Aden Hooper becomes the youngest contracted coach in CFB at 22.

Photo Credit - Bryce J

Aden Hooper began his football journey playing 8-man football at Lighthouse Christian before transferring to Middle Tennessee Christian in Murfreesboro, TN, seeking greater exposure.

He committed to Kentucky Wesleyan, where he spent three years and appeared in 18 games.

After entering the transfer portal, Hooper landed at Langston University, where he was offered by Quinton Morgan.

During his time at Langston, he broke the single-game passing record against Texas Wesleyan with 476 yards, marking the best statistical single-game passing performance by a Langston quarterback. He also recorded back-to-back games with five touchdowns and zero interceptions. Hooper has expressed his love for Langston University, stating that the environment is second to none.

He played through adversity and ultimately won the starting job.

With one year of eligibility remaining, Hooper was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, which caused significant damage to his back.

He announced that he would be stepping away from the game.

Coach Calvin Miller, a former NFL player and Oklahoma State graduate who signed as an undrafted free agent with the Falcons and later played for the Giants, is now a pastor in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Hooper shared that it has been a blessing and an honor to work alongside someone in the football world with that level of experience.

Joe Dickinson, who was on staff during Oklahoma University’s 1985 national championship run and served as offensive coordinator at Northern Illinois from 1991–1995, has also played a major role in Hooper’s journey. Hooper credits Dickinson for taking him under his wing and being a fountain of knowledge for the young coach.

During a routine conversation about football, Dickinson informed Hooper that he would become his new wide receivers coach.

At just 22 years old, Hooper is now one of the youngest contracted coaches.