49-Year-Old Freshman DL Becomes The Second Oldest College Football Player In NCAA History (VIDEO)

Ray Ruschel is a 1992 high school graduate, but his college career is just now beginning in 2022.

The 49-year-old is making major headlines after he decided to play for the North Dakota State Colleges of Science football team in Wahpeton, near the Minnesota border. He is 49 years old.

Ruschel has been an active duty member of the United States military for the past 17 years and is currently enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard. Ruschel is a freshman this year, majoring in business management.

Defensive Lineman Ray Ruschel has waited a long time for his college football experience. The 49-year-old Freshman is in his first season for the @NDSCSFB Wildcats. His story coming up tonight on VNL Sports. pic.twitter.com/0R7d3NRvn0

— Jack Wallace (@jackwallacetv) September 9, 2022

? Ray Ruschel. A 49-Year-Old Army Veteran, Business Student, AND NOW one of the oldest College Football players to play the game caught up with KFGO’s @gira_madison about his journey.
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FULL STORY MONDAY AT: https://t.co/8tZpScM4YH
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Credit: @WahpSports pic.twitter.com/siPpexhrev

— KFGO (@790KFGO) September 15, 2022

If you were wondering, the oldest player to ever suit up and play in a game was 55-year-old Joe Thomas Sr.

Ruschel is the oldest current football player in college.

Ruschel last played high school football in 1992 at Trinity High School in Washington, Pennsylvania.

He is a father of two adult children and works the midnight to 8 a.m. shift as a mechanic at Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative.