June 4th, 2024 8:00am
The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame has announced the names on the 2025 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, including 77 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 101 players and 34 coaches from the divisional ranks.
Many of the nominees in the divisional category represent institutions that are current or former members of Division II. Highlighting the player nominees are a pair of Harlon Hill Trophy winners. Quarterback Jimmy Terwilliger of East Stroudsburg was the 2005 Harlon Hill winner while Bloomsburg running back Franklyn Quiteh earned the honor in 2013. A handful of Division II alumni that went on to win Super Bowl championships in the NFL are among the nominees including Tyrone Poole (Fort Valley State), Sean Landetta (Towson) and Jahri Evans (Bloomsburg).
Former Division II coaches nominated for the hall of fame include Glenn Killinger (West Chester), Bill Hayes (Winston-Salem State), George Mihalik (Slippery Rock) , Clarence Stasavich (Lenoir-Rhyne) and James Malosky, who coached Minnesota Duluth for 40 seasons.
The full list of nominees from the divisional category is listed here. We are including all divisional nominees as some are from insitutions that formerly particiapted in Divsion II. This includes all nominees from FCS, Divsion II, Division III and NAIA. To view all 2025 nominees, visit the National Football Foundation press release.
Player Candidates
Vincent Allen, Indiana State-Halfback-1975 First Team All-American, also earning 1974 Second Team honors and 1973 Honorable Mention accolades…As a senior, became just the fourth rusher in history to boast four 1,000-yard seasons…Still holds school records for career rush yards (4,335) and TDs (33).
Ashley Ambrose, Mississippi Valley State-Defensive Back-1991 First Team All-American and First Team All-SWAC selection…Named SWAC Defensive Back and Return Specialist of the Year in 1991…Led nation in punt returns during senior campaign.
Archie Amerson, Northern Arizona-Running Back-Named First Team All-American in 1996…Finished as school's all-time career rushing leader despite only playing two seasons (3,196 yards)…1996 Walter Payton Award recipient as Division I-AA's most outstanding offensive player… Led NAU to its first-ever I-AA playoff appearance.
Rick Bealer, Lycoming (PA)-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-American who led Lyco to a berth in the 1990 NCAA Division III National Championship…Ranks second in DIII history with 31 career interceptions and still holds DIII record with 48 punt returns in 1989 season…Four-time All-Middle Atlantic Conference selection, earning first team honors his last three seasons.
Rennie Benn, Lehigh-Wide Receiver-Named First Team All-American in 1985…Currently ranks second in NCAA Division I-AA history in touchdown receptions (44), behind only Jerry Rice…Ranks seventh in Division I-AA history in career receiving yards (3,662).
Bill Borchert, Mount Union (OH)-Quarterback-Two-time First Team All-American who led Mount Union to consecutive national titles in 1996-97…1997 recipient of Gagliardi Trophy and three-time First Team All-OAC selection… Still holds multiple NCAA, conference and school records and boasts 14,482 career passing yards.
John Bothe, Augustana (IL)-Center-Named First Team All-American in 1988…One of three finalists for the 1988 NCAA Division III Player of the Year Award…Three-time First Team All-Conference selection (1986-88)…Helped Augustana to a 45-3-1 record.
Carl Boyd, Northern Iowa-Running Back-Named First Team All-American in 1987…Selected First Team All-Conference and Offensive Player of the Year in 1987…In 1987, he was Conference Player of the Week four times…Two-time team captain…Totaled 2,735 career rushing yards and 1,987 receiving yards.
Eric Breitenstein, Wofford-Fullback
Vincent Brown, Mississippi Valley State-Linebacker-1987 First Team All-American, leading the NCAA in tackles in 1986 and 1987…Set NCAA All-Divisions record with 570 career tackles…Two-time All-SWAC selection who led MVSU in tackles his last three seasons.
Joe Campbell, Middle Tennessee State-Running Back-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1990-91)…A three-time First Team All-Conference pick, he was named OVC Player of the Year in 1990…Led the team in rushing all four years.
William Campbell, Western Colorado-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1978-79)…Set school record for interceptions in a season with seven in 1979…Led the team in tackles his senior year with 84.
Vin Carioscia, Franklin & Marshall (PA)-Offensive Tackle-Two-time First Team All-American and First Team All-Conference selection (1981-82)…Named First Team All-ECAC in 1982…Four-year letterman and a three-year starter.
