Coach’s Faith Boosts Kaleb Blaha to D3 Football Stardom
Kaleb Blaha, a standout quarterback at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, has experienced a remarkable journey in college football. This journey, characterized by resilience and a strong coach-player relationship, has led him to achieve stardom in NCAA Division-III football.
Journey to Stardom
Blaha’s football career began at Fridley High School, where he threw for 1,503 yards and 21 touchdowns during his senior year in 2019. He added another 821 rushing yards, leading his team to a state tournament appearance with a record of 10-1. Despite his impressive stats, many college coaches saw him more as a receiver or defensive back than as a quarterback.
- High School Achievements: 1,503 passing yards, 21 touchdown passes, 821 rushing yards
- Fridley High School Record: 10-1, state tournament appearance
Coach Walker’s Vision
The notable exception was Matt Walker, head coach at Wisconsin-River Falls, who recognized Blaha’s potential. He personally visited Blaha’s home and saw him as a “generational talent.” Because Winona State offered a Division II scholarship, Blaha initially chose to play there as a receiver.
However, after a year at Winona State, Blaha transferred to Wisconsin-River Falls in 2021, determined to play under Coach Walker. This decision proved pivotal for both player and team.
Record-Breaking Performance
Since joining River Falls, Blaha has set several records. He has captured the Gagliardi Trophy, awarded to the best player in Division-III football. As the starting quarterback, his performance has led the Falcons to the Stagg Bowl for the first time in the program’s history.
- Year: 2025
- Record: First appearance in the Stagg Bowl
- Next Game: Match against North Central in the NCAA Division III title game
Statistical Highlights
This season, Blaha has amassed remarkable stats:
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 4,680 |
| Touchdown Passes | 40 |
| Rushing Yards | 1,090 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 16 |
The Coach-Player Relationship
The bond between Blaha and Coach Walker has been integral to his development. Blaha credits Walker with believing in him during moments of self-doubt, notably after a challenging 2022 season when he contemplated quitting. Walker convinced him to stay, highlighting the player’s potential and their mission to win a national championship.
“He saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” Blaha reflected. This relationship highlights the critical importance of mentorship in sports.
Looking Ahead
As Blaha prepares for his final collegiate game, he also looks toward the future. He has garnered attention for potential professional opportunities, showcasing an impressive blend of athleticism and intelligence on the field.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for this journey. It’s been one heck of a ride,” Blaha concluded, recognizing that his relationship with Coach Walker has been a fundamental aspect of his success.
