While it's not uncommon to see players in their late 30s and 40s in the NFL, the prevailing notion that age is a limiting factor in college football has become increasingly inaccurate. The landscape of collegiate football has evolved to the extent that age is no longer a significant deterrent. Today, we see seasoned veterans, aged 40, 50, and beyond, taking the field in college football. Despite the challenges posed by physicality, endurance, and competition, these athletes manage to compete in at least a few games. Perhaps you're wondering whom Wintips is referring to. Let's delve into the oldest college football players listed below to uncover the answer.
The list of the oldest college football players today
1. Cam McCormick
As a fifth-year tight end (TE) preparing to play for the Miami Hurricanes, Cam McCormick shocked the college football world when he announced his decision to return to the field, despite his history of injuries. McCormick, who will turn 26 in April, began his career with the Oregon Ducks. He was part of the same recruiting class as Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, though they played for different programs.
Since then, Hurts has led his team to the Super Bowl and has secured one of the biggest contracts in professional sports.
McCormick missed the 2019 and 2020 seasons due to injury and also missed the 2021 season after sustaining an Achilles injury in the second game. The NCAA granted his request for an eighth and ninth year of eligibility in 2022.
2. Jordy Sandy - One of the oldest college football players
Born in 1991 in Traralgon, Victoria, Australia, Jordy Sandy is the son of Brett and Sharon Sandy. He has three siblings: Josh, Ryan, and Connor Sandy. His family is his strongest support system, and he holds them in high regard, often sharing photos with them on social media.
Sandy began playing football when he enrolled at ProKick Australia to receive training. After working at a paper mill to make ends meet, he decided to pursue a football career. After completing his training, he received a scholarship to the United States from TCU coach Gary Patterson in 2019. Since then, he has played for TCU's Horned Frogs as a punter.
3. Hugh Robertson - One of the oldest college football players
When people think of their favorite football players, they often envision midfielders or skilled forwards. However, players on the defensive side of the pitch rarely seem to receive the love and attention they deserve. Illinois Fighting Illini footballer Hugh Robertson is undoubtedly poised to become a beloved figure among Illinois fans.
Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Robertson has captivated audiences with his engaging personality, eloquently discussing a myriad of topics. He also mentions that his transition has been smoother due to the lack of language barriers.
4. Luke Larsen
Luke Larsen, the oldest player on the team, is now entering his third season with the program. The Australian joined the Buccaneers in 2020, a year that did not count toward any player's eligibility due to the pandemic. He gained valuable experience in his first year at the school and redshirted in 2021, becoming a key backup for Jonn Young.
According to head coach Mike Houston, "I think Luke has been incredibly resilient," he said after Wednesday's practice, a particularly intense day of competition for the teams. "He's a smooth operator with a good feel for the game."
5. Matt Ganyard - Among the oldest college football players
At 34, UVA footballer Matt Ganyard is the oldest active Division I college football player this season, according to UVAToday. A father of two, he is currently studying at the UVA Darden School of Business, having earned a degree from the same university in 2011.
He tried out for the team during his college years but was cut in 2009, before making a return later. He then served in the United States Marine Corps as a helicopter pilot. After his discharge, he returned to Virginia to enroll at Darden, and his life has remained stable since then.
6. James Stefanou - Among the oldest college football players
At the age of 33, James Stefanou of the University of Colorado Boulder was the oldest active college football player in 2020 before retiring from the team. Originally from Australia, Stefanou had never played organized American football in the United States before joining his college team in 2017.
He gained some experience playing American football through ProKick Australia, a program designed to help Australian athletes develop the necessary skills to transition to American colleges and the NFL. Although Stefanou didn't grow up playing American football, he has always been an athlete. He played soccer and was part of the U19 team, which served as both a developmental squad and a reserve team for Australia's Olympic team.
7. Tim Frisby
While Tim Frisby may not be as old as most players on this list, he was 39 years old when he attended the football tryouts for the University of South Carolina in 2004. Having served as a U.S. Army Green Beret during the First Gulf War and in Kosovo, Frisby remained in peak physical condition.
Frisby played wide receiver for the University of South Carolina until 2005, at which point he was 40 years old. His time on the field garnered significant attention, and he even planned to turn his life story into a movie. As of his last known update in 2014, Frisby was working as a personal trainer at Gold's Gym.
8. Bob Schembre - One of the oldest college football players
There isn't much information available about Bob Schembre—perhaps because his story wasn’t covered by major news outlets—but he joined the Westminster College football team in 2008 as he turned 52 later that year.
Schembre's two sons had previously played football for Westminster, and he arranged a meeting with the coach to discuss his sons. However, Schembre told the coach that he wanted to play for the team. The coach gave Schembre a chance, and he ultimately earned a spot on the team.
9. Tom Thompson - One of the oldest college football players
Joe Thomas Sr., father of the Dallas Cowboys' Joe Thomas Jr., holds the record as the oldest player ever to compete in NCAA Division I football. In 2016, Thomas played for South Carolina State University at the age of 55. During the game, Thomas, playing as a running back, carried the ball for three yards on a single play.
Thomas grew up near South Carolina State University and had always aspired to play football at the collegiate level. Although Thomas played football in high school and showed promise as a running back, he was unable to compete at a high level in his youth. When Thomas Jr. enrolled at the university, Thomas Sr. decided to join the team and play alongside his son.
10. Mike Flynt
Before his record was broken in 2009 by Tom Thompson, Mike Flynt held the record as the oldest known NCAA football player. At 59, Flynt re-enrolled at his alma mater, Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, to play one final season of football. Flynt said he always regretted being dismissed from the team due to involvement in campus fights before his senior year.
Unlike some of the oldest players on this list, Flynt may have benefited from a special advantage, maintaining good physical fitness while working as a strength and conditioning coach at the University of Nebraska, the University of Oregon, and Texas A&M University. Realizing he was still eligible to play at Sul Ross State, Flynt decided to try out and successfully secured a spot on the team.
Conclusion
College football has witnessed remarkable displays of resilience and dedication from its oldest players. These individuals, defying age barriers, continue to showcase their talents and passion for the game, inspiring both teammates and fans. Their unwavering commitment stands as proof of football's timeless appeal and the unyielding spirit of those who dedicate themselves to the sport. We hope the content of the top bookmaker is website will satisfy you and give you more interesting sports knowledge.
See also: Top 10 oldest football players so far in the world