Peter Catan, Eastern Illinois-Defensive End-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1979-80)…Member of the 1978 Division II National Championship team…Holds school record for quarterback sacks in a game (six), season (21) and career (47).
Steve Cockerham, Akron-Linebacker-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1976-77)…Concluded career as the school's all-time leader in tackles with 715…Led Akron to 1976 Division II Championship Game.
Bruce Collie, Texas-Arlington-Offensive Tackle-Named First Team All-American in 1984…Led UTA to 1981 Southland Conference title…Three-time All-SLC selection…Played six seasons in the NFL with San Francisco and Philadelphia.
Tom Collins, Indianapolis (IN)-Defensive Back-Named First Team All-American in 1985…All-time college football leader in career interceptions (37), representing all levels of the NCAA.
Ray Condren, Gettysburg (PA)-Running Back-Two-time First Team All-American, All-ECAC and All-Conference selection (1983-84)…Finished second in rushing in Division III in 1984…Named ECAC Division III Player of the Year in 1984.
Case deBruijn, Idaho State-Punter-Named First Team All-American in 1981…Twice led the nation in punting (1980-81) and was twice the runner up (1978-79)…Season average of 45.9 in 1981 is third all-time in I-AA.
Parnell Dickinson, Mississippi Valley State-Quarterback-1975 First Team All-American and Pittsburgh Courier National Player of the Year…Four-time All-SWAC selection and conference Player of the Year as a senior…Finished career as SWAC's all-time leader in total offense (7,442 yards).
William Dillon, Virginia Union-Free Safety-Three-time First Team All-America selection (1980-82)…Tallied 16 interceptions in 1983…1983 Black College Player of the Year…Two-time First Team All-Conference selection and Player of the Year (1981-82).
John Dorsey, Connecticut-Linebacker-Named First Team All-American in 1983…Led the team in tackles from 1981-83…Two-time Yankee Conference Defensive Player of the Year (1982-83).
Chuck Downey, Stony Brook-Safety-1987 First Team All-America selection…Recorded 239 tackles and 13 interceptions on defense…First player in Division III history to achieve 1,000 yards on both punt and kickoff returns in a career…Currently holds 12 NCAA Division III records and 23 school records.
Matt Dunigan, Louisiana Tech-Quarterback-1982 First Team All-American and Southland Conference Player of the Year…Set Tech career records for completions (550), passing yards (7,042) and TD passes (40)…Led the SLC in total offense three-straight seasons (1980-82) and finished career with a conference title in 1982.
Tom Ehrhardt, Rhode Island-Quarterback-1985 First Team All-American who led the nation in passing during his final year at URI…Holds nearly every passing record in Rams history and led URI to consecutive 10-3 seasons and national top 10 finishes in 1984-85…1985 Yankee Conference Player of the Year.
Keith Elias, Princeton-Running Back-Two-time First Team All-American (1992-93) and 1993 Ivy League Player of the Year…Princeton's all-time leader in rushing yards (4,208) and rushing touchdowns (49)…Three-time All-Ivy performer who helped the Tigers to the 1992 conference title.
Curtis Eller, Villanova-Linebacker-Tw
Blake Elliott, Saint John's (MN)-Wide Receiver-Two-time First Team All-American and winner of the 2003 Gagliardi Trophy…Two-time MIAC Player of the Year who holds NCAA All-Divisions record of 47 consecutive games with a reception…Led SJU to 2003 DIII national title and owns 29 school records.
Richard Erenberg, Colgate-Running Back-Named First Team All-American in 1983…Broke 12 Division I-AA records…Selected as ECAC Player of the Year in 1983…All-time leading rusher in Colgate history…Two-time recipient of the Andy Kerr Award signifying Colgate's MVP (1982-83).
Jahri Evans, Bloomsburg (PA)-Offensive Lineman-2005 First Team All-American who also earned Second Team All-America honors as a junior…Two-time Division II Player of the Year finalist and three-time First Team All-PSAC East selection…Helped Huskies to the 2005 PSAC East title and an NCAA playoff berth.
John Fitzgerald, Central Oklahoma-Offensive Guard-First Team All-American who blocked for two 1,000-yard rushers in 1998…Led UCO to 1998 undefeated season and No. 1 final ranking…Only three-time All-American since UCO joined NCAA.
Timothy Flanders, Sam Houston State-Running Back-Three time All-American (1st Team-2011, 2nd Team-2013, 3rd Team-2012)…Two-time Southland Player of the Year and only back ever to lead the league in rushing four consecutive seasons…All-time career leader in rushing and scoring in Southland and SHSU annals.
