NCAA active leader in points per game (9.4) with multiple spots in the conference and school records books.
Selected in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft by Houston, Slaton played four years with the Texans before concluding his career with the Miami Dolphins in 2011. He played with the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL for one season before retiring from football and pursuing a career in the culinary arts as a personal chef and kitchen consultant in Houston. He was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.
DARRIN SMITH
University of Miami (FL)
Linebacker, 1989-92
Darrin Smith was a relentless and fearless linebacker whose key playmaking ability helped him anchor one of the most dominant defenses in college football history., The Miami, Florida, native led the Canes to two national titles and now becomes the 10th Miami player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A two-time First Team All-American (1991, 1992), Smith was a principal contributor to two national championship teams (1989, 1991), and during his four-year career, the Hurricanes compiled an outstanding 44-4 record, never finishing a season ranked lower than No. 3 nationally. Playing for Hall of Fame coach Dennis Erickson, Miami appeared in four consecutive bowl games, winning the 1990 Sugar, 1991 Cotton and 1992 Orange bowls while appearing in the 1993 Sugar Bowl.
Playing alongside fellow linebackers Micheal Barrow and Jessie Armstead from 1989-92, the trio earned the nickname "The Bermuda Triangle," stifling opposing offenses including a 22-0 shutout of Nebraska in the 1992 Orange Bowl to notch a perfect 12-0 season. The defense also led the nation by only allowing an average of 8.3 points per game and contributed to the Canes' 29-game winning streak.
A two-time First Team All-Big East pick (1991, 1992), Smith was named the conference co-Defensive Player of the Year in 1991 as the Hurricanes claimed back-to-back Big East titles. In Miami's memorable 17-16 win over Florida State in Tallahassee, Smith had 18 tackles (ten solo), helping propel the Canes to the 1991 national title. Smith recorded 401 career tackles, including 10 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 24 pass breakups during his four years in Coral Gables.
Excelling in the classroom, Smith graduated in 3.5 years, claiming a prestigious NFF National Scholar-Athlete Award as a senior. He was also named a member of the Big East All-Academic Team and a Hitachi/CFA Scholar-Athlete.
Selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by Dallas, he played 12 years in the league with the Cowboys (winning two Super Bowls in 1993, 1994), Eagles, Seahawks and Saints. He was tapped for Miami's Iron Arrow Society Honor Society in 1993, the university's highest honor, and the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame & Museum in 2006.
After retiring from professional football, Smith worked in real estate and coaches youth and high school football. He currently serves as a chaplain with Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) in South Florida. He founded "Project 59," a youth foundation that assists children with reading comprehension and academic development, and he is active with Athletes in Action, which helps athletes grow in all dimensions of life.
MICHAEL STRAHAN
Texas Southern University
Defensive Lineman, 1989-92
Michael Strahan was an unstoppable force and sack machine on the defensive line at Texas Southern, dominating the Southwestern Athletic Conference and leaving an indelible mark on the Tigers' program. The Houston, Texas, native now becomes the first person ever from Texas Southern to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A First Team All-American in 1992, Strahan was the kind of player that kept opposing offensive coordinators up at night. He was more often than not double-teamed by opposing's offensive linemen, which his coaches referred to as "Strahan rules." He recorded a school-record 19 sacks while amassing 32 tackles for losses for 142 yards his senior season, claiming 1992 Division I-AA Defensive Player of the Year and Black College Defensive Player of the Year honors.
As a junior in 1991, Strahan led the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) with 14.5 sacks. His career total of 41.5 sacks remains a Texas Southern record. He was a two-time First-Team All-SWAC pick, and he was twice named SWAC Player of the Year (1991, 1992).
Selected in the second round (40th overall) pick in the 1993 NFL Draft by the Giants, Strahan played 15 seasons with the Giants, twice leading the NFL in sacks (including setting the record for sacks in a single season with 22.5 in 2001) while earning four First Team and two Second Team All-Pro selections. He was a member of the Super Bowl XLII-winning team, finishing his career with 141.5 sacks.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014, he has also been inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame, the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame, Texas Sports Hall of Fame and the Texas Southern Sports Hall of Fame. His number has been retired at Texas Southern, and he received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from his alma mater in 2013. He was named to the Senior Bowl 75th Anniversary Team in 2024. The Giants retired his No. 92, and his name appears in the Giants Ring of Honor.
An Emmy winner and Peabody award-winning journalist, Strahan currently is a co-host on ABC's Good Morning America and as an analyst on FOX NFL Sunday. He also has an eponymous lifestyle brand, Michael Strahan™, a top-seller across more than 50 categories, including men's and boy's clothing, accessories and skin care.
DENNIS THURMAN
University of Southern California
Defensive Back, 1974-77
Dennis Thurman was a fearless and instinctive playmaker whose ability to read the game and lock down receivers helped define the Trojans' defense, earning him a legacy as one of the greatest in Southern California history. The Santa Monica, California, native now becomes the 35th Trojan player to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A two-time First Team All-American, Thurman earned consensus honors in 1976 and unanimous pick in 1977. He helped USC win the national title in 1974 and four consecutive bowl victories, defeating Ohio State in the 1975 Rose Bowl, Tennessee in the 1975 Liberty Bowl, Michigan in the 1977 Rose Bowl and Texas A&M in the 1977 Bluebonnet Bowl. Southern Cal finished in the top 20 each year, posting an overall record of 37-10-1 during his four years playing in the Coliseum.
Playing for Hall of Fame coach John McKay during his first two seasons, Thurman helped the Trojans finish No. 1 in the 1974 Coaches Poll and No. 19 in 1975. Playing for Hall of Fame John Robinson the next two years, he led USC to final rankings of No. 2 in 1976 Coaches Poll and No. 12 in 1977. His Hall of Fame teammates during the run included Ricky Bell, Brad Budde, Anthony Davis, Ronnie Lott, Marvin Powell, Charles White, and Richard Wood.
A two-time First Team All-Conference pick in 1976 and 1977, Thurman led the Pac-8 with eight interceptions in 1976, including one pick-six and averaging 21.3 yards per interception. He recorded 13 career interceptions, tied for sixth-most in USC history, with two returned for touchdowns. He amassed 169 career tackles, 11 deflections, and four fumble recoveries. He was named team MVP in 1977 as well as the Trojans' Defensive Player of the Year. Recognized as one of the top senior prospects, he played in the 1978 Senior Bowl.
Drafted in the 11th round of 1978 NFL Draft by the Cowboys, Thurman played eight years with the Cowboys, including Super Bowl XIII, and a final year in 1986 with the St. Louis Cardinals. After his playing career, he became a coach, currently as the defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach at Hawaii. He has worked in the NFL as an assistant with the Cardinals, Ravens, Jets and Bills. His college previous stops include USC, Jackson State and Colorado.
MICHAEL VICK
Virginia Tech
Quarterback, 1999-2000
Michael Vick was a transcendent player at Virginia Tech with electrifying speed as well as amazing arm strength, making him the ultimate dual threat and revolutionizing the quarterback position. The Newport News, Virginia, native now becomes the sixth player from Virginia Tech to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
Vick was selected as a First Team All-American in 1999 as a redshirt freshman, making him the first Tech freshman to ever achieve the honor. Playing for Hall of Fame coach Frank Beamer and with Hall of Fame teammate Corey Moore anchoring the defense, Vick helped guide Tech to the school's first ever 11-0 regular season in 1999 and its first appearance in a national championship game, the Sugar Bowl against Florida State.
Vick's efforts in 1999 included leading the nation in passing efficiency (180.37), which set an NCAA record for a freshman. He completed 59.2 percent of his passes for 1,840 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding 585 yards and eight touchdowns rushing. He finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting while also claiming the ESPY as the top college football player. The Hokies finished No. 2 in the nation in 1999.
As a redshirt sophomore, Vick completed 87 of 161 passes for 1,234 yards and eight touchdowns while rushing for 617 yards and eight more touchdowns. He closed out his college career as the MVP in a Gator Bowl win over Clemson with a final No. 6 ranking.
