It’s a big moment for Saint John’s University and Division III football. Standout wide receiver Blake Elliott ’03 is about to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
The ceremony happens during the National Football Foundation’s (NFF) 67th Annual Awards Dinner, presented by Las Vegas, on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino. Honestly, it’s hard to overstate what this means for Elliott and the legacy of Saint John’s football.
Blake Elliott: A Stellar Career at Saint John’s University
Blake Elliott’s path to the Hall of Fame is all about skill and relentless effort. He grew up in Melrose, Minn., and left college with a stack of records that put him among the best wide receivers in NCAA Division III history.
Record-Breaking Achievements
At Saint John’s, Elliott set three NCAA playoff records, two MIAC records, and a jaw-dropping 29 SJU receiving records. His NCAA all-divisions record for consecutive games with a reception (47) stood until 2008.
And the stats? They’re wild:
- 369 receptions for 4,826 yards and 63 touchdowns
- 744 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 109 carries
- 3,065 return yards and seven touchdowns on special teams
Elliott’s numbers show just how versatile he was. He wasn’t just a receiver; he did it all.
Recognition and Honors
People noticed. Elliott was a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy in 2002, named after his legendary coach John Gagliardi, who entered the Hall of Fame in 2006.
His place in the Hall of Fame feels like a perfect nod to everything he brought to the team and the sport.
Post-College Invitations
After the 2003 season, Elliott got invites to the AFCA Aztec Bowl and the Hula Bowl. That says a lot about how much respect he earned from the football community.
The 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class
Elliott joins a stacked group in the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame class. Here’s who else made the cut:
- Montee Ball (Wisconsin)
- Gregg Carr (Auburn)
- Greg Eslinger (Minnesota)
- Terry Hanratty (Notre Dame)
- Graham Harrell (Texas Tech)
- John Henderson (Tennessee)
- Michael Huff (Texas)
- Jim Kleinsasser (North Dakota)
- Alex Mack (California)
- Terrence Metcalf (Mississippi)
- Haloti Ngata (Oregon)
- Steve Slaton (West Virginia)
- Darrin Smith (Miami, Fla.)
- Michael Strahan (Texas Southern)
- Dennis Thurman (Southern California)
- Michael Vick (Virginia Tech)
- Ryan Yarborough (Wyoming)
Coaches like Larry Blakeney (Troy), Larry Korver (Northwestern, Iowa), Urban Meyer (Bowling Green, Utah, Florida, Ohio State), and Nick Saban (Toledo, Michigan State, LSU, Alabama) are also being honored. That’s some serious company.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Induction into the Hall of Fame isn’t easy. Here’s what it takes:
- First-team All-American by a major/national selector recognized by the NCAA
- Last year of college football at least 10 years ago
- Played within the last 50 years
- Not currently playing pro football
It’s a pretty tough list, so Elliott’s inclusion really means something.
Celebrating Excellence in College Football
The NFF’s 67th Annual Awards Dinner will honor Elliott and the rest of the class. It’s happening at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and will be streamed live on ESPN+, so anyone can tune in and catch the moment.
Event Schedule
Here’s what’s on tap:
- NFF Press Conference: Live on ESPN+ at 9 a.m. PT/11 a.m. CT
- Awards Dinner: Live on ESPN+ at 6:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. CT
- Hall of Fame Induction: About 8:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. CT
It’s a big night for college football, and honestly, it’s about time Elliott got his due. Can’t help but wonder what stories he’ll share up there.
A Legacy of Excellence
Blake Elliott’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame really says a lot about his career. It’s hard to overstate the impact he’s had on the sport.
His achievements inspire athletes everywhere. Excellence, dedication, and a ton of hard work—he’s proof that those things can actually get you to the top.
Want more details about Blake Elliott’s induction or the NFF’s 67th Annual Awards Dinner? You can check out the official MIAC Athletics announcement.
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