John Matocha has etched his name into the annals of college football history through an illustrious career marked by exceptional talent and academic excellence. From shattering NCAA Division II records to earning prestigious national awards, Matocha’s journey is a testament to his dedication and prowess on and off the field. This article delves into the remarkable achievements of John Matocha, highlighting his record-breaking seasons and the accolades that solidify his legacy as one of the greatest players in Division II football.
Dominant 2023 Season: Record-Breaking Finale
In his final season in 2023, John Matocha capped off his college career with a master’s degree in computer science and a performance that further cemented his legendary status. He was a finalist and runner-up for the coveted Harlon Hill Award, a consensus All-American, and earned an impressive ten career All-America honors, the most in his program’s history. Academically, he was a First-Team Academic All-American for the third time, a feat unmatched in his program.
Matocha’s on-field brilliance was undeniable. He was named the D2CCA Super Region 4 Offensive Player of the Year and RMAC Offensive Player of the Year. His record-setting career concluded with all-time college football records in passing touchdowns (162) and total touchdowns responsible for (191). He also set NCAA Division II records for career quarterback rating (172.4) and most career games with a touchdown pass (55). He ranks among the top in D-II history in total offensive yards and completion percentage, holding Mines and RMAC records in these categories.
During the 2023 season, Matocha started all 15 games, throwing for 4,298 yards and 43 touchdowns with a 70.7 percent completion rate. He also contributed on the ground with 449 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Leading NCAA Division II in quarterback rating (174.5), he consistently demonstrated why he was a multiple-time RMAC Offensive Player of the Week and NFFCC Colorado Player of the Week. His standout performances included five games exceeding 300 passing yards, with a season-high of 344 yards and five touchdowns against South Dakota Mines.
Harlon Hill Award Winner in 2022: National Recognition
The year 2022 was a pinnacle for John Matocha, as he was awarded the Harlon Hill Trophy, recognizing him as the national player of the year in NCAA Division II. This prestigious honor was accompanied by being named the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America Overall Team Member of the Year for NCAA Division II, acknowledging him as the nation’s top student-athlete. His accolades extended to the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, where he was named Male College Athlete of the Year.
On the field, Matocha was the D2CCA Ron Lenz National Offensive Player of the Year and the D2football.com Offensive Player of the Year. He earned First-Team All-America honors from multiple organizations, including the Associated Press, D2CCA, and Don Hansen. He led NCAA Division II in passing yards (4,778), passing touchdowns (52), pass efficiency (178.8), and points responsible for (342). His season total of 5,221 total yards was the third-most in D-II history, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities with 443 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.
Matocha’s postseason performance in 2022 was particularly remarkable, contributing to 23 total touchdowns (19 passing, 4 rushing), more than double any other player in D-II. He consistently delivered high-scoring games, including multiple games with five or more total touchdowns.
Consistent Excellence: 2021 Season
In 2021, John Matocha continued to showcase his exceptional talent, earning D2football.com Elite 100 selection and CoSIDA First-Team Academic All-America honors. Starting in all 14 games, he completed 260 of 382 passes for 3,105 yards and 38 touchdowns, with an impressive completion percentage of .681, ranking third nationally.
Beyond his passing prowess, Matocha was also a significant rushing threat, becoming the team’s second-leading rusher with 492 net yards and seven touchdowns. His dual-threat ability was evident in games like the NCAA semifinal against Valdosta State, where he combined for four touchdowns, rushing for a season-high 87 yards and two scores while also throwing for 260 yards and two touchdowns.
Emerging Talent: 2019 Freshman Year
John Matocha burst onto the college football scene in 2019, earning recognition as a Harlon Hill Trophy nominee and Blaster Awards Male Rookie of the Year. He was named Football Gazette’s Super Region Four Freshman of the Year and RMAC Offensive Freshman of the Year. Starting as quarterback from the second game of the season, he won his first 11 starts as a true freshman, throwing for 2,825 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just five interceptions.
His completion percentage of 73.68% was the second-best in Mines history and ranked second in NCAA Division II. Matocha also displayed his rushing capabilities, becoming the team’s third-leading rusher with 598 yards and 11 touchdowns. In his debut against Black Hills State, he demonstrated his immediate impact, completing 20-of-22 passes for three touchdowns and rushing for 50 yards and a score.
High School Foundation
Before his celebrated college career, John Matocha was a standout quarterback at Magnolia West High School in Texas. A two-time district MVP, he threw for 3,441 yards and 53 touchdowns and ran for 870 yards as a senior. His high school achievements laid the groundwork for his future success, earning him recognition as a 2018 Montgomery County MVP and a place on the Greater Houston First Team.
John Matocha‘s career is a remarkable story of athletic and academic achievement. His record-breaking performances, numerous accolades, and dedication to excellence have solidified his place as a legend in NCAA Division II football.
