College football is a sport known for its youthful exuberance and lightning-fast athletes. However, amidst the fresh-faced freshmen and towering sophomores, a select few have overcome the age expectations and taken the field as gridiron greybeards.
These “old men of the gridiron” motivate us through their unwavering dedication to the sport and serve as an inspiration to players of all ages. They remind us that age is a mere number, and the pursuit of dreams is timeless.
These are the stories of the oldest college football players ever, athletes who have traded retirement for the thrill of dazzling fans in the Friday night lights, well past their prime.
1. Matt Ganyard – 34
Matt Ganyard, the 34-year-old kicker, is still kicking field goals for the University of Virginia as of the 2023-24 season.
Juggling fatherhood and his MBA studies at the Darden School of Business, Ganyard has defied expectations for his age. His booming leg and unwavering dedication are an inspiration to players of all ages.
Donning the #98 jersey, Ganyard has taken an active kicking responsibility for his college football team. He has appeared in 12 games and contributed 3 solo tackles as well.
Ganyard is a former Marine who utilized his one year of NCAA eligibility to play a season with the Cavaliers.
2. Luke Larsen – 31
At 31 years of age, Larsen is the oldest active punter in Division I football who plays for East Carolina. This Aussie player’s college football journey is unique. He took advantage of his redshirt year and COVID-19 eligibility extension to extend his playing career.
Today, his booming punts and veteran leadership skills are invaluable to the Pirates. He has played four years (2020 – 2023) and has appeared in 30 matches so far.
The aged punter has established 4976 punting yards, 122 punts, and recorded 40.8 average yards per punt. With his booming punts and infectious enthusiasm, Larsen is a beloved figure on the Pirates’ special teams unit.
3. Jordan Noyes – 31
Colorado State Rams starting kicker Jordan Noyes has proved that an aged player like him can also play efficiently in the college football world.
A family guy, Noyes started his CFB career in Utah in the 2022 season. At that time, he was kicking footballs at the Pac-12 conference. He successfully made 34 extra points from 12 games.
Then, this year, he moved to CSU, citing Tommy Perry, the special teams coordinator, as his primary reason.
His booming kicks and passion have been a source of inspiration for all the athletes out there, who look to physically defy their limits.
4. Hugh Robertson – 30
Hugh Robertson isn’t a typical college football athlete. He’s a 30-year-old Australian, a former police officer, and a self-proclaimed “punk rock punter” with a booming leg and unique story.
His path as a punter for the University of Illinois Fighting Illini was anything but ordinary. After a stint in the Australian army and seven years as a policeman, his football talent caught the eye of American scouts. He found himself going to the Big Ten at the ripe old age of 28.
Despite his age, Robertson quickly became a fan favorite. His powerful punts exceeded 50 yards many times and pinned opponents deep in their territory.
5. Jordy Sandy – 29
Hailing from Australia’s Victoria, Jordy Sandy traded the sun-kissed beaches Down Under for the Texas Gridirons, etching his name as a premier punter for the TCU Horned Frogs.
Sandy’s athletic roots lie in Australian Rules football, and honed his skills at Prokick Australia. Sandy took a leap of faith in 2015, crossing the Pacific to join TCU, becoming the first Australian punter to play Division I college football.
The punter quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. He has averaged 40.7 yards per punt. Sandy has recorded 10,611 punting yards and 261 punts for TCU as of the 2023 season.
6. Bradley Rozner – 26
Bradley Rozner is a wide receiver for the NC State Wolfpack and joined the Wolfpacks in the 2023 season after playing four seasons at Rice.
It is the 8th year for the CFB player, and he is one of the longest-tenured athletes in NCAA football. With his fiery passion and route-running skills, Rozner has set the college football field ablaze despite his age.
After graduating from Needville High School in 2016, Rozner initially chose a JUCO team, Cisco. However, he has upgraded today, and scored his first TD against Notre Dame as a Wolfpack.
7. Cam McCormick – 25
Cam McCormick’s college football journey is marked by both impressive athleticism and unprecedented circumstances. His career has taken him from Oregon to Miami and has spent 6 seasons in the CFB world, defying age and expectations.
McCormick began his collegiate career at Oregon, playing tight end for the Ducks. He spent seven seasons with the program, battling injuries and limited playing time.
Seeking a fresh start, McCormick transferred to the University of Miami for the 2023 season. He played 12 games for Miami had registered 62 receiving yards from 8 receptions.
Moreover, McCormick has petitioned the ACC for a ninth year of eligibility. He has petitioned this due to many factors, like injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic.
8. Chase Griffin – 24
UCLA Bruins QB Chase Griffin might not be the first player you think of when it comes to old CFB players. At 24, he’s far from the record-breaking senior citizens who graced the field. However, his story still challenges the perception of age in the sport, offering a unique perspective on “late bloomers”.
Unlike other high school stars, Griffin redshirted his freshman year and didn’t see ample playing time until his junior year (age 22). This “delayed launch” might not fit the typical “young gunslinger” narrative, but it displays his learning dedication.
He has spent four seasons for UCLA but is yet to see starting duty. He has compiled 467 passing yards over his career.
9. Tyler Shough – 24
Tyler Shough has carved a unique path through the college football landscape. His journey spans two college teams, starting with the 2019 Oregan to the current Texas Tech.
However, Shough’s unique collegiate journey has him entering his seventh year of eligibility in the 2024 season, making him one of the oldest players in the NCAA.
A high-rated recruit out of high school, injuries plagued his 2020 season, limiting his playing time and effectiveness. He then lost Oregon’s starting role and transferred to Texas Tech in 2021. He accumulated 4625 passing yards in his 5-year journey.
The QB has recently transferred to Louisville for the 2024 season and will be a 7th-year senior, uncommon in the CFB landscape.
10. Bo Nix – 24
Oregan QB Bo Nix’s decision to employ the NCAA’s COVID-19 eligibility extension and play his fifth year at Oregon sets him apart. This extra year has allowed him to refine his skills, aiding in his breakout 2023 season.
Despite his “older” status as a college signal-caller, Nix is still breaking records. Nix holds the record for most career starts by a Quarterback (26). This feat demonstrates that playing longer doesn’t equate to diminished performance.
In the 2022 season, Bo led Oregon to a 10-3 record and a Pac-12 Championship appearance, displaying his improved accuracy and decision-making.
This year, he improved his own 2022 performance, guiding Oregan to an 11-2 season with a personal best of 4,145 passing yards.