Brad Spencer has helped guide North Central College to the pinnacle of NCAA Division III
football, leading the Cardinals to national championships in 2022 and 2024 – and a runner-up
finish in 2023 – with a 44–1 overall record across his first three seasons as head coach. Under his leadership, North Central has established 20 NCAA Division III records, including scoring
offense, total offense, team rushing yards and passing efficiency. His teams have consistently led the nation in both offensive and defensive categories, while Cardinal players have won three
consecutive Gagliardi Trophies, the annual award given to the top player in NCAA Division III
football.

Spencer was North Central’s wide receivers/tight ends coach from 2004-2014 before moving
into the assistant head coach/offensive coordinator role from 2015-2021. He was named the
Cardinals’ head coach in 2022. Since his time on staff, the Cardinals have earned 123 All-
American awards, 152 All-Region accolades with 179 players being named First Team All-
CCIW. In 2019, as offensive coordinator, he helped North Central capture its first-ever national
title and was named FootballScoop Division III Coordinator of the Year.
A 2004 North Central graduate and Naperville native, Spencer graduated as the program’s career leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches.

We are proud to present Brad Spencer with the Ray Meyer Coaching Excellence Award in recognition of his extraordinary leadership, championship success, and lasting impact on North Central football.