20 from the Peoria area played for college football national titles
Our Summary
At least 20 college football players from the Journal Star area participated in national championship games to conclude the 2025 season, with representation across various levels from junior college to NCAA Division I. Illinois State, North Central College, Iowa Western, and College of DuPage all featured players who played high school football in the Peoria area.
Illinois State competed in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision title game on January 5, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, but narrowly lost to Montana State with a score of 35-34. The team included Peoria-area players Seth Glatz (Morton), Kaevion Mack (Peoria High), Ben Wallace (Metamora), and Micah Barnhart (Canton).
North Central College reached the NCAA Division III championship game but was defeated by Wisconsin–River Falls 24-14 on January 4, 2026, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Their roster featured multiple players from the Pe
Storyline
See how this story developed over time. Our AI tracks related coverage to show you the full context—from initial reports to latest updates.
Start your mornings informed
Everything important from the NFL, delivered daily at 8 AM ET. No ads. No clickbait. Just 2 minutes.
Monday Morning - Chiefs Trade + 4 More Stories
Good morning! Here's what matters in the NFL today:
🔥 Chiefs Trade for Elite Pass Rusher
Kansas City addresses defensive needs with blockbuster move. Why it matters: Changes playoff dynamics in AFC.
📊 BY THE NUMBERS
47% - Increase in Chiefs' pass rush win rate after trade
⏰ LOOKING AHEAD
Watch for Ravens' response at trade deadline tomorrow...
Continue reading for complete coverage...
What you get every morning
- All 32 teams covered
- 2-minute read guaranteed
- Human-verified news only
- Zero ads, zero tracking
More Stories Await
Dive deeper into NFL coverage and discover what makes The Daily Handoff different.