Northern Illinois University (NIU) football legend Jordan Lynch is headed to the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class. It’s a pretty big deal. Lynch’s college football career was packed with highlights—he led NIU to an Orange Bowl, landed third in the 2013 Heisman Trophy voting, and shattered a handful of NCAA records along the way.
His induction into the Hall of Fame? It’s just another reminder of what he meant to NIU and the sport itself.
Jordan Lynch’s Historic College Football Career
Jordan Lynch’s years at NIU were something to remember. As quarterback from 2012-2013, he steered the Huskies to a wild 24-4 record.
That run included a Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship and a trip to the Orange Bowl in 2012. Lynch’s play during those seasons was just… on another level.
Key Achievements and Records
His senior year in 2013? Lynch threw for 2,892 yards and 24 touchdowns. On the ground, he rushed for 1,920 yards and 23 touchdowns, setting an NCAA quarterback rushing record.
Those 321 rushing yards against Western Michigan? Still an NCAA record for FBS quarterbacks. Finishing third in the Heisman voting—no one from the MAC had ever done that before.
- Threw for 2,892 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2013
- Rushed for 1,920 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2013
- Set an NCAA record with 321 rushing yards in a single game
- Finished third in the 2013 Heisman Trophy voting
Accolades and Honors
Lynch’s impact at NIU didn’t go unnoticed. He was a first-team All-American, recognized by the Associated Press, Lindy’s, and Phil Steele.
The MAC gave him the Vern Smith Leadership Award twice—basically, league MVP. He was also a finalist for some of college football’s biggest awards: Walter Camp Player of the Year, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm, and the Manning Quarterback Award.
Recognition and Awards
Throughout his career, Lynch set five NCAA records and 25 school records. Not too shabby, right?
- First-team All-American (Associated Press, Lindy’s, Phil Steele)
- MAC Vern Smith Leadership Award (twice)
- Finalist for Walter Camp Player of the Year
- Finalist for Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
- Finalist for Manning Quarterback Award
Impact Beyond College Football
After college, Lynch went north to the Canadian Football League with the Edmonton Eskimos. He helped them win the Grey Cup in 2015.
He circled back to NIU as an assistant coach in 2017. Now, he’s the head coach at Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago, where he’s already led the team to five state championships.
Post-College Football Career
Lynch’s football journey after NIU has been pretty impressive:
- Played for the Edmonton Eskimos in the CFL
- Helped the Eskimos win the Grey Cup in 2015
- Returned to NIU as an assistant coach in 2017
- Head coach at Mt. Carmel High School, leading the team to five state championships
What They Said About Jordan Lynch
Coaches and teammates have always raved about Lynch’s leadership and grit. Rod Carey, who coached him at NIU, called Lynch the best player he’s ever coached.
Dave Doeren, another former NIU coach, talked about Lynch’s passion and fire. Jerry Kill, who coached at NIU before Lynch’s breakout, pointed to his toughness—both mental and physical.
Coaches’ Testimonials
A few words from the folks who know him best:
- Jordan Lynch was, simply put, the best player I have ever coached! – Rod Carey
- In my 31 years of coaching at the collegiate level, I can say wholeheartedly that Jordan Lynch was special – and he was special in every way possible. – Dave Doeren
- Jordan Lynch is one of the best players and best young men that I’ve been associated with in all my years in college football. – Jerry Kill
Conclusion
Jordan Lynch’s induction into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame really says a lot about his career. He set NCAA records and led NIU to some wild, unforgettable wins.
Lynch didn’t just stop after his playing days. Now he’s coaching, and you can see his influence on younger players coming up. Honestly, it’s hard not to admire how his story keeps inspiring people in the college football world.
Want more details? Check out the official announcement for a deeper dive into his journey.
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