COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: Day 11 Antwaan Randle El
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 185 pounds
Hometown: Harvey, Illinois (Thornton Township High School)
Class/Position: Legend / Quarterback
NIL Store: N/A
Continuing on with our annual Countdown to Kickoff, we move forward to day 11, where we highlight one of Indiana’s “Mount Rushmore” players to ever play for the Hoosiers football program, Antwaan Randle El.
Randle El is currently the Chicago Bears’ assistant head coach and wide receivers coach after seeing immense success in previous NFL roles with the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Prior to NFL coaching, Randle El was an NFL player, playing for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the (named then) Washington Redskins. Randle El made history with the Pittsburgh Steelers, famously throwing a touchdown pass to seal a Super Bowl win for Pittsburgh during the 2005/2006 season.
Now, why is that play “famous”, you ask? Isn’t Randle El listed as a quarterback above? Quarterbacks throw touchdowns all the time! Well, as you may already know reading this, Randle El transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver in the NFL. He saw strong success as a wide receiver in the NFL, tallying 370 receptions for 4467 yards with 15 TDs across 9 seasons. However, his past as a quarterback didn’t die in the NFL; it became part of some of Pittsburgh and Washington’s most memorable trick plays.
In the NFL, Randle El – as a wide receiver – completed 22/27 passes (81.5%) and threw for 323 yards, 6 TDs, and 0 INTs with a passer rating of 156.1. He threw (and completed) at least one pass in every NFL season he played except for one. Randle El could sling it, and he learned to perfect his craft in Bloomington, Indiana, where he shined for four straight seasons in the Cream and Crimson.
Across those four seasons as starting quarterback for the Hoosiers, Randle El amassed 7,469 passing yards and 42 TDs while rushing for 3,895 yards and 44 TDs. In total, that’s 11,364 yards and 87 (he caught a receiving TD too) TDs. Simply incredible.
Randle El’s college success cemented him as one of the best players in Indiana (and college football) history. His accolades are unbelievably impressive and rich. His recruiting page on 247 Sports details the following: “Randle El was named Big Ten Most Valuable Player in 2001 and 1st team All-American in 2001. He finished 6th in Heisman Trophy balloting in 2001, after finishing 13th in 2000.
Antwaan was the first player in NCAA history to score 40 touchdowns (45) and throw for 40 touchdowns (42), first to record over 2,500 total yards in four seasons, first to pass for over 6,000 yards and first to rush for over 3,000 yards. The Thompson-Randle El Award, given to the Big Ten’s best freshman football player, is named in his honor. A tremendous all-around athlete, while at Indiana Randle El also played on the men’s basketball and baseball teams.”
Randle El is currently on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. Selections will be announced in early 2026, where both Hoosier fans and Randle El himself will no doubt be looking for the dynamic star to be honored for these tremendous accolades. Randle El was a fantastic Hoosier, a fantastic pro, and is now a fantastic NFL coach. Look for his name to continue making waves in the NFL has he continues his professional journey.
For a trip down memory lane, check out this highlight reel of Randle El tearing it up for the Hoosiers.
The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff continues each and every day so be sure to check back often for the latest profile piece!