Bernard Ford, Central Florida-Wide Receiver-Named First Team All-American and 1987 Harlon Hill Trophy Finalist…Ranks in Top 10 of 14 UCF records, ranking first in receiving yards in a season (1,403), all-purpose yards per game (188) and average yards per catch in career (21.8).
Duane Fritz, Chadron State (NE)-Punter-Named First Team NAIA All-American in 1975…Led NAIA II and the conference in punting in 1975…Averaged 42.3 yards on 65 punts in 1975.
Rick Fry, Occidental (CA)-End-Two-time First Team All-American and All-Conference selection (1976-77)…Was the NCAA annual champion for receiving in 1976-77 and set four NCAA receiving records…Member of the Occidental Football Hall of Fame.
Chris George, Glenville State (WV)-Wide Receiver- Two-time First Team All-America selection and four-time WVIAC pick…Led GSC to Division II National Playoffs in 1993 and '94…Member of two conference championship teams and held nine national records by career's end.
Don Greco, Western Illinois-Offensive Guard-Named First Team All-American in 1980…Two-time First Team All-Conference selection – winning the conference's Lineman of the Year award in 1980…A 1980 team captain, he was twice named Western Illinois' MVP.
Reggie Greene, Siena-Running Back-Two-time First Team All-American (1995—all-purpose, 1997—running back)…Graduated as the I-AA career leader in rushing (5,415) and posted three-straight I-AA rushing titles (1995-97)…Three-time MAAC Player of the Year and Siena's career leader in rushing, TDs, and all-purpose yards.
Don Griffin, Middle Tennessee State-Safety-1985 First Team All-American and Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year…Three-time First Team All-Conference selection…Recorded 210 tackles, 13 career interceptions, and held school record for interceptions in a game (3).
Carl Hairston, Maryland Eastern Shore-Defensive End-1975 First Team All-American by the Pittsburgh Courier…Two-year captain and three-time First Team All-MEAC performer…Known as "Mr. Defense," he averaged more than 20 tackles a game during his senior season.
Ron Hausauer, Jamestown (ND)-Offensive Guard-Two-time First Team NAIA All-American and First Team All-Conference (1980-81)…Four-year letterman…Member of the Jamestown College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Pat Hauser, Cal State Northridge-Offensive Tackle-Two-time First Team All-American and All-Conference selection (1982-83)… Four-year starter and letterman.
Bobby Hedrick, Elon-Running Back-Named First Team All-American in 1980…Ranked second in NCAA history in career rushing yards (5,604), among all divisions, at career's end (behind only Tony Dorsett).
Chris Hegg, Truman State (MO)-Quarterback-Named First Team All-American and AFCA Division II Player of the Year in 1985…Two-time conference Offensive Player of the Year (1984-85)…Still holds eight conference records.
Billy Hess, West Chester (PA)-Wide Receiver-1988 First Team All-American and Harlon Hill Trophy finalist…1988 PSAC East Player of the Year and four-time All-PSAC receiver, who also earned all-conference honors as a defensive back in 1988…Led West Chester to PSAC title game appearances in 1986 and 1987.
Lynn Hieber, Indiana (PA)-Quarterback-Two-time First Team NAIA All-America selection (1974-75)…Won the Division II Total Offense crown in 1975…Selected as ECAC Division II Player of the Year, First Team All-East and First Team All-ECAC in 1975.
Rene Ingoglia, Massachusetts-Running Back-Finished career ranked second all-time in FCS history in TDs (54) and as school's all-time leader in rushing (4,624) and carries (905) among others…First UMass player to average more than 100 ypg rushing in career.
Fred Jackson, Coe (IA)-Running Back/Kick Returner-2002 First Team All-American who led Coe to its first-ever IIAC title in 2002…Two-time IIAC MVP and three-time All-IIAC performer…Boasts school records for single-game punt return (113) and kick return (164) yardage and ranks third all-time with 4,054 career rush yards.
Louis Jackson, Cal Poly-Running Back-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1978-80)…Member of the 1980 Division II National Championship team…Holds school records for yards rushing in a career (3,444), season (1,463) and game (267).
John Jurkovic, Eastern Illinois-Defensive End-Two-time First Team All-America selection in 1988 and 1989…Two-time Gateway Defensive Player of the Year who led team to 1986 conference title…Set Gateway record with six sacks in a game and finished career as the conference's all-time sacks leader (27).
