Exploring College Football Players Hailing from the Tri-State Region, According to Dan Weber
In the vibrant world of Division I college football, the talent pool from Northern Kentucky is making a significant impact, with local athletes excelling in various positions across multiple programs primarily in Ohio and Kentucky.
Brach Rice, a redshirt freshman outside linebacker/edge rusher for Miami of Ohio, is one such standout. His impressive performance includes holding the school record for 28 tackles in one game at Dixie. Meanwhile, Dillon Smith, a 6-4, 260-pound defensive lineman at Louisville University, helped the Ryle Raiders reach the state championship game in Class 6A last year, with notable performances including four tackles, one for loss, a sack, a fumble recovery, and being named first-team all-state.
The University of Cincinnati's football program boasts several local talents, including Dontay Corleone, a redshirt senior defensive tackle from Colerain, Cincinnati, who plays a key role on the defensive line. Antwan Peek Jr., a redshirt junior STAR (hybrid linebacker/safety) from Indian Hill, Cincinnati, is another notable player contributing significantly to the team.
Eastern Kentucky University, situated in Kentucky, is home to a strong contingent of Northern Kentucky athletes. Brayden Latham, a junior running back, had a standout season in 2024 with 622 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and an undefeated home season, helping EKU reach the FCS Playoffs. Marcus Calwise Jr., a wide receiver, led the team with 42 receptions for 526 yards and five TDs in his freshman year, earning Freshman All-American recognition.
In addition to these standouts, players like Drew Dickerson, a Ryle alum, at Morehead State University, Willie Rodriguez from Covington Catholic at the University of Kentucky, Nick Keller from Conner High at the University of Louisville, and Cam Hergott, a former Kentucky Mr. Football, at Eastern Kentucky University, are making their mark in Division I football.
This local presence in division I programs highlights Northern Kentucky’s ongoing contribution to collegiate football talent in the region, with players excelling mostly at defensive line, linebacker, running back, and wide receiver positions. The standout achievements include unanimous all-conference honors, Freshman All-American recognition, and contributing to playoff-bound teams. The future looks promising as players like Evan Wibberley, an alum of Dixie Heights, compete for starting positions on the University of Kentucky's offensive line, and Cam Hergott, a redshirt junior at Eastern Kentucky University, switches positions from quarterback to wide receiver for the upcoming season.
- Brach Rice, hailing from Northern Kentucky, is revolutionizing the football scene as a redshirt freshman outside linebacker/edge rusher for Miami of Ohio, breaking the school record for 28 tackles in one game at Dixon.
- Dillon Smith, a defensive lineman at Louisville University from Northern Kentucky, made a significant impact last year when he helped Ryle Raiders reach the state championship game in Class 6A, showcasing four tackles, one for loss, a sack, a fumble recovery, and being named first-team all-state.
- The University of Cincinnati, based in Kentucky, is home to several athletes from Northern Kentucky, such as Dontay Corleone, a defensive tackle, and Antwan Peek Jr., a STAR player, both making crucial contributions to the football program.
- Marcus Calwise Jr., a wide receiver at Eastern Kentucky University from Northern Kentucky, demonstrated outstanding performance in his freshman year, leading the team with 42 receptions for 526 yards and five TDs, earning Freshman All-American recognition.
