Ever catch a college football broadcast and think, “Wait, is that player related to an NFL star?” Sometimes the connection is obvious. It’s unclear other times, like with Furman’s Devin Hester Jr.. Honestly, it’s confusing for fans, too. But plenty of names out there really follow in the family’s footsteps.
How Are NFL Legends’ Kids Shaping College Football in 2024?
Here are some current college football players whose dads once made plays on Sundays, bringing that familiar pedigree to the 2024 season.
Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska
Raiola took over as Nebraska’s starting quarterback as a true freshman, throwing for 2,819 yards and 13 touchdowns. He’s still the Cornhuskers’ main guy behind center for the 2024 campaign.
His dad, Dominic Raiola, anchored Nebraska’s offensive line from 1997 to 2000 before logging 14 years with the Detroit Lions. He made 203 starts in the NFL, and his No. 54 jersey is retired at Nebraska.
Antonio Gates Jr., WR, Delaware State
Gates joined the Spartans as the top-rated receiver prospect from the Great Lakes State. After tallying nine catches in East Lansing, he teamed up with DeSean Jackson and the Hornets.
His father, Antonio Gates, was a three-time first-team Associated Press All-Pro tight end for the Chargers. Gates piled up 955 career catches, 11,841 yards, and 116 touchdowns in the NFL.
Jerome Bettis Jr., WR, Notre Dame
As a freshman, Bettis arrived at Notre Dame, following his Hall of Fame father. Rated as a three-star recruit by On3, he caught 36 passes for 630 yards and eight touchdowns at Woodward Academy in Georgia.
Jerome Bettis Sr. played 13 seasons in the NFL, with 10 years spent in Pittsburgh. He’s among the league’s top rushing leaders all-time.
Eden James, RB, Howard
James is the son of Edgerrin James, who played for the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals. As a graduate student at Howard, Eden was named to the Phil Steele FCS All-Conference third team last season. He racked up 422 rushing yards and three touchdowns for the Bison in 2024.
Edgerrin James finished his pro career with over 12,200 rushing yards.
Christian Harrison, DB, Cincinnati
Harrison transferred to Cincinnati after three seasons at Tennessee. He played in 24 games for the Volunteers, collecting 31 tackles, four tackles for loss, and a pass defensed.
His father, Rodney Harrison, earned All-Pro honors and picked up two Super Bowl rings as a safety.
Christian Driver, WR, Minnesota
Driver landed at Minnesota after a stint at Penn State. In 2024, he hauled in seven catches for 49 yards and a touchdown for the Golden Gophers. Before that, he mostly saw action on special teams with the Nittany Lions.
His dad, Donald Driver, was a Green Bay Packers favorite for 14 seasons.