Ed Kelley, Hampden-Sydney (VA)-Defensive End-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1974-75)…Three-time First Team All-Conference pick (1973-75)…Led the defensive unit that gave up only 10.8 points per game in 1975.
Jim Kleinsasser, North Dakota-Tight End-Two-time First Team All-American (1997, 1998) who also earned Honorable Mention All-America honors in 1996…Three-time First Team All-Conference selection led UND to the 1995 NCC title…Highest NFL draft pick in school history helped UND to two NCAA Playoff berths and a 32-10 overall record.
Garry Kuhlman, Delaware-Offensive Tackle-Two-time First Team All-American and All-ECAC selection (1980-81)…His 1979 team led all Division I-AA teams in scoring with 35.5 points and 405.5 yards total offense per game.
Sean Landeta, Towson-Punter-1982 First Team All-American and first punter ever named to the AP's College Division All-America Team; Three-time First Team All-ECAC who owns Towson career punting records for punts (225) and yards (9,452)…Also team's placekicker, leading all of Division II in punting average (43.4 ypp) and field goals (14) during 1980 season.
Jeff Loots, Southwest Minnesota State-Quarterback-1992 First Team All-American who also earned All-America honors in 1991 (Second Team) and 1990 (Honorable Mention)…Led the nation in passing and total offense his last two seasons, setting NAIA records for career TD passes (102) and career passing ypg (361.2)…1992 Northern Sun Player of the Year who set multiple conference and school records.
Al Lucas, Troy-Defensive Lineman-Two-time First Team All-American (1998-99) and winner of the 1999 Buck Buchanan Award as the nation's top defensive player…Two-time First Team All-Southland who led Trojans to two conference titles…Three NCAA playoff appearances, including the 1996 Semifinals and the 1999 Quarterfinals.
Claude Mathis, Texas State-Running Back-1997 First Team All-American who also earned Second Team All-America honors in 1996 and Honorable Mention laurels in 1995…Two-time Southland Conference Player of the Year and Texas State's all-time career rushing leader (4,691)…Career AP yards (7,423) is a Southland Conference record and ranks eighth in FCS history.
Vince Mazza, Ashland (OH)-Punter-1986 First Team All-American and Ashland's first-ever Harlon Hill candidate…Four-time First Team All-Heartland Conference performer…Boasts three of top 10 punting-average seasons in Ashland history.
Steve McAdoo, Middle Tennessee State-Offensive Lineman-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1991-92)…Earned Third Team All-America honors by the Associated Press in 1990…Three-time First Team All-Conference pick.
Gary McCauley, Clarion (PA)-Tight End-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1980-81)…Member of two conference title teams…Holds school career records for receptions (135) and receiving yards (1,736)…Four-year starter.
Fran McDermott, St. Mary's (CA)-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1979-80)…Played in the 1981 Japan Bowl…Four-year starter and letterman…Holds school records for most interceptions in a career (21), season (8) and game (4).
Bill McGovern, Holy Cross-Defensive Back-Named First Team All-American in 1984…Led the nation in interceptions (11) in 1984…Set Division I-AA career interception record with 24…Two-time All-ECAC performer (1983-84)…Named 1984 team captain.
Tony Miles, Northwest Missouri State-All-Purpose/Wide Receiver-Two-time First Team All-American who led Bearcats to back-to-back Division II National Championships (1998-99) and four-consecutive MIAA titles…Set conference and school records for career receiving yards (3,890), receptions (235) and TDs (37).
Carl Morris, Harvard-Wide Receiver-2002 First Team All-American who holds virtually every Harvard receiving record, including career receptions (245) and TD receptions (28)…Ranks third all-time in Ivy history with 3,508 career receiving yards…Holds Ivy record for career 100-yard games (15) and 200-yard games (3).
Kenneth Murawski, Carnegie Mellon (PA)-Linebacker-Named First Team All-American in 1981…Named First Team All-Conference in 1981 and Second Team in 1980…Two-time team defensive captain…Totaled 243 career tackles and nine interceptions.
Patrick Murray, Fordham-Placekicker-2012 First Team All-American (placekicker) and 2011 Second Team All-American (punter)…2012 Fred Mitchell Award winner, 2012 CFPA Placekicker of the Year and 2011 CFPA Punter of the Year…Led the FCS in field goals/game (2.27) and set Fordham and Patriot League records with 25 field goals in 2012.
