Bart Macomber: Illini Football Legend & Hall of Famer

Bart Macomber showcased legendary versatility for the University of Illinois, leading the Illini to a national title before pioneering professional football on the West Coast.

Football Bio

September 4, 1894 – Bart McComber, a quarterback/halfback who played for the University of Illinois from 1914 through 1916, was born.

After college, Bart went pro, playing for the Canton Bulldogs and the Youngstown Patricians.

He later went on to coach in the Pacific Coast League in 1926 for the Oakland Oaks.

The College Football Hall of Fame inducted Macomber in 1972.

Bart Macomber left his signature on the early days of American football, transitioning seamlessly from a dominant collegiate champion to an early professional star. His legacy endures as a foundational figure in both the Big Ten and the early professional gridiron. [National Football Foundation]

Accolades and Football Accomplishments

• Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1972.
• Named a Consensus First-Team All-American as a halfback in 1915.
• Earned Second-Team All-American honors in 1916.
• Selected as First-Team All-Big Ten twice: as a halfback in 1915 and a quarterback in 1916.
• Led the University of Illinois to consecutive undefeated seasons in 1914 and 1915, including a National Championship in 1914.
• Served as the team captain for the Illini during his senior season in 1916.
• Set state high school records at Oak Park (under legendary coach Bob Zuppke) for most extra points in a career (114) and a single season (55), which stood for over 70 years.
• Founded, owned, and coached the Oakland Oaks of the Pacific Coast Professional Football League in 1926.

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