Trade College Football Top 20

When most people think of football powerhouses, their minds often turn to big-name universities like Alabama, Ohio State, or Clemson. But what about the often-overlooked trade schools? These institutions are more than just hubs of skilled training—they’re also home to some fiercely competitive football programs. With this in mind, we’ve created a Trade College Football Top 20 Rankings to shine a light on these schools that excel in both the classroom and on the field.

These schools may defy the stereotype of the “typical” college experience, but the truth is, they are producing not only top-tier tradespeople but also high-level athletes. Let’s break down why it’s time to rethink what trade schools represent and celebrate the grit, talent, and success found on their football fields.

Trade Stars in College Football

1. Blinn College (Brenham, TX)

• Football Program: A perennial NJCAA football powerhouse, Blinn has produced several NFL players. Blinn’s football program is known for its hard-hitting style and competitive spirit.
  
• NFL Standout: Cam Newton – Quarterback.
  •  Newton won the Heisman Trophy at Auburn and led the Carolina Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance. He was also named NFL MVP in 2015.
    
• Trade Excellence: Blinn excels in HVAC, welding, and automotive technology. While we can’t confirm specific players who are tradesmen, the football team’s toughness mirrors the work ethic required in these hands-on fields.

2. Williamson College of the Trades (Media, PA)

• Football Program: One of the few pure trade schools with a football team, Williamson has a proud tradition of fielding teams composed largely of students in vocational programs.
  
• NFL Standout: None currently known, as this school primarily focuses on vocational training, and its football team is more of a developmental program.
  
• Trade Excellence: Specializing in carpentry, masonry, and landscaping, this school truly embraces the idea of producing “student-athletes” who are equally at home on the field and in the workshop.

3. Navarro College (Corsicana, TX)

• Football Program: Another top NJCAA program, Navarro is known for producing NFL-caliber talent and competitive teams that dominate their conference.
  
• NFL Standout: Michael Bowie – Offensive Tackle
  • Bowie played for the Seattle Seahawks and was part of the team’s Super Bowl XLVIII-winning roster.
    
• Trade Excellence: Navarro offers HVAC and welding programs, and the players on the team often embody the determination required to excel in skilled trades.

4. Kilgore College (Kilgore, TX)

• Football Program: Kilgore’s football team is consistently one of the top junior college programs in the country. Known for its discipline, it’s a reflection of the strong, work-oriented culture on campus.
  
• NFL Standout: Corey Dillon – Running Back
  • Dillon had an impressive NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots, including winning a Super Bowl (XXXIX) with the Patriots.
    
• Trade Excellence: Kilgore is noted for its programs in electrical technology, automotive repair, and HVAC, making it a key player in preparing students for skilled labor careers.

5. Southeastern University (Lakeland, FL)

• Football Program: Competing in the NAIA, Southeastern has built a strong football program that continues to rise in prominence.
  
• NFL Standout: None currently known. Southeastern University is more focused on NAIA-level athletics and has not yet produced NFL players.
  
• Trade Excellence: In addition to traditional academic programs, Southeastern offers vocational training in construction and HVAC. The balance between athletics and vocational success sets it apart.

6. Campbellsville University (Campbellsville, KY)

• Football Program: Competing in the NAIA, Campbellsville’s football team is known for its tenacity and consistent competitive performances.
  
• NFL Standout: None currently known. Campbellsville has not been a major contributor to the NFL.
  
• Trade Excellence: While primarily known as a liberal arts institution, Campbellsville offers vocational training in fields such as nursing and health sciences, making it an interesting hybrid institution.

7. Ferris State University (Big Rapids, MI)

• Football Program: Ferris State’s football team competes at the NCAA Division II level and is one of the top-ranked programs in the country.
  
• NFL Standout: Zach Sieler – Defensive End. Sieler currently plays for the Miami Dolphins and was a standout at Ferris State before making it to the NFL.
  
• Trade Excellence: Known for its excellent automotive technology and heavy equipment programs, Ferris State prepares students for careers in high-demand technical fields, proving that trades and sports excellence can coexist.

8. Tyler Junior College (Tyler, TX)

• Football Program: Another dominant NJCAA program, Tyler Junior College regularly contends for championships.
  
• NFL Standout: Aaron Ross – Cornerback
  • Ross won two Super Bowls (XLII and XLVI) with the New York Giants and was a key player in their defensive backfield.
    
• Trade Excellence: HVAC and welding programs are some of the top offerings at Tyler, with the school providing hands-on training that aligns with the discipline seen on the field.

9. SUNY College of Technology at Alfred (Alfred State) (Alfred, NY)

• Football Program: Competing in the NCAA Division III, Alfred State’s football team is known for being scrappy and hard-working.
  
• NFL Standout: None currently known.
  
• Trade Excellence: With programs in electrical engineering technology and welding, Alfred State is a hub for technical education in the Northeast.

10. Weber State University (Ogden, UT)

• Football Program: Competing in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Weber State is a powerhouse in its division.
  
• NFL Standout: Taron Johnson – Cornerback
  • Johnson is currently a standout for the Buffalo Bills and made headlines with his 101-yard interception return for a touchdown in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game in 2021.
    
• Trade Excellence: While not a dedicated trade school, Weber State offers vocational training in fields like automotive technology, showcasing the school’s versatility in education and athletics.

