Is Terence Newman, one of K-State’s greatest players, next in college hall of fame?

One of the greatest players in Kansas State football history is a finalist for the College Football Hall of Fame.

Terence Newman, the 2002 Big 12 defensive player of the year and Jim Thorpe Award winner, joins 78 players who will be considered for the hall’s class of 2024.

Newman, from Salina, Kan., was an All-Big 12 cornerback and return specialist for the Wildcats from 1998-2002. He went on to enjoy a 15-year NFL career, mostly with the Dallas Cowboys, and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection. Newman was enshrined in the Kansas State Hall of Fame in 2018.

Also on the list of finalists is Northwest Missouri State wide receiver Tony Miles, a two-time All-America who help the Bearcats to their first two NCAA Division II championships (in 1998 and 1999).

Eric Bieniemy, an All-America running back for Colorado’s 1990 national-title team, is also a finalist. He spent 10 years on the Chiefs’ coaching staff, the final five as offensive coordinator. He’s now the Washington Commanders’ offensive coordinator.

Alex Smith, the former Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers and Washington quarterback, is another 2024 finalist. He starred at Utah before becoming the No. 1 overall selection (by the Niners) in the 2005 NFL Draft.

The college football hall’s new class will be announced in early 2024 and inducted later that year.

Former K-State quarterback Michael Bishop was elected in the hall’s last cycle, as were (among others) former Chiefs Chiefs Eric Berry, who played at Tennessee, former Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson, who played at Texas, and former Missouri Tigers and Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.