By Darin In college football, few numbers carry the weight and prestige of the coveted No. 1 jersey. This singular digit often represents far more than a position—it’s a symbol of elite performance, dedication, and tradition. From the warrior mentality demanded by the Temple Owls’ single-digit system and NC State’s annual “elite work ethic” award to the Heisman legacy established by Kyler Murray and the dominance of Hall of Famers like Larry Fitzgerald, discover the deep-rooted meanings and the list of current 2025 stars—like Caden Fordham and Colin Simmons—who proudly uphold the unparalleled expectations of wearing the number one.
Schools that hold Jersey 1 in High Regards
- Temple Owls: Players wearing single-digit jerseys (1–9) are seen by coaches and teammates as the team’s toughest and hardest workers.
- NC State Wolfpack: Since 2014, the number 1 jersey has been awarded annually to the player who exhibits an elite work ethic, strong practice habits, and serves as an exemplary team leader.
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish: The number 1 jersey is not assigned permanently but is given out weekly to the player who best exemplifies the program’s values on and off the field.
- Michigan Wolverines: The number 1 jersey is traditionally given to elite wide receivers expected to excel and contend for top awards.
- Florida Gators: The number 1 at the University of Florida is considered a prestigious number and is not given away recklessly. A prestigious number often worn by playmakers.
Notable Active Players Wearing #1 (2025 Season)
- Caden Fordham, NC State LB, 143 tackles, 10 TFL, and 2 interceptions in 2025
- Skyler Bell, Connecticut 2025, NCAA Receiving leader 101 rec, 1,278 yds, 13 TD
- Colin Simmons (EDGE, Texas): A highly-touted defender who switched to number 1 during the 2024 offseason, explicitly stating he wanted the number because he believes he is the best player and likes the pressure it brings. With 13.5 TFLs in 2025, he earned the choice.
- Roman Hemby, RB, wears number 1 for Indiana in 2025 and sports it well, accounting for over 900 yards and 6 rushing TDs.
- Isaiah Horton contributed to Alabama’s offense in 2025 with 8 touchdown catches and nearly 500 receiving yards, providing reliable red-zone production.
- Reggie Virgil, the big-play Texas Tech WR in 2025, had 676 yards receiving and 6 TDs
- Zachariah Branch, the USC transfer who played WR for Georgia in 2025, had 744 receiving yards and 5 receiving touchdowns.
- De’Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss wideout, made an impact with over 500 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns in 2025, consistently moving the chains in the clutch.
- Bear Alexander, the big Oregon Ducks DL, had 6 TFLs and .5 sacks.
Notable Past Players Wearing #1
- Donaven McCulley (WR, Indiana 2024 & Michigan 2025): A key wide receiver for the Hoosiers in the 2024 season. In 2025, he transferred to the Wolverines and scored 3 TDS
- Ashton Stamps (DB, LSU): Sophomore who changed to No. 1 for 2024, embracing LSU’s single-digit tradition.
- DeSean Jackson, in 2007, wore it for the Cal Bears
Hall of Fame Players who wore Jersey 1
- Anthony Carter (WR, Michigan, 1979-1982): Widely considered the best to wear No. 1 in college football, Carter was a three-time All-American who set Michigan receiving records despite a run-heavy offense.
- Larry Fitzgerald (WR, Pittsburgh, 2002-2003): A dominant wide receiver who won the Biletnikoff Award and the Walter Camp Award in 2003, finishing as the Heisman Trophy runner-up. He is often mentioned in the discussion as the best to wear the number.
- Ernie Nevers was a consensus All-American fullback and defensive star for Stanford, famously playing every snap of the 1925 Rose Bowl against Notre Dame’s “Four Horsemen” despite two broken ankles. He was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
- Vince Banonis was a two-time All-American center and linebacker for the University of Detroit, captained the 1940 team, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
- Jeff Bentrim, North Dakota State quarterback, led the Bison to two NCAA Division II titles and won the 1986 Harlon Hill Trophy as Division II’s top player.
- David Williams was a two-time consensus All-American WR for Illinois, setting school records and becoming the first in Big Ten history with two 1,000-yard seasons.
Heisman Winners who wore the number 1
- Kyler Murray (QB, Oklahoma, 2018): Won the Heisman in 2018 wearing No. 1, throwing for over 4,300 yards and 42 touchdowns to lead the nation.
Conclusion
Whether it signifies a program’s top defender, a primary playmaker, or the ultimate team leader, the No. 1 jersey remains the most significant symbolic honor in college football. The high bar set by legends such as Anthony Carter and David Williams continues to shape the tradition across the country. Earning the number one is never an accident; it is a profound recognition of talent and character, ensuring its status as a sacred mark of distinction for the next generation of collegiate stars.
Big Thanks to the information fromthe Sports-Reference.com College football services
