Former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning once said, “A receiver is a quarterback’s best friend.”

This statement holds true for the Colonels’ Deuce Hogan (quarterback) and Jordan Smith (receiver).

Long Journeys

Hogan is from Grapevine, Texas, where he attended Grapevine Faith Christian High School and played football under his father’s coaching. In high school, Hogan set multiple school records, won a state championship and was All-State as a senior.

Hogan, a graduate student, attended several schools before landing at Nicholls this season.

He said he loved the journey and that he had seen himself grow up through his football career. 

“The journey’s been awesome, it’s been a journey of continual growth,” Hogan said. “In Iowa, it was a period of growing up. I met my wife in Kentucky, and in New Mexico State, I had injuries but got another year of eligibility.”

Smith is from Slidell, where he attended Slidell High School. At Slidell, Smith finished his senior year with over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was named to the All-State, All-District and District All-Star teams.

The senior Smith attended New Mexico State, where he and Hogan met, before transferring to Nicholls. Smith spoke about staying motivated through the seemingly endless journey, that is, college football.

“I think the motivation comes from within you, you either have it or you don’t,” Smith said. “It does help having people you already know here, but you definitely have to have it in you.”

New Mexico State Struggles

Hogan and Jordan met in 2024, when Hogan transferred to New Mexico State.

The two immediately formed a bond with Smith becoming one of Hogan’s top targets.

Smith said, “Spring is when I first met Deuce, and we instantly hit it off… I was his favorite target,” he said. “We practiced even more every day after practice.”

They were both projected starters for the season. However, injuries derailed both of their seasons.

Hogan played two games before being sidelined for the season, and Smith played four.

Hogan decided to transfer after the season with the idea of a fresh start, and he wanted his favorite target to come with him.

Smith was skeptical at first, but after some convincing by Hogan, they transferred together.

Smith said, “Deuce told me about it shortly after he got in the transfer portal, that he was going to Nicholls,” he said. “He kind of persuaded me to follow him and come do our thing here.”

Hogan advocated to Nicholls’ coaching staff on behalf of his friend, doing his best to get Smith by his side again.

“When I decided to come here, I got all Jordan’s tape and sent it in to the staff who liked him a lot,” Hogan said. “So Jordan and I came on a visit together, and it was awesome.”

Why Nicholls?

Hogan and Smith transferred from the FBS, the highest level in NCAA Division I football, to the FCS.

They looked to elevate the program and establish themselves individually. The athletes said that Nicholls addressed many of their personal and professional needs.

“I was just looking for a place that needed a starter and somewhere we could win now,” Hogan said.

“It being close to home is top on the list,” Smith added.

Hogan and Smith went to a smaller school to build the program into something special together.

“It was like those dream scenarios,” Smith said. “You and your buddy go to a little bit of a smaller program, but you can put that program on the map.”

A Message to Colonel Fans

This season has not gone according to plan for Hogan, Smith and the rest of the Colonels.

The Colonels have a 1-5 record overall.

However, the Colonels hold a 1-1 record in conference play, giving them a chance to make the playoffs if they win out. The message the Colonels are sending out is not to give up on the team. The season is far from over. 

“I love the Colonel fans… and we work really hard for them,” Hogan said. “We’re going to keep getting better, that is one thing we can guarantee.”

“We’re going to pick it up, we’re coming,” Smith added.