NCAA Football: A Deep Dive into Single-Season Interception Records
Every defensive back dreams of a season where the ball seems magnetically drawn to their hands. It’s the ultimate measure of preparation, instinct, and raw playmaking ability. In the history of college football, a few select legends didn’t just have a great season-they had an all-time, record-breaking year. Their production set a high-water mark for every defensive back who follows. This article explores the pinnacle of single-season interception records across various NCAA divisions, highlighting the players who reached unprecedented heights in their pursuit of defensive excellence.
FBS Standouts: A History of Ball Hawks
Only two players in the history of the FBS have reached the 14-interception mark in a single season. The first player to achieve this feat did it in an era of run-heavy football, and the second did it recently in the age of the pass-happy offense, showing that elite playmaking transcends generations.
Al Worley (Washington, 1968)
Al Worley of Washington (1968) holds a share of the record. Achieving this mark in only 10 games is arguably the most dominant run of interception play in history.
Gerod Holliman (Louisville, 2014)
Gerod Holliman of Louisville (2014) is the most recent player to share the single-season record, achieving his incredible number in just 13 games. This production was so outstanding that he was awarded the 2014 Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s best defensive back. His season proves that in the modern, spread-offense era, a DB who studies film and possesses elite ball skills can still dominate.
David Amerson (NC State, 2011)
Just one pick shy of the record, the following defensive back delivered a monumental performance that still stands as a pinnacle of production. David Amerson of NC State (2011) took the college football world by storm in his sophomore campaign. His 13 interceptions in 2011 are the most by an NCAA player whose entire career took place after the 1990s. Amerson showed that aggressive play combined with a nose for the ball can create game-changing plays week after week.
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The 12-Interception Club
A group of five players are tied for the next spot on this legendary list, all recording a phenomenal 12 interceptions in their respective seasons. These players epitomize the peak of defensive production.
- Terrell Buckley (Florida State, 1991): is a true FSU legend. His 1991 season included both the 12 interceptions and an NCAA record-tying 238 interception return yards, leading to him winning the Jim Thorpe Award.
- Tony Thurman (Boston College, 1984): delivered his elite season as the defensive anchor on the legendary team that featured Heisman winner Doug Flutie.
- Terry Hoage (Georgia, 1982): was an absolute star at safety, cementing his reputation as one of the best to ever play the position.
What do all these players have in common? They were opportunistic and prepared. These defensive backs didn’t become kings of the air by accident. If you’re ready to become a playmaker just like Holliman, Amerson, and Buckley, you need to master the fundamentals. Stop watching the ball.
Additional FBS Records
- Most Interceptions in a Game (Team): 10* - Oklahoma St. vs. Detroit, Nov. 28, 1942; UCLA vs. California, Oct.
- Most Interceptions in a Game (Individual): 5*† - 4 times: Lee Cook, Oklahoma St. vs. Detroit, Nov. 28, 1942; Walt Pastuszak, Brown vs. Rhode Island, Oct. 8, 1949; Byron Beaver, Houston vs. Baylor, Sep. 22, 1962; Dan Rebsch, Miami (OH) vs. Western Mich., Nov.
- Most Consecutive Games with an Interception: 15 - Al Brosky, Illinois, Nov. 11, 1950 to Oct.
FCS Records: Defensive Dominance
Individual Achievements
- Most Interceptions in a Game: 5 - 3 times: Mark Cordes, Eastern Washington vs. Boise State, Sep. 6, 1986; Michael Richardson, Northwestern State vs. Southeastern Louisiana, Nov. 12, 1983; Karl Johnson, Jackson State vs. Grambling, Oct.
- Most Interceptions in a Season: While specific names were not provided in the user data for the FCS single-season interception record, these players have left their mark in other statistical categories:
- Highest Passing Efficiency Rating, Season (min.): 409.9 - Taryn Christion, South Dakota State vs Arkansas Pine-Bluff, 2018 (min.
- Highest Completion Percentage, Game: 94.6% - Taron Dickens, Western Carolina vs. Wofford, Oct. 4, 2025 (min. 30 completions);[31] 96.2% - Ricky Santos, New Hampshire vs. Northeastern, Oct. 22, 2005 (min.
- Most Pass Attempts, Game: 79 - Taylor Heinicke, Old Dominion vs. New Hampshire, Sep.
- Most Passes Completed, Game: 57 - Jeremy Moses, Stephen F. Austin vs. Sam Houston State, Nov.
Division II Records: Underrated Playmakers
Individual Achievements
- Most Interceptions in a Game: NCAA single game national record. 11 interceptions: St. Cloud State College vs Bemidji, Oct. 31, 1970.
- Most Interceptions in a Season: While specific names were not provided in the user data for the Division II single-season interception record, these players have left their mark in other statistical categories:
- Highest Passing Efficiency Rating, Season (min.): 190.8 - Dusty Bonner, Valdosta State, 2000-01 (min.
- Highest Completion Percentage, Game: 90.0% - Lance Parker, Ouachita Baptist vs. Southwest Baptist, Oct. 25, 2008 (min. 35 completions);[52] 96.0% - Zack Eskridge, Midwestern State vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville, Oct. 17, 2009 (min.
- Most Pass Attempts, Game: 94 - J. J. Harp, Eastern New Mexico vs. Southeastern Oklahoma, Sep.
- Most Passes Completed, Game: 64 - J. J. Harp, Eastern New Mexico vs. Southeastern Oklahoma, Sep.
