BALDWIN, WI – As the 2025 college football season approaches, Baldwin-Woodville (B-W) football continues to make its mark beyond the high school field. Several former Blackhawks will suit up for college football programs across the Midwest this fall, showcasing their talent while representing Blackhawk football at the next level. This article highlights B-W alumni competing in college football this fall, listed by their high school graduating class.
Class of 2023 – DL Eli Coenen, Illinois (Big Ten, NCAA Division I FBS), Sophomore: Standing at 6-foot-7 and 275 pounds, Coenen will join the Illinois Fighting Illini in 2025 after transferring from Bemidji State (NSIC, NCAA Division II) in late May. During his redshirt freshman season in 2024 at Bemidji State, he appeared in 13 games with one start totaling 20 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one pass breakup, four quarterback hurries, and a fumble recovery. His standout game came in the NCAA Division II Tournament Second Round against Western Colorado, where he posted a career-high four tackles, two point five tackles for loss, and two sacks to help secure a 20–19 win (Bemidji State’s first-ever second-round playoff victory). Last season, Illinois went 10-3 overall and 6-3 (5th) in the Big Ten. Illinois opens its season August 29, 2025, at home against Western Illinois.
Class of 2024 – TE Collin Fritts, UW-Whitewater (WIAC, NCAA Division III), Sophomore: Fritts saw action in games against UW-Platteville and UW-La Crosse last season. In 2024, UW-Whitewater finished 6-4 overall and 4-3 (5th) in the WIAC. The Warhawks kick off 2025 at home on September 6 versus Carleton College.
To read this and other premium articles in their entirety, pickup the August 14, 2025 issue of the Woodville Leader newspaper. Click to subscribe for convenient delivery by mail, or call (715) 778-4990. Single issues are also available at area newsstands and our office in Spring Valley, WI.