11. Fresno City College (Fresno, CA)

• Football Program: With a strong football tradition, Fresno City College’s team is a top competitor in the CCCAA.
  
• NFL Standout: Maurice Morris – Running Back
  • Morris had a solid NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions.
    
• Trade Excellence: Fresno City offers comprehensive HVAC and automotive programs, producing skilled workers while their football players dominate on the field.

12. Bakersfield College (Bakersfield, CA)

• Football Program: Bakersfield College is known for its football success in the CCCAA, with a history of championships and player development.
  
• NFL Standout: Frank Gifford – Halfback/Receiver
  • Gifford was a Hall of Fame player for the New York Giants and later became a legendary sports broadcaster.
    
• Trade Excellence: HVAC and industrial technology programs are some of the key areas where Bakersfield College excels.

13. Trinity Valley Community College (Athens, TX)

• Football Program: Trinity Valley is a perennial contender in NJCAA football, known for its high-flying offense and solid defense.
  
• NFL Standout: Josh McCown – Quarterback
  • McCown had a lengthy NFL career, playing for multiple teams including the Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, and Philadelphia Eagles.
    
• Trade Excellence: The college offers HVAC and welding programs, making it a vital source for skilled tradesmen in the region.

14. College of San Mateo (San Mateo, CA)

• Football Program: San Mateo has one of the best football programs in the CCCAA, regularly producing championship-caliber teams.
  
• NFL Standout: Julian Edelman – Wide Receiver
  • Edelman had a decorated career with the New England Patriots, winning three Super Bowls and earning Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl LIII.
    
• Trade Excellence: San Mateo offers HVAC training as well as other technical programs, ensuring that its graduates are ready for the workforce.

15. College of the Sequoias (Visalia, CA)

• Football Program: With a strong football tradition, College of the Sequoias competes in the CCCAA and is known for producing top talent.
  
• NFL Standout: Kenjon Barner – Running Back
  • Barner played for several NFL teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, with whom he won Super Bowl LII.
    
• Trade Excellence: The HVAC program at College of the Sequoias prepares students for careers in the ever-growing field of climate control.

16. Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) (Walnut, CA)

• Football Program: One of the top football programs in California’s community college system, Mt. SAC constantly competes for state championships.
  
• NFL Standout: Bruce Irvin – Linebacker
  • Irvin won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks (Super Bowl XLVIII) and has had a successful NFL career.
• Trade Excellence: Mt. SAC offers a robust HVAC program, as well as other technical courses, blending athletics with practical career training.

17. Lackawanna College (Scranton, PA)

• Football Program: Lackawanna is one of the top NJCAA football programs in the nation, consistently producing Division I-level talent.
  
• NFL Standout: Kevin White – Wide Receiver
  • White was a first-round draft pick by the Chicago Bears in 2015, though injuries limited his NFL career.
    
• Trade Excellence: Lackawanna offers HVAC programs that provide valuable skills to students seeking careers in the trades.

18. Montana State University-Northern (Havre, MT)

• Football Program: Competing in the NAIA, MSU-Northern fields a strong, competitive team.
  
• NFL Standout: None currently known. Montana State University-Northern is more focused on NAIA-level athletics and has not yet produced NFL players.
  
• Trade Excellence: The university offers HVAC and plumbing technology programs, making it a leader in trades education in Montana.

19. Idaho State University (ISU) (Pocatello, ID)

• Football Program: Competing in the NCAA Division I FCS, ISU’s football program continues to grow in prominence.
  
• NFL Standout: Jared Allen – Defensive End
  • Allen was a standout defensive player in the NFL, primarily with the Minnesota Vikings, and earned five Pro Bowl selections during his career.
    
• Trade Excellence: ISU offers a variety of technical programs, including HVAC, helping students gain hands-on skills while also participating in competitive athletics.

20. North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) (Wahpeton, ND)

• Football Program: NDSCS fields a competitive football team in the NJCAA, known for its strength and perseverance.
  
• NFL Standout: None currently known
  
• Trade Excellence: Offering HVAC/R technology programs, NDSCS is a go-to institution for students seeking both athletic and vocational opportunities.

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Rethinking the Trade School Stereotype

For far too long, trade schools have been overlooked by both employers and students who think a traditional four-year degree is the only path to success. The schools in our Trade College Football Top 20 prove that a strong vocational education can go hand-in-hand with athletic excellence. In fact, the values learned on the football field—hard work, determination, teamwork—are the very same values that tradespeople apply in their careers.

Trade schools are producing the next generation of skilled workers, many of whom are balancing the demands of being student-athletes. It’s time to recognize these schools for the valuable role they play in both workforce development and the world of collegiate sports.

 Many of the trade schools and junior colleges listed in our Trade College Football Top 20 Rankings have produced NFL-caliber talent, debunking the myth that trade or junior colleges don’t produce professional athletes. These schools have successfully balanced academics, trade training, and athletics, helping their students find success on and off the field. From Cam Newton to Julian Edelman, these standout players remind us that the path to the NFL isn’t always through the traditional college route—it can start at a trade school, too!So the next time someone says “trade schools aren’t real colleges,” point them to the Trade College Football Top 20— and see what they say..