For almost every Division III athlete, playing past their four years as an undergraduate is a long shot at best. Most content themselves to enjoy their time participating in the sport they love, with the assumption that they will move on and join the world outside of athletics when they graduate. But for two Wabash football alumni, their dreams of playing professional sports have just been reignited.
Former Wabash quarterback Liam Thompson ’24 and wide receiver Derek Allen ’24 have both announced their signings to teams in the Indoor Football League (IFL). Thompson will battle for a quarterback position with the Bay Area Panthers in California, while Allen will compete for a spot with the Arizona Rattlers in Phoenix, AZ. Both players have been initially signed to their teams, but final roster decisions will be made closer to the league’s opening day on March 30.
“I’m moving to Arizona to get a head start on training to prepare for camp on March 14,” said Allen. “From there, I’ll compete for my active roster spot and hope to make the team and play for the Rattlers in 2025.”
“Obviously I want to get on the field, but also understand that I have to learn the game and earn that opportunity to do so,” said Thompson. “I’m excited to learn from the coaching staff and other guys who have been in the league already.”
Both Thompson and Allen will have their work cut out for them getting up to speed in the IFL. While still resembling the 11-on-11 format of the NCAA and NFL, the IFL is an eight-on-eight league, with its own peculiar rules and regulations. Played on a 50-yard field – shaped more like a hockey rink than a football field – the IFL places greater emphasis on speed, both in terms of actual game pace and in decision-making.
With a smaller field and fewer players, in-game decisions have to be made even quicker than in 11-on-11, resulting in a veritable influx of touchdowns. While a 40-point game in the NFL would be considered high-scoring, it’s common to see IFL teams score upwards of 50 points per game.
It seems that landing in the IFL is a natural landing point for both alums, especially for Thompson. Well known for his electric scrambles and ability to create using his arm on offense at Wabash, Thompson’s signature style of play will align well with the speed and action of the IFL. With 31 rushing touchdowns and 102 passing touchdowns over four years with the Little Giants, Thompson’s ability to score plenty and often should serve him well in the Bay Area.
“I think development wise, [the IFL] is a really good opportunity, because the decisions have to be made so quickly and the ball has to get out fast,” said Thompson. “You don’t see some of the things that you’ll see in traditional college and NFL football. But there’s also things that I think do translate directly to playing traditional 11-on-11, like making quick decisions to get the ball out and understanding the offense to a point where you can adjust to the speed of the game.”
Allen was no stranger to a quick, explosive play in his time at Wabash either. From transforming simple tunnel screens into touchdowns to elevating over defenders for spectacular catches, Allen’s tenure as a Little Giant was marked repeatedly with highlight reel-worthy plays. His top-end speed and agility could be enough to propel him into a roster spot with the Rattlers later in 2025.
“Playing in the IFL will give me an opportunity to get some more exposure and film and get my name out there to bigger teams,” said Allen. “It will also just give me an opportunity to see what professional football looks like, and I’m excited for that.”
Most Division III athletes rarely get to see the field professionally after their NCAA eligibility expires; even more rare is to have two players from the same graduating class both make it pro. Playing at higher collegiate divisions often includes more resources and exposure to professional teams, but neither Thompson nor Allen regretted their choice to remain at Wabash.
“I think I just realized what football can be, and definitely grew to love it that much more by staying at Wabash,” said Thompson. “Just knowing that I have that degree from Wabash to fall back on, all the things I was able to learn, and just learning how to learn. Wabash puts you in a lot of situations to make you uncomfortable, but also to help you grow and learn. I had zero regrets about choosing to stay at Wabash. Definitely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
“Wabash helped prepare me for adversity and challenges by showing me that not everything is handed to you,” said Allen. “It’s a place that shows if you can get through four years at a challenging institution you can achieve any dream as long as you work for it. Without Wabash, I don’t know where I would be today and I’m very thankful to be a Wabash alum.”
If they both make their respective rosters this spring, Thompson and Allen could go from teammates to rivals when the Panthers play the Rattlers in Phoenix on May 10, 2025. Regardless of their new jersey colors, both of these Little Giants will always represent the scarlet and white of Wabash College.