A two-time All-Big East performer (First Team in 1999, Second Team in 2000), Vick guided the Hokies to the conference title in 1999 as the Big East Offensive Player of the Year and the Big East Rookie of the Year. During his two seasons in Blacksburg, the Hokies posted a 22-2 overall record, losing only one conference game and the national title game in 1999.
Vick holds multiple school records, including single-season passing efficiency (180.4 in 1999), single-season yards per completion (20.4 in 1999), single-season yards per attempt (12.0 avg. in 1999), career yards per attempt (9.79). His 8.14 career yards per play was also a school record at the time. He finished his career with 177 completions for 3,074 yards and 20 touchdowns, adding 1,202 rush yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground.
Vick was taken as the No. 1 overall pick by Atlanta in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played 13 seasons in the league with the Falcons, Eagles, Jets and Steelers, selected for four Pro Bowls and set NFL records for rushing yards by a quarterback in a season and a career.
Since retiring from the NFL, has worked as an analyst for Fox Sports and was recently named the new head football coach at Norfolk State University. He established the Team Vick Foundation to support underserved communities and is involved with other nonprofits and charitable work. Virginia Tech retired his No. 7 jersey in 2002.
RYAN YARBOROUGH
University of Wyoming
Wide Receiver, 1990-93
Ryan Yarborough was an explosive playmaker at Wyoming whose ability to make clutch catches and stretch the field helped make him one of the most prolific receivers in college football history. The Park Forest, Illinois, product now becomes the third player from Wyoming to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
A two-time First Team All-American, Yarborough led the nation in receiving yards in both 1992 (1,351) and 1993 (1,512). He set NCAA marks at the time for the most career receiving yards (4,357—still ranks ninth), 200-plus yard receiving games (7), most 1,000-yard receiving seasons in a career (3), and the most games catching a touchdown pass in a career (27).
He still holds the NCAA record for yards per reception (minimum of 200 catches), averaging 19.0 yards for his 229 career receptions. His 42 career touchdown receptions still rank eighth all-time, and his average of 137.5 receiving yards per game in 1993 still ranks him among the top 30 in history.
Playing for coaches Paul Roach his freshman season and Joe Tiller the next three years, Yarborough helped the Cowboys to a 26-21 overall record, including appearances in the 1990 and 1993 Copper Bowls and an 8-4 record in 1993 with a share of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) title.
Yarborough was a dominant force in the WAC, earning First Team All-WAC honors in both 1992 and 1993. He led Wyoming in receiving for three straight years from 1991 to 1993 and broke nearly every significant school receiving record, including the single-season mark for receiving yards with 1,512 in 1993, the single-season record for touchdown receptions with 16, and the career record for touchdown receptions with 42.
Selected in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft by the Jets, Yarborough played six seasons in the NFL with Jets, Packers, Ravens and Saints. He was inducted into the Wyoming Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003. He currently works as a coach and business consultant in the Houston area.
COACH LARRY BLAKENEY
Troy University (1991-2014)
Head Coach: 178-113-1 (61.1%)
The all-time winningest coach in both Troy and Sun Belt Conference history, Larry Blakeney led the Trojans to eight conference titles while becoming one of only two coaches in history to guide a program from Division II ultimately to the Football Bowl Subdivision. The Birmingham, Alabama, native now becomes the first-ever player or coach in Troy history to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
During his 24 seasons as the Troy head coach, Blakeney won 61.1 percent of his games, posting a career record of 178-113-1. He led the Trojans to five bowl games, securing victories in the 2006 and 2010 New Orleans bowls and appearances in the 2004 Silicon Valley Bowl, the 2008 New Orleans Bowl and the 2010 GMAC Bowl. Prior to Troy's transition to the FBS, he guided the Trojans to seven FCS playoff appearances in eight seasons.