Division III Records: The Heart of College Football
Individual Achievements
- Most Interceptions in a Game: 5 - 11 times. Most recent: James Patrick, Stillman vs. Edward Waters, Nov. Oct. NCAA National record: 5 interceptions by Bill Trewick, St. Cloud State vs. Bemidji, Oct. Gary Evans, Truman vs. Missouri S&T, Oct.
- Most Interceptions in a Season: While specific names were not provided in the user data for the Division III single-season interception record, these players have left their mark in other statistical categories:
- Highest Passing Efficiency Rating, Season (min.): 211.2 - Luke Lehnen, North Central, 2021-24 (min.
- Highest Completion Percentage, Game: 84.9% - Ian Kolste, Whitworth vs. George Fox, Oct. 1, 2016 (min. 35 completions);[13] 95.5% - Mark Petruziello, John Carroll vs. Thomas More, Sep. 6, 2008 (min.
- Most Pass Attempts, Game: 84 - Evan Jones, Carthage vs. North Central (IL), Oct. 17, 2009; Mackenzie McGrady, Alma vs. Wisconsin-River Falls, Sep. 26, 2009; McCallum Foote, Middlebury vs. Amherst, Oct.
- Most Passes Completed, Game: 58 - Bryan Peterson, Whitworth vs. La Verne, Sep.
Other Notable Records and Achievements
Beyond the single-season interception records, college football history is filled with remarkable achievements across various statistical categories. These records showcase the diversity of talent and the evolution of the game over the years.
Passing Records
- Most Passing Yards, Game:
- FBS: 734 - Connor Halliday, Washington State vs Cal, Oct. 4, 2014; Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech vs Oklahoma, Oct.
- FCS: 730 - Taylor Heinicke, Old Dominion vs. New Hampshire, Sep.
- Div II: 695 - J. J. Harp, Eastern New Mexico vs. Southeastern Oklahoma, Sep.
- Div III: 736 - Sam Durley, Eureka vs. Knox (IL), Sep.
- Most Touchdown Passes, Game:
- FBS: 11 - David Klingler, Houston vs. Eastern Washington, Nov.
- FCS: 10 - Ren Hefley, Presbyterian vs. St.
- Div II: 10 - Bruce Swanson, North Park vs. North Central (IL), Oct.
- Div III: 9 - Joe Zarlinga, Ohio Northern vs. Capital, Nov. Chaiten Tomlin Mount St Joseph vs.
- Most Pass Receptions, Game:
- FBS: 24 - Mike Prindle, Western Michigan vs. Marshall, Sep. 29, 1984;[101] Dominik Eberle, Utah State vs. New Mexico State, Sep.
- FCS: 24 - Goran Lingmerth, Northern Arizona vs. Idaho, Oct.
- Div II: 21 - Thomas Kopcho, Missouri Western State University vs. Northeastern State (OK), Oct.
- Div III: 20 - Jim Hever, Rhodes vs. Millsaps, Sep.
Rushing Records
- Most Rushing Yards, Game:
- FBS: 427 - Samaje Perine, Oklahoma vs. Kansas, Nov.
- FCS: 437 - Maurice Hicks, North Carolina A&T vs. Morgan State, Oct.
- Div II: 425 - Connor Silveria, South Dakota Mines vs. Adams State, Oct.
- Div III: 522 - Montie Quinn, Curry vs. Nichols, Oct.
- Most Rushing Touchdowns, Game:
- FBS: 8 - Howard Griffith, Illinois vs. Southern Illinois, September 22, 1990; Kalen Ballage, Arizona State vs. Texas Tech, September 10, 2016; Jaret Patterson, Buffalo vs.
- FCS: 42 - Omar Cuff, Delaware vs. William & Mary, Aug. 30, 2007; Jessie Burton, McNeese State vs. Southern Utah, Sep. 19, 1998; Archie Amerson, Northern Arizona vs. Weber State, Oct.
- Div II: 48 - Paul Zaeske, North Park vs. North Central (IL), Oct. 12, 1968; Junior Wolf, Oklahoma Panhandle vs. St. Mary (KS), Nov.
- Div III: 48 - Carey Bender, Coe vs. Beloit, Nov.
All-Purpose Yardage
- Most All-Purpose Yards, Game:
- FBS: 405 - Troy Edwards, Louisiana Tech vs. Nebraska, Aug.
- FCS: 376 - Kassim Osgood, Cal Poly vs. Northern Iowa, Nov.
- Div II: 425 - Trey McVay, Northeastern State vs. Harding, Oct.
- Div III: 418 - Lewis Howes, Principia vs. Martin Luther, Oct.
Special Teams Records
- Highest Punting Average, Game (Minimum 5-9 Punts):
- FBS: 60.8 - Braden Mann, Texas A&M vs. Alabama, Sep. 22, 2018[127] (5-9 punts); 53.6 - Jim Benien, Oklahoma State vs. Colorado, Nov. 13, 1971 (min.
- FCS: 61.5 - Eddie Johnson, Idaho State vs. Cal Poly, Nov. 16, 2002 (5-9 punts); 52.2 - Stuart Dodds, Montana State vs. Northern Arizona, Oct. 20, 1979 (min.
- Div II: 57.5 - Tim Baer, Colorado Mines vs. Fort Lewis, Oct. 25, 1986 (min.
- Div III: 58.4 - Danny Breslow, Kumeyaay vs. Tierrasanta, Nov. 1, 1999 (min.
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