Jeff Thorne was my mentor and friend. He was a leader on the field, a builder of character, and a source of inspiration for everyone who wore the Cardinal uniform and the coaches who worked by his side. His passion for the game and his commitment to developing All-American teammates, husbands, and fathers will endure as part of his remarkable legacy at North Central.
I am thankful for the precious time I and our entire team had with him this fall for his Hall of Fame induction, our “Refuse to Lose: Cardinals for a Cure” game dedicated in his honor, and his Friday night pregame message to our team.
He lived his life as a faithful servant and devoted man of Christ. I am comforted knowing that he is now resting in the presence of our Savior.
My deepest condolences to Jeff’s wife, Joanna, and their beautiful family, his siblings, and his parents, all of whom are forever part of the Cardinal football family. The Cardinals will carry Jeff’s relentless “Refuse to Lose” spirit into every snap, every game, and every season. #WeAreNC
Legendary @football_ncc coach Jeff Thorne passed away Tuesday night after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. Thorne served on the Cardinal coaching staff from 2002 to 2021.
While Thorne's accomplishments as a coach are rivaled only by his father, John Thorne, the head football coach for 13 seasons, and long-time friend and current head coach Brad Spencer, Thorne will be remembered most for the profound impact he had on countless student-athletes.
#WeAreNCnorthcentralcardinals.com/news/2025/12/1…
Unfortunate news to share this morning. The world has lost a great man. Jeff Thorne is now in Heaven. Thorne, who led his North Central College team to the 2019 National Championship, had been fighting stomach cancer. Today, Jeff rests in peace with his Lord and Savior. May God share His peace with the Thorne family.
Announcing our next inductee: Brad Spencer! 🏈
The North Central College head football coach will receive the Ray Meyer Coaching Excellence Award as part of the 2025 Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame class. A former standout player turned national champion coach, Spencer, as Head Football Coach, has led the Cardinals to three Division III titles and a staggering 44-1 record over the past three seasons.
He defines excellence, on the field and on the sideline, and we’re proud to honor him. See you in October!
@northcentralcol
#UFL Training Camp:
Arlington Renegades Rookie QB Luke Lehnen throws a TD pass to WR David Durden. Lehnen has been adjusting well to this Arlington’s offense.
@TheOfficialAFN/@seattletimes
Can you say AMAZING?
A big congrats to @lukelehnen on a second national title and finishing with a 57-2 record as the NCAA's all-divisions leader in career passing efficiency (211.9) and touchdowns responsible (213).
Four other finalist still active:
footballfoundation.org/news/2025/1/6/…
Here's where the National Champs outside FBS are from, and 3 of the CFP Semifinalists are in the neighborhood. This is the epicenter of the college football world.