St. Louis Talent Shines in College Football Saturday

Saturday, November 9, 2025, was a day to remember for football fans in the St. Louis area, as several local athletes delivered standout performances on the national stage. From game-changing defensive plays to highlight-reel touchdowns and a regional team defying expectations in their FBS debut, our hometown heroes certainly made their mark.

St. Louis Stars Lead Their Teams to Victory

Let’s take a closer look at the players and team from our region who turned heads during this weekend’s college football action.

Tre Bell, Iowa State Cyclones

Parkway West product and junior defensive back, Tre Bell, was instrumental in Iowa State’s narrow 20-17 victory. A Lindenwood transfer, Bell made two crucial turnovers against TCU: a stripped fumble from running back Jeremy Payne with just over five minutes remaining, recovered by his team, and an interception earlier in the game. His first career forced fumble highlighted a huge defensive role that helped seal the win for the Cyclones.

Dierre Hill Jr., Oregon Ducks

Freshman running back Dierre Hill Jr., hailing from Althoff, provided Oregon’s only touchdown in their nail-biting 18-16 win over No. 20 Iowa. Hill’s 19-yard touchdown run was a display of sheer determination, as he evaded multiple tacklers in the backfield and powered through a defender at the goal line. With four rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown this season, Hill is quickly becoming a key offensive threat for the Ducks.

Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame’s running back Jeremiyah Love put on a show in the No. 10-ranked Irish’s 45-10 rout of Navy. Love finished the day with 76 rushing yards and two touchdowns, but it was his astonishing 76-yard score in the second half that stole the spotlight. Appearing to be tackled behind the line of scrimmage, Love somehow stayed upright and broke free for a spectacular touchdown. He now stands fifth in Notre Dame history with 36 career touchdowns and sixth with 31 rushing touchdowns.

Missouri State’s Impressive FBS Debut

In their inaugural year as a Bowl Subdivision (FBS) team, Missouri State is already exceeding all expectations. Despite being projected to finish 12th in the 12-team Conference USA, the Bears secured a significant 21-17 road victory over Liberty. This win improves their record to 6-3 overall and 4-1 in C-USA play, ensuring at least a .500 league mark. The winning touchdown came with just 25 seconds left on a 13-yard pass from Jacob Clark to Tristian Gardner, showcasing their resilience. While currently ineligible for a bowl game due to transition rules, administrators are reportedly preparing a petition to the NCAA, hoping to give the 5-1 Bears (against non-Power Four FBS teams) a chance at a postseason berth.

Other Notable St. Louis Area Performances

• Sael Reyes, SLU: A freshman safety from East St. Louis, Reyes notched his first career interception late in SLU’s dominant 34-13 win over Boston College.
• Jesse Watson, Purdue: The redshirt freshman from East St. Louis recorded his second career touchdown catch during Purdue’s 38-10 loss to No. 1 Ohio State.
• Logan Kopp, North Dakota State: Lindbergh High alumnus and senior linebacker, Kopp, had an outstanding nine total tackles (four for loss, 1.5 sacks) in a 15-10 victory at No. 13 North Dakota. His performance helped clinch the Missouri Valley Football Conference title for the Bison, and he now leads the team with nine tackles for loss.
• Jamond Mathis, Kent State: Duchesne’s redshirt sophomore defensive lineman, Mathis, achieved career highs with four total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a pass breakup in Kent State’s 17-13 loss to Ball State.
• Taylor Powell, Northern Illinois: The redshirt freshman safety from East St. Louis posted a career-best five total tackles (four solo) in Northern Illinois’ loss at Toledo.
• Aneeyas Williams, Notre Dame: From Hannibal, Williams contributed a 64-yard rushing touchdown and a career-best 72 yards for the Fighting Irish against Navy.

Saturday’s Top St. Louis Area College Football Stars

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Louis College Football Talent

• Who writes these updates on St. Louis college football players?
  These updates are typically compiled by sports reporters and digital production editors like Ethan Erickson from the Post-Dispatch, focusing on local talent making an impact nationally.
• What is the significance of Missouri State’s move to FBS?
  Moving to the Bowl Subdivision (FBS) means Missouri State now competes at the highest level of NCAA college football. Their current success in their first season in Conference USA is a significant achievement, attracting more attention and potential recruits to the program.
• Why isn’t Missouri State eligible for a bowl game despite their winning record?
  Teams transitioning to FBS typically undergo a probationary period where they are not eligible for postseason play. However, Missouri State is exploring options to petition the NCAA for an exception given their strong performance.
• Are there other St. Louis area athletes to watch out for in college football?
  Yes, the St. Louis region consistently produces talented athletes across all college football divisions. Beyond these highlighted players, many others continue to contribute to their college teams, and their performances are often tracked in local sports coverage.

The consistent success and highlight-reel moments from St. Louis area athletes across college football demonstrate the strong athletic foundation and talent nurtured within our community. Keep an eye on these players as they continue to make their mark on the gridiron!

St Louis Talent Shines in College Football Saturday