He remains the all-time winningest coach in Sun Belt Conference history, holding a 20-win advantage over the next closest competitor. He guided Troy to eight conference championships, including three in the Southland Conference before leading the Trojans to a Sun Belt-record five consecutive titles from 2006 to 2010.
His teams regularly competed against and defeated Power Five opponents, including a signature 24-14 victory over No. 17-ranked Missouri in 2004. He also notched Power Five wins against Mississippi State and Oklahoma State. He was named conference Coach of the Year four times, twice in the Southland and twice in the Sun Belt. He was a two-time AFCA Regional Coach of the Year in 1999 and 2000. In 1993, during the program's first full year at the FCS level, he led the Trojans to a 10-0-1 regular-season record, the first undefeated regular season in school history. In 1995, his team finished 11-0 in the regular season, marking the first undefeated and untied season in program annals.
Blakeney mentored 14 First Team All-Americans, including 1999 Buck Buchanan Award winner Al Lucas, and he coached 2000 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Nick Colbert. His tenure included 86 First Team All-Conference selections, including three Sun Belt Players of the Year.
He oversaw significant renovations to Veterans Memorial Stadium, increasing its capacity from 12,000 to 17,500 in 1998 and later to 30,000 in 2003. Troy named the playing surface at Veterans Memorial Stadium "Larry Blakeney Field." He is one of only two head coaches, alongside UCF's Gene McDowell, to successfully lead a program from Division II to the FBS.
Blakeney has been inducted into the Wiregrass Sports Hall of Fame, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and the inaugural class of the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame. Beyond coaching, Blakeney remained active in civic service, earning the Chilton County Auburn Club "Unsung Hero" Award. A frequent speaker at local events, he has dedicated his time to numerous organizations. A former Auburn quarterback, Blakeney made history as the first sophomore to start at the position for legendary Hall of Fame coach Shug Jordan.
COACH LARRY KORVER
Northwestern College [IA] (1967-94)
Head Coach: 212-77-6 (72.9%)
Larry "Bub" Korver transformed a young and struggling Northwestern College (IA) program into a national powerhouse during his 28-year tenure, leading the Red Raiders to two NAIA National Championships and multiple-postseason runs. The Orange City, Iowa, product now becomes the first-ever player or coach in the history of the Red Raiders program to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
Taking over a program that had managed just 18 wins in the school's first seven seasons as a four-year college, Korver quickly changed the culture at Northwestern, winning a remarkable 72.9 percent of his games with a career record of 212-77-6.
Under his guidance, the Red Raiders captured NAIA National Championships in 1973 and 1983, while also finishing as national runner-up three times in 1972, 1979, and 1984. His teams made 11 national playoff appearances, establishing Northwestern as a perennial contender. Twice named NAIA National Coach of the Year, Korver's success put him among the most distinguished figures in NAIA coaching circles.
When he retired in 1994, his 212 career victories ranked him second among all active NAIA coaches, and his 72.9 winning percentage was fifth-best. Korver guided Northwestern College to a Nebraska-Iowa Athletic Conference title in his final season in 1994.
The school's all-time winningest coach, Korver's teams won at least eight games in 13 different seasons and suffered only three losing campaigns during his tenure. In recognition of his contributions, Northwestern renamed its football field in his honor.
Korver produced 32 NAIA All-Americans and he was inducted into both the Northwestern College Athletic Hall of Fame and the NAIA Hall of Fame.
After graduating from Northwestern when it was still a junior college in 1954, Korver went on to earn his bachelor's degree from South Dakota State University. He was a standout athlete for the Jackrabbits, earning First Team All-Conference honors in football in 1954 and was named team MVP in both football and basketball that same year. Before arriving back at Northwestern as the head coach, he was a high school coach in Iowa and Minnesota.
Following his retirement from coaching, Korver remained active in his community and pursued a career in the special products industry at Med-Tec.
