By: Matt Haase (@Meezy)
The College Football Simulation League, where strategy meets spectacle and legacies are written in digital stone. The Hall of Fame is more than a destination; It’s a reckoning. A place where time stands still, and the greatest to ever do it are etched into eternity.
The Season 23 HOF class didn’t just meet that standard, they defined it. This class is small, but it brings us three names that were more than earning. Let’s explore their journey as we discover it through their words, memories, and truths. This is more than a tribute; it’s an immortal chapter of Legacy.
A Journey Built on Passion: Ryan Moreland’s Grind to the HOF
From national titles to league broadcasts, Ryan Moreland’s CFSL journey has been defined by versatility, passion, and relentless dedication. Now, as a Season 23 Hall of Fame inductee, he reflects on a career that touched nearly every corner of the league.
Moreland started as a coach at Oklahoma State, where he credits Adam and the staff for shaping his foundation. “I wouldn’t be the coach I am today without those guys,” he said. He also gives praise to Frosty for tolerating constant historical questions, and to Mike for repeatedly giving him chances to take on new roles. This mentorship helped fuel a career that included two National Championships, the mind behind one of the league’s top quarterbacks, and later becoming one of the most respected voices in the broadcast booth.
That Voice picked him up four Broadcaster of the Year awards and established him at the head of the table in the Content room. He jokes with his wife that he “holds 100 job titles.” But there’s no bitterness behind the grind, only love. “I do it all because I love this league and I enjoy every part of it.”
As to what’s next, Moreland’s fire is far from burned out. His goals are clear: bring a championship to Texas, elevate the Content Team to new heights, keep broadcasting alongside some of the best voices in the league, and, in true Moreland fashion, “maybe get in the Hall again. A few more times.”
From a man who holds many hats in the CFSL, his humility stands above them all. Though his resume speaks for itself, he consistently shines a light on others and is a true reflection of what the league was built on.
The Voice of a Generation: Cole Mantell’s Journey to the CFSL Hall of Fame
When you talk about voices that have shaped the CFSL, you have to talk about Cole Mantell. A two-time Athletic Director, award-winning content creator, and the mind behind one of the league’s most respected podcasts, Mantell’s presence has transcended wins and losses. He’s been a storyteller, a strategist, and a steady voice in the ever-evolving landscape of the CFSL.
“I might’ve earned the HOF nod based on my work in the league,” he said, “but it means a lot more because of the people. To make those connections and to be judged by my peers as someone who’s a great influence on this league, that means so much more personally to me.”
The pivotal moment of Coles’ HOF career came when he was still a broadcaster, not yet a household name. “When I started broadcasting, I knew I could do it,” he said. “But I had no idea how much support I would receive. The first time I won Broadcaster of the Year was a total surprise. It was a real upset in my eyes. There were some great broadcasters nominated, and I won. That showed me people appreciated my work.”
Coles’ podcast (Cole Montell Show) has become a staple of the league. But now, with the spotlight on him, the longtime interviewer found himself on the other side of the conversation. “Not gonna lie, kinda funny,” he said with a grin. “I always approach stories with a journalistic angle. Now, being interviewed, it’s hard for me not to try to read into each question. But I do appreciate the love, especially this season. I’ve been here since Season 7, and Season 23 was easily my favorite as a player.”
It’s easy to see why it’s his favorite. In a season where Cole won a National Championship not only as a player but as a coach, rejoined the AD room, and also made it into the HOF. A trifecta he will probably never forget. So what’s next?
“I’ve proven I can win it all as a coach and QB,” he said. “Now it’s time for me to win a Championship as an AD. Go Ducks!” But don’t worry, the voice of a generation isn’t going anywhere. “As I said on the Hangout Podcast, the CMS isn’t going away,” Cole confirmed. Two popular guests will help keep the show moving forward with Cole’s vision still intact.
In a league built on connection, creativity, and competition, Cole Mantell is a rare example of someone who excels at all three. His Hall of Fame plaque may celebrate a career, but the league knows his best chapters may still be ahead.
From Day One to the Hall — The Steady Hand Behind the Scenes of HunkyDory
A presence since Season 1, Hunky’s impact spans generations of players, coaches, and administrators. His induction into the Hall of Fame in Season 24 isn’t just a recognition of longevity; it’s a tribute to leadership, selflessness, and unwavering belief in the people that make the league special.
Hunky’s presence has been felt now. With his induction into the CFSL Hall of Fame, the league honors a man who helped hold it together when no one was watching. “It was never my goal to make the Hall,” Hunky says. “But it means everything to me. Everyone in there are people I consider good friends. They’re the ones who made this league what it is. To be mentioned among them? It’s unreal.”
But real is exactly what Hunky has always been. Whether leading from the front as an AD, behind the curtain as Commissioner, or offering advice as a community leader, Hunky Dory has poured his heart into this league day after day, year after year.
When the time came for him to step up into the Commissioner role, it wasn’t for the spotlight. It was because the league needed him. “Mike moved into more of a background role running all the technical stuff,” Hunky recalls. “I took over the day-to-day. And man… I had no idea how much work went into keeping this league alive. Not just every week but every single day. That experience gave me a whole new respect for what Mike and Allie do. They’re superheroes.”
That’s the thing about Hunky, he deflects praise better than anyone. But those who know him? They don’t forget. They remember the Commissioner who brought balance. The AD who built communities. The mentor who never hesitated to listen.
Now, in a new chapter as Recruiting Coordinator at Iowa, Hunky is still impacting the league, mentoring, evaluating, connecting, and reminding people what this league is really about: belonging. ”I’m loving what I’m doing at Iowa,” he says. “But I won’t say coaching is off the table forever. If the right team comes along, and the timing’s right… I’d love to build another locker room, another culture. That’s what drives me.”
Sure, he jokes about his coaching career—“Jeff Fisher of the CFSL,” he laughs. “Perennial .500.” But that record is irrelevant when you measure impact the right way.
“If I’m remembered for anything, I hope it’s my attitude. My positivity. I’ve always just tried to be a kind ear, someone who’s there when you need them. I treat everyone like I’ve known them for years, because that’s what this league deserves.”
That’s what the CFSL Hall of Fame is truly about not just elite performances on the field, but irreplaceable people off of it. And there’s nobody more irreplaceable than Hunky Dory.
The Legacy Lives On
Three names. Three stories. One Hall of Fame class.
But their journeys, so different in path, share a single thread: a love for this league and a passion to leave it better than they found it.
Ryan Moreland showed us how to coach with heart and build with belief.
Cole Mantell proved that your voice can be your greatest impact.
Hunky Dory reminded us that optimism, kindness, and consistency can carry a league through any storm.
They didn’t just play the game; they shaped the CFSL. They’ve written their legacies not just in wins or records, but in relationships, culture, and leadership. Now, they take their place in the rafters, where their stories will inspire the next wave of coaches, players, and dreamers.
The CFSL isn’t just a league. It’s a family.
With a lot of work from the Class of Season 23, that family stands stronger than ever.
Welcome to the Hall. You’ve earned it.
