Huffman, Simpson Sign with Indianapolis Capitols

Anderson University football alumni Connor Huffman '25 and Jake Simpson '26 have both signed with Indianapolis Capitols of the Continental Football League (CoFL).

"I am very excited for both Jake and Connor, and for their opportunities to continue to play the game that they love," Coach Jonathan Coddington said. "It is a dream of nearly every player to continue to play football for as long as possible, and these two are making that dream a reality. They join former teammates Julian Holguin (Arena League) and Tone Hurd (overseas in Poland and Mexico), as Ravens who had the opportunity to play professionally. During their time with our football program, both Jake and Connor were captains and all-conference players. They were great leaders and examples of what it means to be a Raven both on and off the field. I am so thankful for their dedication to our football team, and I am grateful to have gotten to walk alongside them in their football journeys, and in life."

Huffman earned first-team all-HCAC honors as a senior after previously collecting all-HCAC honorable mention recognition during both his sophomore and junior seasons.

As a sophomore, Huffman recorded 31 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack to earn all-HCAC honorable mention recognition. He followed with another honorable mention selection during his junior season after totaling 54 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Among HCAC leaders, Huffman ranked T-25 in tackles per game (5.4) and T-15 in sacks per game (0.25).

During his senior season, Huffman secured first-team all-HCAC honors after posting 54 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. He ranked first in the HCAC in tackles for loss per game (1.3), T-4 in sacks per game (0.5) and 19th in tackles per game (5.4).

For his career, Huffman totaled 157 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks across 39 games. He also contributed three pass breakups and one forced fumble.

"Coming into AU as an 18-year-old kid was eye opening for me," Huffman said. "I found and grew in my faith through the amazing people at campus as well as East Side Church. Through football, I was able to develop not only as a player, but as a man. I created memories and relationships alike that will last a lifetime. It's a blessing to continue playing the sport I've loved for so long with the Indianapolis Capitols, and I am beyond thankful for the development and experience I had at AU! GBGR."

Simpson earned second-team all-HCAC honors in three consecutive seasons and was named to the Indiana Football Digest Preseason All-Home Grown Team as a senior.

As a sophomore, Simpson earned second-team all-HCAC honors after recording 70 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack and two fumble recoveries. Among HCAC leaders, he ranked fourth in tackles per game (7.0) and T-2 in fumble recoveries per game (0.20).

During his junior season, Simpson collected second-team all-conference honors for the second straight year after totaling 85 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and two forced fumbles. Simpson ranked first in the HCAC in tackles per game (8.50) while also ranking fourth in forced fumbles per game (0.20).

As a senior, Simpson again earned second-team all-HCAC recognition after producing 88 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and one interception. He ranked second in the HCAC in tackles per game (8.80).

For his career, Simpson recorded 243 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one interception.

"I initially came to AU just to play football, but it turned into so much more," Simpson said. "While I was there, I found my faith, and it changed everything for me. It gave me purpose, discipline, and a real reason behind the work I put in every day. I'm grateful for that, and I'm excited to carry it with me as I take this next step in my football journey with the Indianapolis Capitols."

The CoFL begins its first season in the modern era after previously operating from 1965-1969. Eight teams compete in a six-week regular season. Each team will face their three divisional opponents once at home and once on the road. Following the regular season, the top two teams in each division will face off for their respective divisional titles. The two divisional winners will clash for the Continental Cup on July 17 at Grand Park in Westfield.

The Indianapolis Capitols reboot their franchise after participating in the CoFL's previous iteration and winning the title in the league's final season in 1969. Indianapolis competes in the Northern Division with the Cincinnati Dukes, the Ohio Valley Ironmen (Martins Ferry, Ohio) and 2026 affiliate member Norfolk Neptunes (Norfolk, Va.). The South Division consists of the Fort Worth Braves (Fort Worth, Texas), San Antonio Toros (San Antonio, Texas), Tall City Black Gold (Midland, Texas) and Texas Syndicate (Pflugerville, Texas). Grand Park will serve as the home field of the Indianapolis Capitols.

The Indianapolis Capitols kick off their season at the Ohio Valley Ironmen on Sunday, June 7 at 7 p.m. at The Dave Bruney Football Complex in Martins Ferry, Ohio.