COACH URBAN MEYER
Bowling Green State University (2001-02): University of Utah (2003-04); University of Florida (2005-10); Ohio State University (2012-18)
Head Coach: 187-32-0 (85.4%)
Winning 85 percent of his games and claiming three national titles, Urban Meyer guided four different FBS programs and became one of the most successful and transformative coaches in college football history. The Toledo, Ohio, native now becomes the second coach from Utah, the third from Bowling Green, the fifth from Florida and the eighth from Ohio State to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
Meyer's coaching career began at Bowling Green, where he orchestrated a dramatic turnaround, making the Falcons the first Mid-American Conference (MAC) team to go 3-0 against BCS opponents in a single season (2001) and posting a 17-6 record during two seasons.
He then took over at Utah, leading the Utes to a 22-2 record in two seasons, including their first undefeated season (12-0) since 1930, their first-ever BCS bowl appearance (Fiesta Bowl), and the first back-to-back Mountain West Conference (MWC) titles in league history. The Utes finished No. 21 after the 2003 season with a win in the Liberty Bowl. The Fiesta Bowl win made history as the first time a team from a non-automatically qualifying BCS conference played in a BCS bowl, earning the Utes the distinction as the inaugural "BCS Buster." The Utes would finish at No. 4 in the final AP Poll after the 2004 season, and quarterback Alex Smith (a 2024 Hall of Fame inductee) was a Heisman finalist and eventual No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
At Florida, Meyer won two national championships (2006, 2008) and two SEC titles (2006, 2008) with an overall record of 65-15 during his six seasons in Gainesville. Meyer's Florida tenure included a 22-game winning streak, one of four separate 20-game winning streaks he achieved across his career—the only coach in major college football history to do so. He also coached 2007 Heisman Trophy winner and 2023 Hall of Fame inductee Tim Tebow, who won the Campbell Trophy.
Meyer's success continued at Ohio State, where he led the Buckeyes to three Big Ten Championships (2014, 2017, 2018) and a national title in 2014, making him the only modern-era coach to win a national championship in two different conferences and one of only two to do it at two different schools (fellow 2025 inductee Nick Saban being the other). His Ohio State teams went 83-9 during seven seasons, never finishing lower than first in their division. They tallied a 54-4 Big Ten record while setting an NCAA record with 30 consecutive conference victories. His Buckeyes also dominated their archrival, going 7-0 against Michigan during his tenure.
Meyer set a major college record with 165 wins in his first 15 seasons, and his 85.4 winning percentage ranks third all-time in college football history, trailing only Hall of Fame coaches Knute Rockne and Frank Leahy. His postseason success was equally impressive, with a 12-3 bowl record (78.5% win rate), the second-highest in FBS history. In total, Meyer coached 44 First Team All-Americans, 77 First Team all-conference players, four NFF National Scholar-Athletes (two at Florida, two at Ohio State) and two College Football Hall of Fame inductees. He won seven conference championships overall. He was named the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year in 2004, and he was named the conference Coach of the Year three times (MWC in 2003, 2004 and MAC in 2001).
Beyond football, Meyer has made a lasting impact through civic service, serving on the boards of the Veterans Golfers Association, Folds of Honor, and the Tim Tebow Foundation. He and his wife established the Urban and Shelley Meyer Fund for Cancer Research at Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Meyer earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Cincinnati (1986), lettering one season (1984) with the Bearcats as a defensive back. While launching his coaching career as a graduate assistant with the Buckeyes, he earned his master's degree in sports administration from Ohio State in 1988. Meyer's coaching career also includes assistant positions at Illinois State, Colorado State and Notre Dame. He was the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021.
He is a member of the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame and the Ashtabula County Football Hall of Fame. He currently serves as a host and analyst on FOX's Big Noon Kickoff.
COACH NICK SABAN
University of Toledo (1990); Michigan State University (1995-99);
LSU (2000-04); University of Alabama (2007-23)
Head Coach: 292-71-1 (80.4%)
A master strategist and unparalleled recruiter, Nick Saban's legendary career includes an unprecedented seven national titles and a list of accomplishments that cements his name in the pantheon of the greatest to have ever coached the game. The Monongah, West Virginia, native now becomes the second coach from Toledo, the sixth from Michigan State, the sixth from LSU and the fifth from Alabama to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.
