In the pantheon of college football’s most feared defenders, few names carry the gravity and grit of Ndamukong Suh. On May 30, 2024, the National Football Foundation (NFF) announced the release of its highly anticipated 2025 College Football Hall of Fame ballot, and to the excitement of Husker fans and gridiron historians alike, Suh’s name was officially among the elite list of nominees. This nomination is more than a formality—it is the beginning of a coronation.
With 77 players and 9 coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) recognized on this year’s ballot, Suh stands out not only for his accolades but for the seismic impact he had on the sport during his time at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The numbers, the dominance, and the intimidation factor etched him into college football lore. But now, the question isn’t whether he was great—it’s whether that greatness will finally be enshrined in bronze.
The Meteoric Rise of Ndamukong Suh: Redefining Defensive Line Play
When Ndamukong Suh took the field for the Huskers between 2005 and 2009, he wasn’t just another top recruit fulfilling expectations—he was rewriting the manual on how a defensive lineman could take over a football game.
Standing at 6’4”, 305 pounds, with the agility of a linebacker and the strength of a wrecking ball, Suh terrorized offensive lines across the country. But it was his senior season in 2009 that turned him into a household name—and a walking nightmare for quarterbacks.
- 2009 Stats: 85 tackles (20.5 for loss), 12 sacks, 10 pass breakups, 1 interception, and 3 blocked kicks.
- Awards: Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy, Nagurski Trophy, Bednarik Award, AP Player of the Year.
- Heisman Trophy Voting: Finished 4th, an unheard-of feat for a defensive tackle.
It was on December 5, 2009, in the Big 12 Championship Game against Texas, that Suh delivered perhaps the most dominant defensive performance of the BCS era: 12 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and relentless pressure on quarterback Colt McCoy. Nebraska didn’t win that game, but Suh won the respect of the entire nation.
️ Why the Hall of Fame Matters — And Why Suh Belongs
The College Football Hall of Fame, administered by the NFF, represents the ultimate honor for a collegiate athlete. Of over 5.7 million who have played college football, only about 1,100 players have ever been inducted. It is a sanctuary reserved for those whose performances transcended stats and seasons.
To be eligible for the Hall, a player must:
- Be named a First Team All-American by a recognized selector.
- Have concluded their college career at least 10 years prior.
- Have demonstrated exemplary citizenship and sportsmanship.
Suh checks every box—and then some. Not only was he a consensus First-Team All-American, but his influence on games went beyond measurable impact. Suh didn’t just play football—he imposed his will on it. He was the cornerstone of Bo Pelini’s defense, a one-man blitzkrieg who could shut down both the run and the pass.
Off the field, Suh has been just as impactful. Known for his philanthropic efforts—such as his $2.6 million donation to Nebraska’s athletic department—he has championed educational and athletic opportunities for young athletes, especially in underserved communities.
A Polarizing Force, But a Powerful Legacy
While Suh’s NFL career added to his renown—earning multiple Pro Bowl nods, an All-Pro selection, and even a Super Bowl ring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—his college career is what truly cemented his legend. And yet, he has remained a somewhat polarizing figure, his physical style occasionally drawing criticism or penalties. But greatness in football has never come wrapped in politeness.
Legends, by definition, are larger than life. Suh wasn’t built to fit neatly into any mold. He smashed them.
️ The 2025 Ballot: A Stacked Field, But Suh Shines Brightest
With 77 FBS players vying for induction in 2025, including names like Andrew Luck, Eric Berry, and Marshawn Lynch, Suh faces stiff competition. But few—if any—can claim the type of game-breaking dominance he brought to the trenches. Defensive tackles rarely get their due. Suh, however, made himself undeniable.
His candidacy also serves as a referendum on how college football recognizes defense. If the Hall truly honors players who shaped the game, then it must make room for the man who turned every offensive coordinator’s playbook into kindling.
️ What Comes Next?
The NFF will announce the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame class in early 2025, with an official induction ceremony held later in the year in Las Vegas, where the Hall resides. The selection process is rigorous and competitive, determined by an electorate of former players, coaches, media, and administrators.
For Husker Nation, the anticipation is already electric. Ndamukong Suh wasn’t just one of Nebraska’s best—he was one of college football’s most awe-inspiring defenders. His place in the Hall is not a matter of if—but when.
Conclusion: Suh’s Time Has Come
In an era of highlight reels and inflated stats, Ndamukong Suh brought the old-school, smashmouth edge back to the defensive line. He didn’t just play the game—he made it flinch. His inclusion on the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame ballot is not merely a nod to past achievements. It is a long-overdue affirmation of a player who left an indelible crater on the history of college football.
The ballots are in. The fans are watching. And if justice still exists in the hallowed halls of college football, Ndamukong Suh will soon be immortalized among the game’s greatest.
Because sometimes, dominance deserves to be cast in bronze.
