John Champe enters the 2024 season as a cornerstone of the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Huskies offense, boasting the most career games played of any offensive player on the roster. This fifth-year senior has been a consistent presence on the Huskie team since his freshman year in 2020, participating in every game. His durability and reliability are further underscored by his impressive streak of 24 consecutive starts, and a total of 28 starts throughout his impactful college career.
2023 Season: A Pillar at Right Guard
In 2023, John Champe solidified his role as a key component of the Huskies’ offensive line, starting all 12 games at right guard. Playing alongside right tackle Nolan Potter, Champe was instrumental in creating a formidable rushing attack. The Huskies’ offense excelled in running the ball, ranking second in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) with an average of 179.6 rushing yards per game. Nationally, NIU demonstrated exceptional pass protection, ranking 19th in the country for fewest sacks allowed, with a mere 1.23 sacks per game.
During conference play, the Huskies’ dominance on the ground was even more pronounced. NIU led the MAC in both rushing yards per game (215.5) and yards per play (6.69). Champe’s blocking prowess significantly contributed to running back Antario Brown’s impressive season, as Brown rushed for 1,296 yards, ranking him 15th nationally. Key highlights of the season included a game-winning performance against Kent State (11-25), where the Huskies rushed for three touchdowns, and a season-high 380 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns against Akron (10-7). In the Camellia Bowl victory over Arkansas State (12-23), the Huskies offense amassed 421 total yards and ran 72 plays, further showcasing the effectiveness of Champe and the offensive line.
2022 Season: All-MAC Recognition
The 2022 season saw John Champe earn widespread recognition for his outstanding performance. He was named to PFF’s All-MAC second team and received an honorable mention All-MAC nod from College Football Network. Starting 11 of 12 games at left guard, Champe was a vital part of an offensive line that led the MAC and ranked 10th nationally in fewest sacks allowed, with just 1.0 sack per game (12 total). The Huskies’ running game continued to thrive, averaging 190.4 rushing yards per game, placing them 34th in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). A standout game against Ball State (10-1) saw NIU achieve season-highs of 332 rushing yards and 526 total offensive yards. The Huskies’ balanced attack was evident as three different running backs recorded 100-yard rushing games, and eight times throughout the year, a back gained 97 yards or more. In a victory over Eastern Michigan (10-15), NIU rushed for 287 yards on 49 carries, further demonstrating Champe’s impact.
2021 Season: Consistent Contributor
In 2021, Champe served as NIU’s “sixth man” on the offensive line, playing in every game and starting against Ball State (11-10). He rotated at left guard with starter J.J. Lippe, providing valuable depth and consistency. The Huskies’ rushing attack reached elite levels in 2021, fueled in part by Champe’s contributions. NIU ranked fourth in the FBS in rushing offense, averaging 241.4 yards per game. The offensive line’s pass protection was also exceptional, allowing just 10 sacks in 14 games, the second-best average in the nation. NIU’s offense exploded for a season-high 663 total yards against Kent State (11-3), and surpassed 500 yards in five games. In the Cure Bowl against Coastal Carolina (12-17), NIU rushed for a season-high 335 yards on 55 carries.
2020 Season: Freshman Impact
John Champe made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2020, appearing in all six games. He started the final three games of the season at left guard, showcasing his readiness to contribute early in his college career. Champe assisted a Huskie offense that averaged 365.7 total yards per game. In the season finale against Eastern Michigan (12-12), NIU achieved season-bests in rushing yards (199) and total offense (420), signaling a promising future for Champe and the Huskies’ offense.
High School Achievements and Personal Information
Prior to joining NIU, John Champe was a standout player at Brookfield, Wisconsin. He earned three varsity letters and captained his team in 2019. Champe was recognized as team MVP in both 2018 and 2019, and was a two-time all-Greater Metro Conference honoree. His senior year in 2019 saw him garner all-area and all-state accolades, and be named the GMC Offensive Lineman of the Year. The Associated Press recognized him as a second-team All-State selection. Champe was also a member of the 2019 WIAA Division II Football State Championship team. On defense in high school, he recorded 76 tackles in his senior season. Born on September 25th in Brookfield, Wisconsin, John Champe is the son of Elizabeth and Doug Champe and is majoring in Leadership and Management. His extensive experience and consistent performance make John Champe a vital asset to the NIU Huskies as they head into the 2024 season.