Over 28 seasons as a head coach, Saban compiled a 292-71-1 career record (80.4%), retiring as the NCAA's active leader in wins and ranking sixth all-time among FBS coaches. With seven national championships—six at Alabama and one at LSU—Saban holds the record for the most titles in FBS history. He also holds the distinction as the first coach in history to win national crowns at two different FBS schools since the AP Poll's inception in 1936. He is the only head coach in the BCS and CFP eras with multiple undefeated national championship seasons.
Saban's head coaching journey began at Toledo (1990), where he went 9-2 and won a share of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) title in his lone season with the Rockets. From 1995-99, Saban led Michigan State, revitalizing the Spartans program while posting a 34-24-1 record. He landed four bowl appearances in his five seasons in East Lansing, with the 1999 Spartans finishing with a final No. 7 ranking.
Coaching in Baton Rouge for five seasons (2000-04), Saban tallied an overall record of 48-16 and delivered LSU its first national championship since 1958 with a win in the 2003 BCS National Championship over Oklahoma. He also led the Tigers to two SEC titles (2001, 2003), a 4-1 postseason record in bowl games, and four top 25 final national rankings.
During his 17 seasons at Alabama (2007-23), Saban built the most dominant dynasty in modern college football, leading the Tide to nine BCS/CFP championship game appearances while winning six national titles. He compiled an overall record of 201-29 (87.4%) and produced 15 consecutive seasons with a No. 1 AP ranking and nine SEC titles. He led the Crimson Tide to 17 bowl appearances, posting an overall postseason record of 13-4. His 201 wins at Alabama ranks second all-time, eclipsed only by Hall of Fame coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. He had a 26-game winning streak from 2015-16, and combining his tenures at LSU and Alabama, he went 11-1 in SEC Championship games.
Saban's unmatched ability to develop talent resulted in 66 First Team All-Americans, including four Heisman Trophy winners, which ties him with Hall of Famer Frank Leahy for the most by any coach in history. He coached seven NFF National Scholar-Athletes, including Campbell Trophy® winners Rudy Niswanger at LSU and Barrett Jones and Jalen Milroe at Alabama. He mentored 136 NFL Draft picks at Alabama, and he holds the most first round draft picks in a career with 52.
Saban never had a losing season in 28 years as a head coach, and he claimed more than 20 coach of the year honors during his career, including the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year twice (2003 and 2008) and SEC Coach of Year five times (2003, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2020). His expansive coaching tree includes more than 35 assistant head coaches who have gone on to become head coaches in college and the NFL.
Beyond football, Saban's impact extended into philanthropy. His Nick's Kids Foundation has distributed over $13 million to more than 150 charities. He helped rebuild 22 homes with Habitat for Humanity after a devastating tornado in Tuscaloosa and made multiple $1 million donations to support first-generation scholarships, Alabama athletics, and St. Francis Catholic Church. His latest initiative, the Saban Center, will house a STEM Discovery Center, the Alabama STEM Hub, and the Tuscaloosa Children's Theater.
A three-year letterman at safety for Kent State (1970-72), Saban earned both his bachelor's (1973) and master's (1975) degrees from Kent State. Now an ESPN College GameDay analyst, he remains a revered figure in college football. In recognition of his unparalleled success, Alabama's Board of Trustees approved plans to name the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium in his honor.
Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship, and athletic achievement in young people. With 120 chapters in 47 states, NFF programs include the criteria, selection and induction of members of the College Football Hall of Fame; the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta; Future For Football; The William V. Campbell Trophy®; the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments; the NFF National High School Academic Excellence Awards presented by the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation & Hatchell Cup presented by the Original Bob's Steak & Chop House; and a series of programs and initiatives to honor the legends of the past and inspire the leaders of the future. NFF corporate partners include Bruin Capital, Catapult, Delta Air Lines, Fidelity Investments, Hanold Associates Executive Search, Jostens, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, New York Athletic Club, Pasadena Tournament of Roses and the Sports Business Journal. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @NFFNetwork and learn more at footballfoundation.org.