EAGAN, Minn. — A Vikings fan favorite is receiving special recognition.

Jim Kleinsasser has been elected to the 2025 NFF College Football Hall of Fame, the NFL and College Hall of Fame announced Wednesday.

Kleinsasser, who played 13 seasons for Minnesota (1999-2011), starred at the University of North Dakota before starting his pro football journey. He was a two-time First-Team All American (1997 and 1998) and a three-time All-NCC First-Team selection. He helped UND to a record of 32-10 over four seasons.

Kleinsasser finished his collegiate career with 88 catches for 1,309 yards, averaging 14.8 yards per reception. He totaled 10 receiving touchdowns and also rushed eight times for 91 yards and a score.

"I think everyone became familiar with Jim during his long career with the Vikings, but his dominance and impact as a small-school player was equally impressive," said Todd Fultz, President of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation. "We are thrilled for Jim and everyone associated with North Dakota football."

The Vikings drafted Kleinsasser 44^th overall in 1999, making him the highest draft pick in school program history.

Kleinsasser was listed both as a fullback and tight end during his Vikings tenure, and he contributed significantly in the blocking and passing game. The North Dakota native finished his NFL career with 192 catches for 1,688 yards and six touchdowns. He also added a rushing TD in 2001.

During his time as a Viking, Kleinsasser helped Adrian Peterson rush for more than 1,200 yards in each of his first four seasons, including 1,760 in 2008.

Kleinsasser is one of 18 players and four coaches in the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class. This year's group includes 11 offensive players and represents six different decades.

Of the 5.78 million individuals who have played college football since Princeton first battled Rutgers on Nov. 6, 1869, only 1,111 players and 237 coaches (including the 2025 electees) have been immortalized in the Hall. In other words, only .02 percent of those who have played or coached the game at that level have earned this distinction.

The 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted during the 67^th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 9 at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino.

The full class is listed below.

PLAYERS

Montee Ball, RB (2009-12) - University of Wisconsin

Gregg Carr, LB (1981-84) – Auburn University

Blake Elliott, WR (2000-03) – Saint John's University (MN)

Greg Eslinger, C (2002-05) – University of Minnesota

Terry Hanratty, QB (1966-68) – University of Notre Dame

Graham Harrell, QB (2005-08) – Texas Tech University

John Henderson, DT (1999-2001) – University of Tennessee

Michael Huff, DB (2002-05) – University of Texas

Jim Kleinsasser, TE (1995-98) – University of North Dakota

Alex Mack, OL (2005-08) – University of California

Terrence Metcalf, OL (1997, 1999-2001) – University of Mississippi

Haloti Ngata, DT (2002, 2004-05) – University of Oregon

Steve Slaton, RB (2005-07) – West Virginia University

Darrin Smith, LB (1989-92) – University of Miami

Michael Strahan, DL (1989-92) – Texas Southern University

Dennis Thurman, DB (1974-77) – University of Southern California

Michael Vick, QB (1999-2000) – Virginia Tech

Ryan Yarborough, WR (1990-93) – University of Wyoming

COACHES

Larry Blakeney – 178-113-1 (61.1%): Troy University (1991-2014)

Larry Korver – 212-77-6 (72.9%): Northwestern College [Iowa] (1967-94)

Urban Meyer – 187-32-0 (85.4%): Bowling Green State University (2001-02): University of Utah (2003-04); University of Florida (2005-10); Ohio State University (2012-18)

Nick Saban – 292-71-1 (80.4%): University of Toledo (1990); Michigan State University (1995-99); LSU (2000-04); University of Alabama (2007-23)