By Ty Scheiner
In the world of college football, few players have left an imprint as significant as Grayson McCall did during his time at Coastal Carolina. Although he wasn’t able to finish his career at, NC State, this season, his G5 career at Coastal Carolina may have gone underappreciated, especially for casual fans who may not have followed McCall during his time at Coastal Carolina. Following his recent medical retirement, I thought it was worth it to reflect on the underrated impact he had on the program and the college football landscape, particularly during his record-setting career at Coastal Carolina.
A Record-Setting Career
Grayson McCall stepped onto the field at Coastal Carolina as a two-star recruit out of high school, and within his second year, he quickly transformed into one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the G5 ranks. His career statistics speak volumes about his abilities: during his five seasons at Coastal Carolina, McCall amassed over 10,000 passing yards, threw for 88 touchdowns, maintained a stunning completion percentage of over 70%, and only threw 14 interceptions. His dual-threat capability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, as he also rushed for more than 1,000 yards and contributed 18 rushing touchdowns as a Chanticleer.
But McCall’s impact extended beyond the numbers. He consistently demonstrated leadership, composure, and an innate understanding of the game that set him apart from his peers. His performances were instrumental in leading Coastal Carolina to unprecedented heights, including a historic 2020 season when the Chanticleers finished with a perfect 11-0 record, clinching the Sun Belt Conference title and earning a spot in the prestigious New Year’s Six bowl games.
Grayson McCall’s Accolades and Achievements
Grayson’s exceptional play did not go unnoticed. He is the only player in Sun Belt Conference history to earn Player of the Year honors three times. He was a Manning Award Finalist (2020) and a 2022 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award semifinalist (2021 & 2022). Under his leadership, Coastal Carolina became a force in the Sun Belt Conference, consistently competing at a high level and attracting national attention. McCall’s remarkable achievements helped shine a spotlight on G5 programs, demonstrating that they could compete with the best of the best and proved they deserved a seat at the table in the college football conversation.
Impact on Coastal Carolina and College Football
Beyond the records and accolades, McCall’s influence significantly contributed to the development of his head coach, Jamey Chadwell. Together, they forged a powerful partnership that propelled Coastal Carolina into the national spotlight. Chadwell’s innovative offensive schemes, paired with McCall’s exceptional skills, created a potent combination that became a blueprint for success in college football, particularly within the G5. Their collaboration not only elevated the Chanticleers but also showcased how smaller programs could thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.
After an impressive run at Coastal Carolina, McCall transferred to NC State, hoping to finish his collegiate career at a Power Four program. Although things didn’t go as planned at NC State, and his journey was cut short by injuries, his time at Coastal Carolina remains the pinnacle of his football career. Best of luck to McCall, and here’s hoping we see him on the sidelines as a coach in the near future.
