NICEVILLE — While some players had breakout seasons and saw some take to the field for the first time, 2025 also marked the end of some college careers.
From humble beginnings at Joe Ethridge Stadium and the Eagles Nest, local kids repped the 850 and made their hometowns proud.
Here is a look back at former standout athletes as the 2025 football season comes to a close.
After a 27-carry, 130-yard performance in year one, the former Choctaw standout and current Stanford Cardinal had his breakout year in 2025, getting 114 carries, 445 yards and 3 TDs. This includes a game against Florida State, which saw him go for 118 yards on 28 carries and one score. The Cardinals would go on to finish 4-8 (3-5 in the Atlantic Coast Conference).
It may have taken a few years, but after two and a half years of patience, the former South Walton QB took snaps under center for the first time in his career in 2025. Gaining reps in garbage time against Navy on Oct. 4, Hodges would get his first start against New Mexico on Nov. 22, but the Lobos beat the Falcons 20-3. His first win as a starter would come one week later, beating Colorado State 42-21, where he had 87 yards on 14 carries and one touchdown. Hodges would end the year 6-14 passing for 74 yards, along with 49 carries, 207 yards and three scores. Air Force would finish the year 4-8 (3-5 in the Mountain West Conference).
After transferring from Western Kentucky, Marcus Patterson would go on to have a solid year for the Owls, racking up at least one tackle in every game. He would get his first of two sacks in the 2025 season in week two against the Merrimack Warriors. The Owls would go on to lose against Jacksonville State in the Conference USA Championship Game, 19-15, and earn a spot in the Myrtle Beach Bowl, where they lost to Western Michigan, 41-6.
After five years at South Alabama, the former Crestview standout ended his time as a Jaguar with 776 yards on 67 catches for four scores his senior year, a career high. In total, Voisin had 172 catches, 2,133 career receiving yards and 10 scores. South Alabama went 4-8 (3-5 in Sun Belt) in 2025.
Appearing in only two games this season for the Hatters, White made an impact in Week 2 of the 2025 season, recording two interceptions against Warner, which helped record a 59-13 win. The Hatters would go on to finish 3-9 in the 2025 season.
Seeing action early in the 2025 season, Parks would only see playing time in Florida State’s non-conference schedule, getting 61 yards on 10 carries in a blowout win against Eastern Texas A&M and 34 yards on five carries against Kent State. Florida State would fail to meet expectations after a Week 1 victory against Alabama, finishing 5-7 (2-6 in the ACC).
2025 would see an increase in production from the South Walton standout, as Robinson would set career highs during his sophomore season, recording 43 catches for 579 yards and six scores. The Governors would have a solid season, finishing 7-5.
After transferring from South Alabama after his sophomore year, Jacobs would finish his college career as one of the leaders of the Missouri Tigers’ defense, racking up 47 total tackles and three sacks. Against Mississippi State, Jacobs racked up 10 tackles that day, a season high. Missouri would go on to finish 8-5 (4-4 in the SEC)
The former Niceville standout appeared in 8 games in the 2025 season and recorded 14 tackles during his sophomore year. Webber would finish the season 5-6.
Another excellent defensive player for Niceville ended his junior season as the team’s third-highest tackler (35) and recorded two pass breakups and one fumble recovery. The Coast Guard would finish the 2025 season with a 7-3 record; however, it lost to the Merchant Marine Academy 39-38.
The junior lineman would appear in 10 games for the Chanticleers. During this time, Coastal Carolina averaged 155.8 rushing yards per game, ranking 71st in NCAA Division 1, more than Ohio State, Miami (FL), and SMU.
Appearing in all 12 games for the Eagles, Mikhael had to wait until the final game in the regular season to record a stat, catching two passes for seven yards in a 45-10 loss to Old Dominion. The Eagles would finish 7-6 (4-4 in Sun Belt) and earn a trip to the JLAB Birmingham Bowl, beating App State 29-10.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
Register or login with Mid Bay News and never get another pop up on our site!
