Published Jan 10, 2023
Luke Kuechly Headed to College Football Hall of Fame
Kevin Stone
Staff Writer

One of the best players in Boston College history is headed to the College Hall of Fame. Star linebacker Luke Kuechly is part of an all-timer type of class with the 2023 inductees. It was announced on Monday afternoon when the National Football Foundation revealed a list of 18 players and four coaches elected to the hall. The list of players Kuechly is being enshrined with is below…

Eric Berry – DB, Tennessee (2007-09)

Michael Bishop – QB, Kansas State (1997-98)

Reggie Bush – RB, Southern California (2003-05)

Dwight Freeney – DE, Syracuse (1998-2001)

Robert Gallery – OT, Iowa (2000-03)

LaMichael James – RB, Oregon (2009-11)

Derrick Johnson – LB, Texas (2001-04)

Bill Kollar – DT, Montana State (1971-73)

Luke Kuechly – LB, Boston College (2009-11)

Jeremy Maclin – WR/KR, Missouri (2007-08)

Terance Mathis – WR, New Mexico (1985-87, 1989)

Bryant McKinnie – OT, Miami [FL] (2000-01)

Corey Moore – DL, Virginia Tech (1997-99)

Michael Stonebreaker – LB, Notre Dame (1986, 1988, 1990)

Tim Tebow – QB, Florida (2006-09)

Troy Vincent – DB, Wisconsin (1988-91)

Brian Westbrook – RB, Villanova (1997-98, 2000-01)

DeAngelo Williams – RB, Memphis (2002-05)

COACHES:

Monte Cater – 275-117-2 (70.1%); Lakeland [WI] (1981-86), Shepherd [WV] (1987-2017)

Paul Johnson – 189-99-0 (65.6%); Georgia Southern (1997-2001), Navy (2002-07), Georgia Tech (2008-18)

Roy Kramer – 83-32-2 (71.8%); Central Michigan (1967-77)

Mark Richt – 171-64-0 (72.8%); Georgia (2001-15), Miami [FL] (2016-18)

"We are extremely proud to announce the 2023 College Football Hall of Fame Class," said Archie Manning, NFF Chairman and a 1989 College Football Hall of Famer from Mississippi in a release sent out. "Each of these men has established himself among the absolute best to have ever played or coached the game, and we look forward to immortalizing their incredible accomplishments."The 2023 College Football Hall of Fame Class will officially be inducted during the 65th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 5, 2023, at the ARIA Resort & Casino Las Vegas.

The inductees will also be recognized at their respective collegiate institutions with NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salutes, which means Luke will have one outside Alumni Stadium. Their accomplishments will be forever immortalized at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, and each inductee will receive a custom ring too.

"We want to thank ESPN for the opportunity to announce the 2023 College Football Hall of Fame Class during today's lead up to the College Football Playoff National Championship," added NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "Today's announcement shines a light on the accomplishments of some of college football's greatest legends."Kuechly gains induction to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility and becomes the eighth Eagle player to receive the honor and 11th overall. He is the first BC player to enter the Hall of Fame since Mike Ruth in 2017.

Kuechly, racked up the second-most career tackles in NCAA history, becoming the most decorated defensive player in Boston College history.

According to the BC PR department, Kuechly was a two-time First Team All-American, unanimous in 2010 and consensus in 2011, Kuechly made a “clean sweep” of national defensive honors in 2011, including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Butkus Award, the Rotary Lombardi Award and the Lott IMPACT Trophy after leading all collegiate football players in tackles (191) and solo tackles (102). In 2010, Kuechly also led the nation in tackles with 183, including 110 solo tackles. In 2009, he was named a Freshman All-American by the FWAA and registered 158 tackles, including 87 solo tackles. His combined three-year total gave him 532 career total tackles, which ranks second in NCAA history. His 14.0 total tackles per game places him No. 1 in NCAA history, and his 7.87 solo tackles per game rank second in NCAA annals.

Despite losses in both bowl games he played in, Kuechly earned Defensive MVP honors in each.

Also from BC PR: Kuechly was the 2011 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, a three-time First Team All-ACC selection and the 2009 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. He led the conference in tackles per game in each of his three seasons as a member of the program. The 2011 team captain and MVP finished his career as BC’s all-time leader in career tackles (532), career solo tackles (299) and single-season tackles (191 in 2011). Kuechly recorded at least 10 tackles in 34-of-38 career games, including a streak of 33-straight games. He ranks third all-time at BC with 44 career tackles for loss. He finished his career with three sacks, seven interceptions, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and 10 pass breakups.

Kuechly was selected as a member of the FWAA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2015, and Boston College retired his jersey in 2016.