Timmy Newsome, Winston-Salem State (NC)-Running Back-1978 First Team All-American who finished his career as the all-time leading rusher (3,843 yards) in school and conference annals…Three-time All-CIAA selection who twice led the conference in rushing and scoring…Led the Rams to consecutive undefeated regular seasons and CIAA titles in 1977 and 1978.
Ed O'Brien, Central Florida-Placekicker-Named 1987 First Team All-American…UCF record holder for career field goals made (50), field goals attempted (77) and longest field goal made (55 yards)…Helped UCF to 1987 Division II Semifinals.
Randy Page, Central Oklahoma-Quarterback-Named First Team NAIA All-American in 1983 and earned Second Team NAIA All-America honors in 1982…Led UCO to an NAIA National Championship in 1982…Broke 14 school records.
Chris Parker, Marshall-Running Back-1995 First Team All-America pick…Member of 1992 national championship team, leading MU back to national title game in 1993 and '95 (national runner-up)…Recorded 31 games with at least 100 yards rushing en route to finishing career with 5,924 rushing yards and 68 touchdowns.
Alonzo Patterson, Wagner-Running Back-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1981-82)…Finished fourth on the NCAA leading rusher list for all divisions in 1981, leading Division III with 1,487 yards…Three-time ECAC Player of the Year (1980-82).
Ted Petersen, Eastern Illinois-Center-1976 First Team All-America selection… Team captain who blocked for Nate Anderson, EIU's first-ever 1,000-yard rusher…Became school's highest-ever NFL Draft pick when he was selected 93rd overall (fourth round) in 1977.
Martin Peterson, Pennsylvania-Offensive Tackle-Named First Team All-America, First Team All-Conference and First Team All-ECAC in 1986…His teams won three conference titles.
Charlie Pierce, Central Florida-Punter / Placekicker-Named First Team All-America…Career record holder at UCF for punts (173), punt yardage (7,111) and points scored (297)… Helped UCF to FCS playoffs in 1993.
Dave Pomante, Whitworth (WA)-Defensive Lineman-Named First Team NAIA All-American in 1981…Two-time All-District selection…Set school records with 20 sacks in a season and 35 in a career…Led team with 117 tackles as a senior.
Tyrone Poole, Fort Valley State (GA)-Defensive Back-First Team All-America selection in 1994…Two-time Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Defensive Player of the Year (1993-94) who led FVSU to two conference titles…Recorded 44 pass breakups and 17 interceptions, returning four for TDs.
Franklyn Quiteh, Bloomsburg (PA)-Running Back-Three-time First Team All-American and 2013 Harlon Hill Award winner…Second all-time in Division II history with 7,523 rushing yards and only player in D-II annals to top 2,000 rush yards three times…PSAC East Offensive Player of the Year owns nearly all conference and school rushing records.
Gerry Quinlivan, Buffalo-Linebacker-Named First Team All-American in 1984…Two-time First Team ECAC Upstate New York selection and team captain (1983-84)…Four-year starter and letterman…Two-time Most Outstanding Linebacker (1983-84) and named an NFF National Scholar-Athlete as a senior.
Michael Renna, Delaware-Defensive End-Two-time First Team All-American, All-Conference and All-ECAC selection (1988-89)…Delaware's Outstanding Senior Male Athlete in 1990…Finished career as the 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.
Kirk Roach, Western Carolina-Placekicker-Three-
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-
Joe Skladany, Lafayette-Linebacker-Named First Team All-American in 1981…Four-year starter who never missed a game…Boasts school records for career tackles (532) and blocked kicks in a season (3)…Team captain and two-time Team MVP who led nation's second-ranked defense in 1981.
Ed Smith, Bethel (KS)-Wide Receiver-Named First Team NAIA All-American in 1985…Three-time First Team All-Conference selection (1984-86)…Holds 13 school records…His 47 career touchdown receptions were two short of the national record.
Paul Smith, Gettysburg (PA)-Return Specialist-Two-time First Team All-American as a kick- and punt-returner…Set three NCAA records, including still-standing record of 527 all-purpose yards in a game (1999)…1999 Centennial Conference Co-Player of the Year and four-time All-CC First Team selection.
Tony Stefanoni, Widener (PA)-Defensive Lineman-1982 First Team All-American led Widener to national title as a senior…1982 ECAC Player of the Year and three-time All-MAC performer who helped team to four conference crowns…Posted 24.5 career sacks and only lost one game during entire collegiate career.
