Paul Rubelt stands out as a sixth-year offensive tackle for the University of Central Florida (UCF). He’s part of a wave of German-born athletes making real noise in American college football.
Rubelt grew up in Frankfurt-Oder, Germany. His path to the UCF Knights shows a lot of grit and hints at just how much American football is catching on back home.
He dreams of seeing a major college football game played in Germany. Honestly, his story feels both inspiring and like proof that football’s reach is getting wider every year.
The Rise of German Talent in American Football
Everything started for Rubelt in Frankfurt-Oder, right near the German-Polish border. He first played American football during a high school exchange year in Illinois.
At football camps on the East Coast, he caught some attention. That landed him a scholarship to UCF, where he joined the class of 2020.
Now, in 2025, Rubelt’s one of the most seasoned players on the Knights’ roster. He’s played in 49 games so far.
Football’s Growing Popularity in Germany
The NFL says about 19 million people in Germany are into football, and that number keeps climbing. The league’s been leaning into that—hosting regular-season games in Germany for three years straight.
There’s another one coming up on November 9, 2025, in Berlin. The Indianapolis Colts will play the Atlanta Falcons, and Rubelt knows a few guys on the Colts.
*It’s very awesome,* Rubelt said about the NFL’s push in Germany. *I have a couple of friends from Germany that also went the same route as I did. They’re in the NFL now. Some of them are with the Colts, they’re going to have a game in Germany, so that’s awesome. I would love to go to an NFL game in Germany. Maybe I’ll play there myself.*
Challenges and Opportunities for German Players
German football players in the U.S. try to stay connected. Rubelt sometimes swaps Instagram messages with other German athletes to share advice or just check in.
Keeping in touch isn’t always easy, though. Everyone’s schedule is packed, especially at the pro and Division I level.
The Need for Better Communication
*Maybe there should be a bigger group chat of people communicating. That would be more awesome. But it’s difficult. Everywhere is different,* Rubelt suggested.
Honestly, he’s got a point—there’s room for better ways to keep German players in the loop.
Potential for NCAA Games in Germany
No NCAA Division I game has ever happened in Germany. The last college game there was a Division III matchup in 1992 between Heidelberg and Otterbein, and it ended in a 7-7 tie.
Rubelt thinks a Division I game in Germany would be a huge hit, especially if it happened at the Olympiastadion Berlin. That’s where the Colts and Falcons will play this year.
*A college football game in Germany? The stadium would sell out. I’m very positive,* Rubelt said. He points to the sport’s growing popularity and international games like the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Ireland as proof.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Season
The 2025 college football season looks promising for UCF and Paul Rubelt. The Knights open at home in Orlando against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks on Thursday, August 28.
The first FBS game of the season kicks off on August 23, with Kansas State and Iowa State facing off in Dublin, Ireland.
Rubelt and his teammates want to build on their strong 2024 season. UCF finished with the No. 5 rushing offense in the NCAA, averaging 248.1 rushing yards per game.
With Rubelt’s experience, the Knights have a real shot at another impressive run this year.
Paul Rubelt’s journey from Frankfurt-Oder to UCF says a lot about perseverance.
It’s also a sign of how American football keeps catching on around the world.
More and more German players are making waves in the NCAA and NFL. Maybe someday soon, we’ll actually see a major college football game in Germany. Wouldn’t that be something?
For now, fans can look forward to the 2025 season and watch football keep growing, both in the U.S. and overseas.
If you want all the details on Paul Rubelt and UCF’s 2025 season, check out the full article on 247Sports.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
