Former Notre Dame Offensive Lineman

Burger played offensive guard at Notre Dame as a walk-on from the 1977 national championship team, earned First-Team Academic All-America honors and the Dolly Cohen scholar-athlete award, and now serves as a leading orthopaedic surgeon and team physician.

Former Ohio Quarterback

Parker Navarro is the first NFF National Scholar-Athlete in Ohio University history, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in Integrated Health Studies (3.96 GPA) and completing a master’s in management with a 3.95 GPA. A three-year letterman and two-year team captain, he led the Bobcats to their first MAC title since 1968

Former Austin Peay Offensive Lineman

Chandler Kirton started all 12 games on the Governors’ offensive line and was a First-Team All-UAC selection while maintaining a 3.92 GPA in management. He graduated summa cum laude in December 2024 and is pursuing an MBA with a perfect 4.0 GPA. A two-year team captain and multi-year All-Conference honoree, he was a 2025 NFF National Scholar-Athlete.

Former Minnesota State Moorhead Quarterback

Jack Strand broke school and conference passing records while leading the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in multiple offensive categories. He posted a 3.87 GPA in Engineering Physics and earned NFF National Scholar-Athlete honors, CSC Academic All-District selection, and CSC Academic All-America recognition.

Former Grand View Quarterback

Jackson Waring is the first NFF National Scholar-Athlete in Grand View’s history. A three-year letterman and team captain, he played a pivotal role in Grand View’s undefeated 2024 season, culminating in an NAIA national championship. Waring graduated in May 2024 and is pursuing a master’s in organizational leadership.

NFF College Football Hall of Fame Coach

Gary Patterson built TCU into a national power during his 21 seasons as head coach, leading the Horned Frogs to six conference championships and a Rose Bowl victory. Known for his defensive innovation and player development, Patterson finished his career with 181 wins, the most in program history. He is a member of the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class.

Former Indiana Quarterback; Heisman Trophy Winner

Fernando Mendoza transferred from California to Indiana and delivered a historic 2025 season, leading the Hoosiers to a Big Ten title and the program’s first College Football Playoff National Championship. He won the 2025 Heisman Trophy, becoming the first player in school history to earn the award. Mendoza graduated with a business degree.

NFF College Football Hall of Fame Coach; TV Analyst

Urban Meyer won three national championship (two at Florida and one at Ohio State) and finished his collegiate coaching career with one of the highest winning percentages in the sport’s history. Meyer currently works as a college football analyst for FOX Sports.

NFF College Football Hall of Famer

Greg Eslinger was a two-time First-Team All-American at Minnesota and the 2005 Outland Trophy and Rimington Trophy winner. After football, he entered the business world and has remained active in his community through youth coaching and service.

NFF College Football Hall of Famer

Michael Huff won the 2005 Thorpe Award and helped lead Texas to a national championship before being selected seventh overall in the NFL Draft. He was inducted into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame for his collegiate achievements. After his NFL career, Huff returned to Texas and currently serves on the Longhorns’ defensive staff.

NFF College Football Hall of Famer

Michael Vick transformed the quarterback position at Virginia Tech, leading the Hokies to the 1999 national championship game and redefining dual-threat play. He was inducted into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame for his collegiate impact. After a 13-year NFL career, Vick has worked as an NFL analyst and was named head coach at Norfolk State in 2024.

NFF College Football Hall of Famer

Montee Ball remains one of the most prolific scorers in college football history, finishing with 83 career touchdowns at Wisconsin and earning Heisman finalist honors. Following his NFL tenure, Ball has become a recovery advocate and motivational speaker, openly sharing his journey and working to support others.

NFF College Football Hall of Famer

Ryan Yarborough was a two-time First-Team All-American at the University of Wyoming and one of the most prolific receivers in college football history, leading the nation in receiving yards in both 1992 and 1993 and setting multiple NCAA records during his career. He was selected in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft and played several seasons in the NFL. After football, he has worked as a coach and business consultant.

NFF College Football Hall of Famer

Terry Hanratty quarterbacked Notre Dame to a 1966 national championship and was a two-time All-American during one of the program’s most celebrated eras. After football, Hanratty built a long career in business while remaining connected to the game through alumni and community involvement.