Tom Stenglein, Colgate-Wide Receiver-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1984-85)…Two-time First Team All-ECAC pick (1984-85)…Colgate's all-time leader in receptions in a game (12), season (67) and career (144).
Michael Strahan, Texas Southern-Defensive Lineman-1992 First Team All-American and Division I-AA Defensive Player of the Year…1992 Black College Defensive Player of the Year and two-time SWAC Defensive Player of the Year…Texas Southern's all-time leader in career (41.5) and single-season (19 in 1992) sacks.
Alex Tanney, Monmouth (IL)-Quarterback-2011 First Team All-American ended his career as the NCAA all-divisions leader in career TD passes (157)…2009 Melberger Award winner and two-time Gagliardi finalist set the Division III record for career passing yards (14,249)…Three-time Midwest Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
Jimmy Terwilliger, East Stroudsburg (PA)-Quarterback-2005 First Team All-American and three-time Harlon Hill finalist, winning the trophy in 2005…Three-time PSAC East Offensive Player of the Year who set 18 Division II and two all-divisions records by career's end…Only quarterback in history to be named a First Team All-PSAC East selection in each of his four seasons.
Freddie Thomas, Troy-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-America selection (1986-87) and helped lead Troy to the NCAA Division II National Championship in 1987…A two-time First Team All-Conference pick, he was named team captain in 1987.
Markus Thomas, Eastern Kentucky-Tailback-Finished career ranked third all-time in FCS history in rushing (5,149)…Two-time Ohio Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year who led team to two conference titles…52 career rushing TDs.
Brad Tokar, Westminster (PA)-Running Back-Named First Team Little All-American in 1990…Two-time First Team NAIA All-America selection (1988, 1990)…Led Westminster to two NAIA Division II National Championships…Westminster's all-time leading rusher with 5,269 career yards.
Jay Wessler, Illinois College-Running Back-Named First Team NAIA All-American in 1979…Three-time member of the NAIA District All-Star Team…Three-time team MVP (1978-80) and Illinois Athlete of the Year (1979-81).
Tim Whelan, Tufts (MA)-Running Back-1976 First Team All-American who set school single-season rushing records in consecutive seasons…1976 ECAC Division III Player of the Year and George H. "Bulger" Lowe Award as New England's best player for all divisions…234 rushing attempts in 1976 is school record.
Mike Wiggins, Iowa Wesleyan-Punter-Named First Team Little All-American in 1987 and an NAIA All-American in 1986 and 1987…Named National Punting Champion for the NAIA in 1987.
Jerry Woods, Northern Michigan-Defensive Back-Two-time First Team All-America selection and All-Conference pick (1987-88)… Returned 89 punts for 1,129 yards, a 12.6 yard average…Returned kickoffs for 1,475 yards, a 24.9 yard average and current school record.
Andre Young, Bowling Green-Defensive Lineman-1982 First Team All-American, the first-ever nose tackle to earn All-America honors at BGSU…1982 First Team All-Conference who led team to a 7-2 MAC record and conference title…1982 Team MVP who boasted 26 TFL and 13 sacks during his All-America season.
John Zanieski, Yale-Middle Guard-Named First Team All-American and First Team All-Ivy League in 1984…Selected as the team's MVP in 1984…Finished second on school's quarterback sack list with 21.
Coach candidates
Dick Biddle-Colgate (1996-13)-All-time winningest coach in Colgate and Patriot League history…2003 AFCA National Coach of the Year who led Raiders to an appearance in the 2003 FCS National Championship Game…Won seven conference titles and led teams to six NCAA playoff appearances.
Rod Broadway-North Carolina Central (2003-06), Grambling State (2007-10), North Carolina A&T (2011-17)-Only coach in history to win a black college football national championship at three different schools, winning five overall…Took over a losing NCCU program in 2003, leading them to back-to-back conference titles and playoff appearances by 2005-06…Led teams to six conference crowns, two Celebration Bowl wins, and retired following a perfect 12-0 season.
Paul Durham-Linfield (OR) (1948-67)-His team won seven conference championships…Named 1962 NAIA Coach of the Year…Was the athletics director at Linfield while coaching…Member of the Oregon Sports, Helms Athletic and NAIA Football Coaches Halls of Fame.
