25 best college football players not in the College Football Hall of Fame (yet)

NEW YORK - DECEMBER 14: Carson Palmer of the University of Southern California speaks with the press after winning the 68th annual Heisman Trophy Award at The Yale Club December 14, 2002 in New York City. The USC quarterback became the first west coast player win the trophy since 1981. Palmer received 242 first-place votes winning by 233 over second place Iowa quarterback Brad Banks. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) /

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Wide receiver Antwaan Randle El #82 of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

10. Antwaan Randle El, Indiana, QB

Antwaan Randle El’s career is full of firsts. He was the first player to have 40 touchdowns rushing and 40 touchdowns passing (he even added a touchdown reception to his resumè). He was the first player to be responsible for over 2,500 yards in all four seasons in college. His dual-threat ability became apparent very early in his career at Indiana. That led to him being the first player to throw for more than 6,000 yards and rush for more than 3,000 (he ended his career with 7,400 passing yards and 3,800 rushing yards). He has more career rushing yards than stars like Bryce Love and Saquon Barkley.

Randle El was such a threat all over the field. It was unfortunate that he was never able to play for a truly great team, missing bowl games every season, but his success was undeniable. Despite being on a losing team, he still finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting. The fact that his teams aren’t remembered fondly probably hurt his candidacy, but he was great. Greatness is what gets players into the Hall of Fame.

At the time of his retirement, Randle El had more rushing yards than any quarterback ever. It’s since been beaten by Keenan Reynolds of Navy, but he was able to beat it thanks to the scheme over total skill. Randle El could beat teams through the air and on the ground.

On top of football, Randle El also played on the Indiana baseball and basketball teams. He even played briefly for Bob Knight. Randle El was one of the most talented players to ever grace college football, and he should be rewarded with a spot in the Hall.

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