College football is a realm of passion, dedication, and sometimes, controversy. Over the years, several players have found themselves dismissed from their teams due to various infractions, ranging from legal issues to violations of team policies.
Let’s delve into 15 such instances where college football players were blacklisted from their teams.
15. Marvin Austin (North Carolina Tar Heels)
Marvin Austin, a standout defensive tackle for the North Carolina Tar Heels, was dismissed from the team in 2010 amid an NCAA investigation into improper benefits and academic misconduct. His involvement in the scandal led to significant sanctions against the program.
14. Chris Marshall (Ole Miss Rebels)
Chris Marshall, a former five-star recruit, transferred from Texas A&M to Ole Miss but was dismissed from the Rebels in May 2023 for violating team rules before playing a single game. He later enrolled at Kilgore College to continue his football career.
13. Traeshon Holden (Oregon Ducks)
After transferring from Alabama to Oregon, wide receiver Traeshon Holden was dismissed from the Ducks in February 2023 following a felony arrest. He was subsequently reinstated after being cleared of all charges.
12. Randy Moss (Florida State Seminoles)
Randy Moss enrolled at Florida State but was dismissed after testing positive for marijuana. He transferred to Marshall University, where he became a standout wide receiver.
11. Rara Thomas (Georgia Bulldogs)
Rara Thomas, who transferred from Mississippi State to Georgia, was dismissed from the Bulldogs in August 2024 following arrests related to felony false imprisonment and misdemeanor family violence charges.
10. Caden Davis (Ohio State Buckeyes)
Caden Davis, a defensive end known for his significant social media presence, was dismissed from the Ohio State football team in January 2025. The university did not disclose specific reasons for his dismissal, but it was reported that he had been off the team for several weeks prior to the announcement.
9. Greg Little (North Carolina Tar Heels)
Wide receiver Greg Little was declared permanently ineligible by the NCAA in 2010 for receiving improper benefits from agents, including travel accommodations and jewelry. His actions were part of a broader investigation that impacted the North Carolina football program.
8. Jameial Lyons (Penn State Nittany Lions)
In October 2024, defensive lineman Jameial Lyons was charged with felony rape and assault, leading to his suspension and eventual removal from the Penn State football team.
7. Kaveion Keys (Penn State Nittany Lions)
Linebacker Kaveion Keys faced similar charges alongside Lyons in October 2024, resulting in his suspension and removal from the Penn State football program.
6. Art Schlichter (Ohio State Buckeyes)
Art Schlichter, a star quarterback for Ohio State in the late 1970s and early 1980s, faced a lifetime ban from the NFL due to gambling issues. His troubles began in college, leading to strained relations with the university.
5. Robert Quinn (North Carolina Tar Heels)
Defensive end Robert Quinn faced permanent ineligibility in 2010 after accepting improper benefits, such as jewelry and travel expenses, from agents. This violation contributed to the NCAA’s sanctions against the university.
4. Lawrence Phillips (Nebraska Cornhuskers)
Despite his talent, running back Lawrence Phillips was dismissed from the Nebraska team in 1995 after multiple legal issues, including assault charges.
3. Brian Banks (USC Trojans)
A promising linebacker, Brian Banks’ career was derailed after a wrongful conviction for a crime he didn’t commit, leading to his removal from the USC football program.
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2. Marcus Vick (Virginia Tech Hokies)
Quarterback Marcus Vick was dismissed from Virginia Tech in 2006 due to a series of legal troubles and on-field incidents, including stomping on an opponent’s leg during a game.
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1. Maurice Clarett (Ohio State Buckeyes)
Maurice Clarett led Ohio State to a national championship in 2002 but was dismissed from the team due to multiple legal issues and violations of NCAA rules.
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