Jim Feix-Western Kentucky (1968-83)-Named Kodak College Coach of the Year for Division II in 1973 and 1975…Won or shared six conference titles…Three-time conference Coach of the Year (1973, 1978, 1980)…The winningest coach in school history…Charter member of the school Athletic Hall of Fame.
Howard Fletcher-Northern Illinois (1956-68)-Coached unbeaten NCAA College Division and NAIA National Championship team in 1963…Led NIU to three conference titles (1963-65)…Inducted into the NIU Athletic Hall of Fame…Was the runner-up as Kodak College Division Coach of the Year in 1963…Made three appearances in the Mineral Water Bowl.
Ross Fortier-Minnesota Moorhead (1970-92)-School's all-time winningest coach…Led his team to seven postseason playoffs and nine conference championships…Led 1981 team to unbeaten regular season and number one ranking in the final regular season poll…Member of the NAIA Hall of Fame.
Morley Fraser-Albion (MI) (1954-68)-Led Albion to five conference championship and was named the Small College Coach of the Year in 1964…Coached one All-American, five conference Players of the Year and 65 first team All-Conference selections…Was a Commander in the U.S. Navy during WWII…Received the Distinguished American Award from the Michigan Chapter of the NFF.
Rick Giancola-Montclair State (NJ) (1983-2022)-Retired as Division III's active leader in career wins (260) and as the eighth-winningest coach in Division III annals…Led teams to 12 NJAC titles and nine playoff appearances…11-time NJAC Coach of the Year and one of only two coaches in New Jersey collegiate football history to win 200 career games.
Walt Hameline-Wagner (1981-2014)-Led Wagner to the 1987 Division III National Championship…Boasts the most wins in school history (223), leading the Seahawks 24 winning seasons and four NCAA playoff appearances…2012 NEC Coach of the Year retired with the fifth-most wins among active FCS coaches.
Bill Hayes-Winston-Salem State (NC) (1976-87), North Carolina A&T (1988-2002)-All-time winningest coach at both Winston-Salem State and North Carolina A&T…Led teams to two black college national championships, four playoff appearances, and six conference titles…Two-time MEAC Coach of the Year finished career with the most victories (195) among college football head coaches in State of North Carolina history.
Eddie Hurt-Virginia Lynchburg (1925-28), Morgan State (1930-59)-Led Morgan State to six Black College National Championship and 14 CIAA titles…Posted 11 undefeated seasons, including the 1943 team that did not allow a score from a single opponent…From 1932-39, led Bears to 54-game streak without a loss.
Art Keller-Carthage (WI) (1952-82)-Named FWAA College Division Distinguished Coach in 1982 and four-time NAIA District Coach of the Year…Member of the NAIA District 14 Hall of Fame…Won eight conference titles and compiled three 14-game winning streaks…Member of the Carthage Hall of Fame and received the President's Medal of Honor.
Glenn Killinger-Dickinson (PA) (1922), Rensselaer (NY) (1927-32), Moravian (PA) (1933), West Chester (PA) (1934-41, 45-59)-Winningest coach in West Chester history…Member of the College Football Hall of Fame as a player and the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame…Had only one losing season in 37 years as a head coach.
Larry Korver-Northwestern College (IA) (1967-94)-Led Northwestern to two National Championships, 14 playoff appearances and 212 victories in 28 seasons on the sidelines…Twice named NAIA National Coach of the Year, he has coached 32 players to All-America status.
Maxie Lambright-Louisiana Tech (1967-78)-Led Tech to three consecutive Division II national titles from 1972-74…Boasted seven conference titles and named 1970s Southland Conference Coach of the Decade…Led program to Division I in 1975, earning two Independence Bowl berths, and coached 11 First Team All-Americans throughout career.
Dick Lowry-Wayne State (MI) (1974-79), Hillsdale (MI) (1980-96)-Won seven conference championships at both schools and earned five births in the NAIA national playoffs winning the National Championship in 1985…He was voted NAIA Coach of the Year in 1982 and was conference Coach of the Year six times.
James Malosky-Minnesota Duluth (1958-97)-Winningest coach in Division II history at time of retirement…Led teams to nine conference championships…Named NSIC, MIAC and/or NAIA Coach of the Year 13 times…Produced 33 winning seasons in 40 years at UMD.
Jim Margraff-Johns Hopkins (MD) (1990-18)-2018 National Coach of the Year and winningest football coach in Johns Hopkins history (221 wins)…Guided the Blue Jays to 10 NCAA Playoff appearances, including the school's first-ever trip to the Semifinals (2018)…Led Hopkins to a Centennial-record 14 conference titles.
