Age is often described as just a number, but in the dynamic realm of college football, where players come and go with lightning speed, maintaining relevance as you get older can prove to be a formidable challenge. Nevertheless, there exists a select group of remarkable players who are steadfastly defying the conventional wisdom, underscoring the notion that age doesn’t have to be a barrier to success. Here’s a friendly and detailed ranking of the top 7 active and seasoned college football players who continue to shine:
Contents
- 1 Oldest College Football Players Still Suiting Up
- 1.1 #1. Matt Ganyard, Kicker, Virginia
- 1.2 #2. James Stefanou, Punter, Colorado
- 1.3 #3. Bo Nix, Quarterback, Oregon
- 1.4 #4. Isaiah Foskey, Defensive End, Notre Dame
- 1.5 #5. Jalen Berger, Running Back, Michigan State
- 1.6 #6. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
- 1.7 #7. Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame
Oldest College Football Players Still Suiting Up
#1. Matt Ganyard, Kicker, Virginia
- Oldest Age While Playing: 34 years old
- College and Location: University of Virginia
- Year(s) Played: 2021 – Present
- Position: Kicker
Matt Ganyard proudly holds the distinction of being the oldest active player in Division I college football. A former Marine who embarked on a quest for higher education in pursuit of a business degree, Ganyard made his debut for Virginia in 2021 and has consistently proven himself as a reliable kicker. At the ripe age of 34, he not only defies stereotypes but also remains one of the most proficient kickers in the nation.
#2. James Stefanou, Punter, Colorado
- Oldest Age While Playing: 32 years old
- College and Location: University of Colorado
- Year(s) Played: 2020 – Present
- Position: Punter
James Stefanou is yet another player who is rewriting the script on age-related expectations in college football. Hailing from the world of Australian Rules Football, Stefanou made a courageous leap to the United States to chase his dreams of a college football career. Stefanou’s debut for Colorado in 2020 marked the beginning of his remarkable journey as one of the country’s standout punters. Despite being 32 years old, he exhibits the form and skill of a player in their prime.
#3. Bo Nix, Quarterback, Oregon
Oldest Age While Playing: 23 years old
College and Location: University of Oregon
Year(s) Played: 2021 – Present (at Oregon)
Position: Quarterback
Bo Nix stands as one of the most seasoned quarterbacks in the nation. Commencing his college journey at Auburn, where he showcased his talent for three seasons, Nix subsequently transferred to Oregon, where he currently finds himself in his second season. At a relatively young age of 23, he has already amassed an impressive 48 college football games under his belt. Nix’s credentials rank him among the most gifted quarterbacks in the country, and his ongoing development continues to captivate football enthusiasts.
#4. Isaiah Foskey, Defensive End, Notre Dame
- Oldest Age While Playing: 23 years old
- College and Location: University of Notre Dame
- Year(s) Played: 2021 – Present
- Position: Defensive End
Isaiah Foskey epitomizes the disruptive force of a defensive end at its finest. Garnering the accolades of a two-time All-ACC selection, he emerges as a leading contender for the prestigious ACC Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023. Despite his tender age of 23, Foskey commands the respect of being one of the most feared defenders nationwide.
#5. Jalen Berger, Running Back, Michigan State
- Oldest Age While Playing: 23 years old
- College and Location: Michigan State University
- Year(s) Played: 2021 – Present
- Position: Running Back
Jalen Berger boasts an enviable versatility as a running back, adept at running through tackles, catching passes out of the backfield, and providing crucial blocking support. With a remarkable record of two-time All-Big Ten selections, he stands as a prominent candidate for the Big Ten Running Back of the Year award in 2023. Even at 23 years old, he continues to shine as one of the most productive running backs in the nation.
#6. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
- Oldest Age While Playing: 23 years old
- College and Location: Ohio State University
- Year(s) Played: 2019 – Present
- Position: Wide Receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerges as one of the nation’s most gifted wide receivers, recognized for his achievements with two All-Big Ten selections and a coveted spot as a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award in 2021. Despite his youthfulness at 23, he remains a dynamic and explosive playmaker who consistently captures the spotlight.
#7. Michael Mayer, Tight End, Notre Dame
- Oldest Age While Playing: 23 years old
- College and Location: University of Notre Dame
- Year(s) Played: 2019 – Present
- Position: Tight End
Michael Mayer’s prowess as one of the country’s top-tier tight ends is well-established, earning him the distinction of a two-time All-ACC selection and placing him among the finalists for the Mackey Award in 2021. At the age of 23, he continues to be a versatile and formidable mismatch weapon on the field.
These exceptional individuals serve as a potent source of inspiration, reminding us all that age should never be seen as a deterrent when it comes to achieving one’s aspirations in college football. Their journeys underscore the profound message that with unwavering determination and skill, anything can be within reach, irrespective of the number of candles on your birthday cake.
Recommended For You:
Travis Hunter NIL Deal Details and Endorsement Breakdown
Marcus Freeman Salary and Contract Details: How much does Notre Dame HC earn in a year
Ranking the Top 7 Largest SEC Stadiums by Capacity
