The level of football played by colleges and universities mostly by NCAA rules and guidelines. Enjoy the history of the collegiate brand of the gridiron!
College Football
COLLEGE HOF: College FootballCollege Hall of Fame
Dive into the gridiron greats with this collection of articles exploring the lives and legacies of American college football Hall of Fame players. Each piece delves into the on-field heroics that secured their place in history, from jaw-dropping touchdowns to strategic brilliance. But these articles go beyond the stats, uncovering the personal stories that shaped these legends. You'll discover their journeys from high school prospects to national stars, the challenges they overcame, and the impact they left on the game they loved. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply appreciate sporting excellence, this collection offers a captivating look at the men who forever changed the landscape of college football.
The College Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame and interactive attraction devoted to college football. The National Football Foundation members select historic players, coaches, and contributors who rose above their peers in collegiate gridiron history to their College Football Hall of Fame. We are happy to help this legendary museum celebrate the stars and innivators of the gridiron with these individual tributes.
Murray Shelton Big Red End
Born April 20, 1893, Dunkirk, New York, was Cornell’s top tier end from 1913 to 1915, Murray Shelton. Shelton and Big Red captain, Quarterback Charles Barrett, made up an efficient and deadly passing combination which relied heavily upon intelligence and instinct. In 1915, they led Cornell to a 9-0 record and were both named to Walter Camp's All-America listing per the National Football Foundation. Late in the season their perfect record was in jeopardy a few times. In game number eight the Big Red scored 33 points in the second half to overcome the challenging Washington & Lee team, 40-21. During another late contest, Penn was on the verge of ending Cornell's clean slate loss column. But, the Big Red caught fire in the final quarter and scored 17 points to claim a 24-9 triumph. Cornell played Harvard, which had not lost a game in four years but the Big Red blacked the Harvard eleven 10-0. The National Football Foundation selected Murray Shelton for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1973.
Donny Anderson Packer HOF Halfback
Fred Miller The Rock of Notre Dame
His journey began in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where his raw talent and imposing stature caught the eye of Knute Rockne, the legendary Notre Dame coach. Rockne, known for his keen eye for talent, recognized Miller's potential and recruited him to South Bend in 1926.
Miller didn't disappoint. He quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Irish defense, earning All-American honors in 1928 and 1929. His strength, agility, and intelligence made him a formidable wall against opposing offensive lines. He anchored the "Four Horsemen" era, a period of offensive dominance for Notre Dame, providing the defensive stability that allowed stars like Stuhldreher and Laycock to shine.
Beyond his physical prowess, Miller was known for his leadership and unwavering dedication. He served as team captain in 1929, leading by example both on and off the field. His loyalty to Notre Dame extended beyond his playing career, as he returned to serve as an assistant coach after his graduation in 1929.
A Titan of Two Eras, Etched in College Football Lore
Warner's playing career (1899-1902) at Cornell University established him as a dominant force. Standing at a formidable 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, he was a "rock" upon which Cornell built one of the best offensive lines in the nation. While not known for flashy plays, Warner's consistency and intelligence garnered him All-America honors in 1901 and 1902, solidifying his reputation as a "workhorse guard."
But Warner's impact truly blossomed in his coaching career. Following his graduation, he head-coached at Cornell in 1903, leading them to a respectable 6-3-1 record in his debut season. He then embarked on a remarkable journey, coaching at various universities across the country, including North Carolina, Colgate, Saint Louis, and Oregon.
Warner's coaching philosophy was ahead of its time. He emphasized offensive innovation, utilizing forward passes and deceptive running plays to challenge traditional defensive schemes. His "Warner System" became a hallmark of his tenure, paving the way for the evolution of the modern passing game.
His success was undeniable. Warner boasted a winning record at every institution he coached, amassing an impressive 180-79-14 record over 22 seasons. He led Colgate to two National Championships (1906, 1908) and his Oregon teams became a force in the Pacific Coast Conference.
Beyond wins and championships, Warner's legacy lies in his lasting impact on the game. He revolutionized offensive strategies, mentored future coaching giants like Pop Warner and Knute Rockne, and laid the foundation for the exciting, pass-driven football we witness today.
Tom Cousineau
Born May 6, 1957 - Fairview Park, Ohio - Tom Cousineau the Ohio State Buckeye linebacker from 1975 to 1978 was born into the world. The NFF says that Tom was credited with 569 career tackles which are second all-time in Ohio State history. He still holds six school records, setting marks for single-season tackles and solo tackles during his senior campaign. When Cousineau left Ohio State he was the school’s leader in nearly every tackling category! His coach was the legendary Woody Hayes who saw his stud linebacker become a two-time consensus First Team All-American for the Buckeyes. Tom Cousineau received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2016. Cousineau was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1979 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills, but he chose to play for Montreal of the Canadian Football League from 1979-82, earning the league’s Grey Cup MVP honor in 1979. He would later return to the NFL, playing for the Cleveland Browns from 1982-85 and the San Francisco 49ers from 1986-87. NCAAF Jersey 36
Ben Stevenson
Art Poe Famous Player not Poet
College Football Hall of Fame Celebrating Gridiron Greatness
While individual achievements and statistics like touchdowns and yards gained are considered, the Hall of Fame transcends mere numbers. It recognizes and immortalizes those who embodied the spirit of the game, demonstrating:
-Leadership: Inspiring teammates and rallying behind a common goal.
Sportsmanship: Acting with integrity and upholding the values of fair play.
-Impact: Leaving a lasting legacy that shaped the future of the game.
-Committing oneself to excellence and pushing the boundaries of the sport.
Earning induction into the Hall is an immensely prestigious honor. Players must have received major first-team All-America recognition and wait ten years after their final collegiate season to be considered. Coaches and officials follow a separate selection process.
Stepping through the doors of the Hall is like stepping onto the gridiron itself. Interactive exhibits, displays of iconic helmets and jerseys, and multimedia presentations bring the legends and their stories to life. Educational programs and special events further enrich the experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the game's cultural and historical significance.
Clemson Tigers Football Program History
We'll begin in the late 19th century when the first pigskin was tossed on Clemson's makeshift field. We'll witness the program's early struggles and triumphs, the rise of iconic figures who shaped its identity, and the evolution of its playing style.
Prepare to relive thrilling victories, heartbreaking defeats, and the unwavering spirit of Clemson faithful. We'll explore the eras of legendary coaches like Frank Howard and Danny Ford, who laid the foundation for future success. We'll celebrate the explosive offenses of the Deebo era and the dominant defenses that propelled Clemson to national prominence.
But Clemson's story isn't just about championships. We'll delve into the rivalries that define the program, the unforgettable characters who donned the orange and purple, and the moments that cemented Clemson's place among college football royalty.
So, join us as we embark on this historic voyage.
USC Trojans Football Program History
Prepare to embark on a historical odyssey. We'll explore the program's early days and rise to national prominence under pioneering coaches like Howard Jones and John McKay. We'll relive the dynasties of the 1970s and 2000s, with superstars like O.J. Simpson, Marcus Allen, Reggie Bush, and Matt Leinart etching their names in Trojan lore.
But this journey isn't just about victories and championships. We'll delve into the eras of adversity, the coaching changes, and the program's evolution through the decades. We'll meet the unsung heroes, the passionate fans, and the unique traditions that define "Trojan Football."
Join us as we unearth the stories that have shaped this iconic program. Whether you're a die-hard Trojan fan or simply a lover of college football history, this series promises a captivating exploration of Fight On spirit, Trojan grit, and the enduring legacy of USC football.