George Mihalik-Slippery Rock (PA) (1988-2015)-Most wins in SRU history, boasting 22 winning seasons in 28 years…Six-time PSAC Coach of the Year who won or shared eight PSAC Western Division championships and made six trips to the NCAA playoffs…Perfect 17-0 home record in his final three seasons.
Don Miller-Trinity (CT) (1967-98)-Recorded 28 winning seasons out of 32…Retired as the all-time winningest Division III football coach in New England history (now second)…Four-time NESCAC Coach of the Year and 1993 New England Division II/III Coach of the Year…Team recorded best record in NESCAC seven times.
Steve Mohr-Trinity (TX) (1990-2013)-Led Trinity to a 2002 Stagg Bowl appearance and 12 playoff berths…All-time winningest coach in school history and five-time AFCA Regional Coach of the Year…Boasts 16 conference titles and holds SCAC record for overall wins (186) and SCAC victories (96).
Charles Murphy-Middle Tennessee State (1947-68)-Captured seven Volunteer State Athletic Conference Championships…Won seven Ohio Valley Conference Championships…Named Ohio Valley Conference Coach of the Year in 1965.
Jim Ostendarp-Amherst (MA) (1959-91)-Named UPI Small College Coach of the Year in 1964…Selected as the New York Football Writers Division II/III Coach of the Year in 1984…Captured 13 Little Three titles…Named AFCA/Kodak New England Coach of the Year in 1961 and 1964.
Forrest Perkins-Wisconsin-Whitewater (1956-84)-At the time of his retirement, he ranked second on the active wins list on the Division III level…Named NAIA Coach of the Year in 1966…The all-time winningest coach in conference and school history…captured 11 conference titles.
Bill Ramseyer-Wilmington (OH) (1972-90), Virginia's College at Wise (1991-2001)-Three-time District Coach of the Year…Seven Hall of Fame inductions, including NAIA Hall of Fame (1997)…Coached his teams to a winning season in 24-of-30 seasons…Coached Wilmington to an NAIA National Runner-Up in 1980…Coached 70 All-Americans.
Dwight Reed-Lincoln (MO) (1949-71)-Teams won three conference titles…Coached 93 All-Americans in four sports…The football stadium at Lincoln University was named for him.
Pete Schmidt-Albion (MI) (1983-96)-Teams won nine MIAA championships (seven outright), five NCAA Division III playoff appearances and the 1994 NCAA Division III National Championship… 1994 AFCA National Coach of the Year.
Gideon Smith-Hampton (1921-40)-Led Pirates to 1922 Black College National Championship… Recorded four CIAA titles and two unbeaten seasons in career…Longest tenured coach in Hampton history, boasting the second-most wins all-time at the school.
Clyde "Buck" Starbeck-Northern Iowa (1936-42, 1945-57)-Captured seven conference championships in 10 years…Went 31 consecutive conference games without a defeat…Member of the University of Northern Iowa Hall of Fame.
Clarence Stasavich-Lenoir-Rhyne (NC) (1946-61), East Carolina (1962-69)-Lenoir-Rhyne's all-time winningest coach who led team to 1960 NAIA National Championship…1959 NAIA National Coach of the Year, boasting three undefeated seasons at LR… Led ECU to most successful three-year campaign in school history (27-3 from 1963-65).
Lou Wacker-Emory & Henry (VA) (1982-2004)-Most wins in Emory & Henry history, leading the Wasps to five NCAA playoff appearances…11 ODAC titles, including six-of-seven from 1994-00…Boasted a 37-game home winning streak from 1991-98.
John Whitehead-Lehigh (1976-86)-Named Division II Coach of the Year in 1977 and Division I-AA Coach of the Year in 1979…Captured the 1977 Division II National Championship…Runner-up in the 1979 Division I-AA National Championship.
Alex Yunevich-Alfred (NY) (1937-41, 1946-76)-Had six undefeated teams…His team was 1971 Lambert Bowl Division III champions of the East…Named Small College Coach of the Year in 1956 by the Washington Touchdown Club and same in 1971 by the NY Football Writers.
Allen Zikmund-Nebraska-Kearney (1955-71)-His teams won 11 conference titles…Nine of his players were named NAIA All-Americas and 67 made All-Conference…Member of the NAIA Hall of Fame.